Motorbikes power on despite low numbers

Bad weather forecast and other motorcycle events put a damper on the Whanganui Ulysses Motorcycle Club's annual Christmas toy.

But organiser Piet Meijer said the event had still been a success, with around 25 motorbikes leaving Whanganui for a round-trip to South Taranaki.

Club members gathered at the Whanganui River Traders Market on Saturday morning to collect donations of money and toys for the Salvation Army. It also gave the public the opportunity to look at the motorbikes.

From there, the riders rode to Kaponga in South Taranaki and had lunch before returning to Whanganui.

"It was a little bit disappointing with the numbers," Mr Meijer said.

"The weather forecast was very bad, and there were other motorcycle events happening, and of course [Christmas at the Races], which we think might have kept some people away."

He said the club hadn't yet finalised the total amount of money raised.

Mr Meijer said there were around 30 Ulysses clubs in New Zealand, and most of them took part in the Christmas drive.

"It's annual event that's been going for many years. All the club members enjoy the chance to have a ride and give something back to the community."

The Whanganui Ulysses Club holds another fundraising drive at Anzac Day, which benefits St John.