Sunday morning started out as many do for me - 04:45 awake and walk the dogs in the park.
At 0730 I woke my 18 year old step son. His first pillion ride on a motorcycle and it was to be a grand entry - near 1000 bikes in a slow parade around Ipswich in aid of the Salvation Army through the good work of the Lockyer Ulysses Club (Ipswich).
Xia (George his chosen Australian name) has been here 2 years now immigrating from China with his Mother and Sister after I had the honour of marrying his Mother.
We had an in shed briefing about his clothing required and helmet use. I then showed him the correct placement of feet on pegs and hand grip spots in the form of grab rails, explaining to him about sitting still as part of the bike and letting me do all leaning, steering and that I would be putting feet down as required .. not him .. lol !
After him getting his correct gear on for the motorcycle for the day we went for a slow lap around the block and through a few corners and twists - he was a natural!
We met with others from my main Bike Club at the 7-11 at Dinmore and rode as a small group to the start point at Brassall Shopping Centre about 10-15 mins from my home.
On arrival we were ushered into some pretty tight parking arrangements by the Lockyer volunteers. Walking around the starting point and catching up with old friends, 2 brothers-in-law and taking some photos was order of the day.
The event registration point was a constant flow of people, the amount of bikes was staggering. Some of the machinery was spectacular (oh to win lotto).
A brief thankyou and presentation was done by Adrian Pamenter UC Group President for Lockyer; Paul Pisalle, our Mayor; Wayne Wendt, a local member; Cheryl Bromage, local member and it was “gentlemen and ladies start your engines” and follow the Police Bike.
The local Police Traffic Branch did an excellent job in traffic light control and guiding people in a controlled manner through the many stop signs and intersections on route with the help of our local and wonderful SES Volunteers.
Well done all - an event to be proud of! No wonder the Ipswich Toy Run is regarded as the best around with the backing of Council, Police and SES and our Local Members of government. My estimate would be somewhere in the range of 1000 bikes in attendance.
Most riders were on excellent behaviour and mindful of the event’s media coverage and the image of motorcycling being challenged by minority groups recently. Children and parents lined the streets all around the route, many with wrapped gifts to donate also. Photographers were alight and the City of Ipswich has really become proud of this annual event.
I was entasked at the end of the ride, which terminated at the Bundamba Ipswich Turf Club facility, to present the Salvation Army with a cheque for $1000 from the proceeds of the November Imbil Motorcycle Rally, also the largest in Quensland. As I am a long standing member of the Leisure Riders Motorcycle Touring Club and ex President I was asked by the current President (away on leave) to do this honour.
All in all it was a great day out despite the heat and a worthy time spent for the benefit of others.
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Hey Paul. Tx for taking the time to post the report and photos. Good on you.
Comment by Stevec — Dec 20 @ 5:34 pm