09/12/2001

Toy Run - MRA Melbourne.

My first experience with a 'Toy Run' and it was a good one. The Ulysses Run was a rather short affair that went about 5 blocks starting at the Ice Creamery. Although a little short in terms of riding time I'm sure Anglicare was most happy to receive our donations of toys and money. The Traralgon City Band were there to welcome us at the end of our arduous ride performing Christmas Carols. Not too sure about the two Clowns (real ones) blowing bubbles through the speeches though. One of the clowns had a thrill though - exercising her voice as she was being whisked around the gardens as a pillion passenger. lol

The MRA Run was quite an experience. The most memorable part of the trip was getting out of bed at 7:00 am after four hours sleep. Some people just wouldn't believe that, but it's true, I have witnesses! Rode to Cranbourne with Graeme Matheson and one two of his friends arriving about 30 minutes before the Ulyssesgroup left. I quickly rode to Safeway and bought two packs of tinsel and dressed the back and front of my bike. I didn't have a toy - maybe next year! The ride from Cranbourne to the City was interesting being directed by Ulysses official Marshals and the local Constabulary. The weather was theatening at times with a few drops of rain falling as we drove up the Mulgrave Freeway. Thankfully that as wet as it got. Our 'parking spot' was the block between Swanston and Russell streets on Bourke St. Bikes, bikes and more bikes. Sort of reminded me of Phillip Island. We managed to get a cup of coffee down before doing the 'Official Ride'. I guess the main gripe was that the powers that be decided that we wouldn't have a continuous run, but had to battle the traffic lights. I'm sure the policeman directing traffic in front of Flinders St Station got a little concerned when we all started revving our engines and using our horns to express our frustration at being held up.

I was really quite amazed at how brave some of the people taking pictures behaved. As we were heading back to our bikes drinking our coffees, I notice a man seemingly collapsed on Swanston St and bikes going very close to hitting him. I thought for a second that he mave have collapsed, but oh no, he was taking 'action' pictures. As for the Aboriginal man standing in the middle of Swanston St amongst the passing bikes saluting us - I just have no idea!

We ended up close to the Victoria Market where the Salvation Army had set up a semi trailer to cope with the toys. Initially the toys were being handed up to the people on the back of the semi until some bright spark threw their toy up and everyone else joined in. It was great fun until one of the men collecting the toys was king hit by a Tonka Truck - not exactly a cuddly toy!

We ended up having lunch at the Victoria Market as there was nothing official set up. Walked up and down a few lanes at the market before heading for St Kilda. I'd heard a lot about the craft markets, so I had a leisurely browse checking out their wares. I need a new puzzle ring (as the one I wear has shrunk) and found a guy who makes them in gold and silver. I think he may have a customer very soon.

My big mistake for the day was not taking the inner lining to my DriRider jacket. It's December and bloody cold! Summer was never like this when I was young.