Motorcyclists gear up for 42nd Toy Run to raise money for charity
Leather and tinsel-clad motorcyclists thundered down the streets of Hobart in their thousands for the 42nd Toy Run for charity. SEE THE BEST PHOTOS >>
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
LEATHER and tinsel-clad motorcyclists have thundered down the streets of Hobart for the 42nd toy run for charity.
It was a return to form for the popular event, which was restricted to just 1000 people last year due to the coronavirus restrictions.
One of the participants was 70-year-old Rinus Pluymers, who rolled into town with his orange Harley Davidson, red Santa suit, and bushy white beard.
Mr Pluymers has participated in almost every toy run since he got into motorcycling 20 years ago.
He gave up his previous hobby of scuba diving after a terrifyingly close encounter with a shark, deciding he’d prefer the more land-based hobby of motorcycle rides.
Since then he circumnavigated Australia once, Tasmania several times, and clocked up 178,000km on the open road.
Mr Pluymers said he looked forward to the toy run every year as a way to raise money for the Salvation Army alongside his fellow revheads.
“I’ve been riding bikes for 20 years, and I’ve only missed out on one toy run when my bike broke down,” Mr Pluymers said.
“It’s about raising funds and (collecting) toys for the wider community.”
Another participant was Sharon Dobby, who has been riding shotgun as a pillion for the past 30 years and has been involved in the past 10 toy runs.
Mrs Dobby is a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association and said this was her way of help spreading the Christmas cheer.
“It’s about helping all the kids and about helping families in need,” she said.
It was the first Hobart toy run for Queenslander Paul Minchenko, who has been riding motorbikes since he was 14 years old.
Mr Minchenko has participated in toy runs on the mainland, but was looking forward to getting among the Tasmania biking community.
“It’s all about the kids, trying to help someone doing a bit tougher this year than yourself,” Mr Minchenko said.
“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as you drive past, beeping the horn and waving, it’s just awesome.”
The event is run by the Southern Motorcycle Riders Association, with proceeds going towards local branches of the Salvation Army.
More Coverage
Join the conversation
Labor cries hypocrisy over White criticism as Barnett jets to UK
The government has been accused of double standards on the issue of personal trips overseas, after Deputy Premier Guy Barnett attended a high-powered conservative conference in London.
Read more
‘Stripped of choice’: Lauren saddened by hospital closure
One of the many Tasmanian mums lamenting the impending loss of Hobart Private Hospital’s maternity services speaks out, saying she’s sad to lose the service she had recommended to others.
Read more