Popular Geelong ride makes loud and charitable return

AFTER a four-year hiatus, hundreds of motorcyclists travelled across Greater Geelong to deliver Christmas joy to Cottage by the Sea.

Lead organiser Ashley Cole, in partnership with Andrew Gatz, drove the event’s return after it was deemed unprofitable following the 2019 Toy Run, but he said Sunday’s Toy Run was as strong as ever.

“It was absolutely fabulous to have the Toy Run back in Geelong, everyone was full of praise, and people were extremely receptive to the event starting and finishing at the Geelong Showgrounds.

“We had between 900 and 1,000 vehicles there on the day, it was one of the biggest days this event has had to date, and this iconic event had been running for over 20 years.

“The community spirit was certainly on display and it wouldn’t have been possible without supporters we had for the event.”

More than $5,000 was raised on the day through bike registrations, raffles, and donations, while Mr Cole estimated the number of toys donated to local children’s charity Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff entered the thousands filling up the Harley Davidson fan.

Riders left Geelong Showgrounds at 10.30am to begin the ride before heading up the Portarlington Highway passing through towns such as Portarlington, St Leonards, and Indented Head.

The riders then made the return trip down the Bellarine Highway and back into the Geelong Showgrounds where musical acts and various stallholders entertained attendees.

Riders interested in next year’s Toy Run can keep updated at the Toy Run Geelong Facebook page.