Riders line up

Photo: Barry Drew

Santa and helper

Photo: Barry Drew

Gwen in Christmas hat

Photo: Barry Drew

On the morning of Sunday 7th December, Tim and I were late getting ready for the Toy run. I'd not done this one before and Tim hadn't been on any sort of run. It should have been Francesca's turn, Tim had been out with me on the Saturday to ogle at the bikes at Boyer's, but she was studying for her mock exams. Finally at 10:25 we left Bexleyheath for the 10:30 meet at the Pied Bull. I was pleased to see everyone still there at 10:40 albeit ready to go, so no time to say hello. Unfortunately, unlike many others, I'd not thought to decorate the bike. The ride to the first of the three homes took us back down the A2 via the M25. Tim was impressed with the variety of 30 or so bikes on show. Santa's little helpers did an excellent job of keeping us together at roundabouts and junctions and we travelled in sunshine so the ride was very enjoyable.
The first home made us welcome with mince pies and cups of hot tea and coffee, which was most welcome as fingers were beginning to numb up after the 20 minute ride. Most of the children there were there just for the day to allow parents the opportunity for a breather, although I suspected many were taking theirs in a check-out queue. Santa distributed his first sack of carefully agreed goodies whilst Tim and I watched. I remember one young soul was particularly pleased with his music CD whilst another was in another place playing with his wrapping paper. After a few photos and a stop at the home's unlockable loos we made our way to the second home.
The second home was a quieter affair with just a few children. Santa performed his magic once more and disappeared to give a present to one still in bed and then we were gone. The staff at the final home, in Kidbrooke, had gone to great lengths to provide a table full of goodies to eat (Tim was most impressed) and made us cups of tea whilst Santa brought smiles to the faces of the small people in their care. Whilst polishing off the chocolate swiss roll, Tim was hatching an idea.
When we had first arrived some of the bikes had been taken into the rear courtyard to allow the respite children to have a sit. Engines were started and young hands took the opportunity to rev things up a bit. Quite a bit actually! Tim, several others and myself were standing behind when a couple of the bikes backfired prompting the "grinning" owners to ease the children off the throttle. Now Tim wanted a ride on someone else's bike; someone with something sporty. So, many thanks to Barry who kindly took Tim on the back of his Sprint as we travelled back to the pub at the bottom of Shooter's Hill. One of the reasons I choose the Bonneville America was that a sissy bar looked like it belonged - it would just be silly on a Speed Triple! Riding behind Barry gave me the reassurance that Tim is quite at home on a bike without one.
Once at home Tim reflected that, although he has his problems at school, he is quite lucky really. Many thanks to Lee, Tracey and all at Bexley TOMCC who organise and run these events.