A leisurely 10:30-for-11:00 start saw around 20 bikes leaving the Pied Bull car park following Santa (Tom Friar) in Tanks increasingly iconic Super III outfit. Up the hill to the M25 roundabout and the first challenge was all getting through the lights. A couple of brave souls stationed themselves in front of a great big truck, staying put as the lights changed green in its favour. However the remaining bikes dutifully stopped for their red light and our heroes had to move aside. For next year, a plan perhaps?
Anyway the stragglers caught up soon enough because our typical speed on the M25 was well below the rest of the traffic, causing a few hairy moments joining the flow and evoking similar memories of last year. For next year, how about a route that avoids the M25? Just an idea...
Before long we were turning off onto the A2 and wending our chilly way through Blackfen and on to the Green at Falconwood. As usual everyone was expecting us and gave us a warm welcome, not to mention warm drinks and cake which were appreciated just as much.
Santa did his stuff, ably assisted by Dutchy in his elf costume that is wearing well considering that it is a regular yearly feature. We stuffed our faces and before too long it was time to move on. There were only two ports of call this year so the next objective was the residential home at Kidbrooke. A quick pootle via Rochester Way and the south circular and there we were, parking up in the boys club opposite. Here also they had laid on hot drinks and food and it was a bit crowded in the main lounge with an array of helmets tucked out of the way near the entrance door. After the presents were distributed, some of the kids got a quick ride in the sidecar, with one or two braver ones (and brave drivers) riding pillion for a spin up the road and back in a borrowed helmet.
Our visit concluded, there was a considerable contingent bent on decamping to the Pied Bull for a debrief as it were. At this point it should be mentioned that some people had gone to a lot of trouble getting dressed up for the occasion - not just Santa and his right hand elf. So Ian and Julie were also bedecked in elf costumes and Colin Dobson was resplendent in a Santa suit. Ians suit looked to the unaided eye as if he had been sewn In to it, due to it being such a good fit and no visible zips.
Once again Im afraid my bike was bare of decoration, my normal excuse being that I was busy the day before and out on the razzle until late. But I was there on the day. Anyway the costumed folk had a slight dilemma - they could take the garb off but had nowhere to stash it for the eventual ride home. So the clobber stayed on and the Pied Bull was enlivened by the sight of Ian, Julie and Colin in full festive regalia. And then slightly later Santa himself turned up to complete the scenario.
It should not be forgotten that behind the larking around was a lot of hard work by Jan and Kev in getting the funds and presents organised, plus of course Tom Friar freezing his particulars for the day in the sidecar. So those of us who just had to turn up and chill our fingers and toes owe them many thanks for another successful Toy Run.