Toys on bikes

A convoy of about 400 motorcyclists will travel to Busselton with toys in tow for the annual South West Charity Motorcycle Run next week.

The 10th annual ride from Augusta to Busselton on December 12 will collect toys, food and money for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, which donates festive welfare packages to struggling families.

Former Busselton police officer Brian Macaulay started the event with a handful of riders in 2001 and the ride has since grown to attract hundreds of riders who travel more than 100km to raise money for the appeal.

Mr Macaulay said the ride was getting bigger every year and he expected about 400 riders to attend next week.

Bunbury police officer and co-organiser Darren Cramer said a group of riders from the law enforcement motorcycle club Blue Knights had signed up for this year’s ride.

He said riders were encouraged to bring along toys and non-perishable food items to be collected in a trailer travelling with the convoy.

“It’s for a good cause at this time of year,” he said.

The event will start with a quiz night at the Augusta Hotel on December 11 from 7pm.

A breakfast will be provided by Leeuwin Lions Club on the run day from 8am.

The run will set off from the Augusta Hotel at 8.30am and finish at about noon at Busselton Bunnings Warehouse car park where an auction of donated prizes and a sausage sizzle will be held.