Riding a bike is about freedom, according to Northern Rivers Ulysses Club member Pat Birmingham, who also said he was born with a love of bikes.

“And it’s never going to rain, so we don’t need to be in a car with a roof,” he laughed.

For the last 38 years the Northern Rivers Ulysses Club has hosted an annual charity Toy Run bringing joy to many children across the region.

He and other members of the motorbike club will again don their Christmas colours and decorate their bikes on December 1 to raise funds for local charity Our Kids.

Any other motorbike enthusiasts are also invited to join the Toy Run.

The Northern Rivers Ulysses Club is a social bike club for riders over 40. 

Club member Ron Gaudrin said taking part in the toy run was a goodwill gesture to help sick kids.

“We want to help get some toys for kids who don’t get to enjoy Christmas and bring them some cheer,” he said.

“And it’s not bad showing our bikes off too.

Last year 300 motorbike enthusiasts from Coffs Harbour to Brisbane took part in the toy run - and there will be even more this year. 

Next year, the national Ulysses Club rally will also be on and Ron said there will be about 1000 bikers here who will take part in the toy run.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said the event has become a highlight in the Our Kids Calendar.

“Last year I had the joy and the privilege of leading the ride on the back of the bike with Santa, what fun it was,” she said.

The Toy Run on December 1 will begin with breakfast by the Ballina Lions Club at 8am at Ballina Seagulls Leagues Club. All bikes are to be registered ready for departure at 10am.

A police escort will bring the convoy of motorcycles from Ballina via the Brunxer Highway, arriving at Harold Fredrick’s Car Park in Lismore at 10.30am to hand over the toys to Our Kids.

Anyone wishing to donate new toys to the Toy Run can either drop them off at Ballina Seagulls Leagues Club, or at Lismore’s Harold Fredrick’s Car Park.

Ron said toys that were not fluffy toys were preferred, due to the mixed ages of children that will receive them. 

Rebekka said the Toy Run started in 1981 with a drive to get toys for the Northern Rivers Children’s home.

“We will give the gifted toys to the children’s ward at the hospital, other organisation who look after special needs children and Wilson Park School, BialaSpecial School, Aspect St Josephs School and Jumbunna Community Pre School and Early Intervention Centre," she said.

Local charity Our Kids raises funds to purchase paediatric equipment at Lismore Base Hospital to help keep children local when needing medical care, as well as purchasing equipment for families or community who care for children with special needs.

For more information contact Ron Gaudron on 0418198363 or Rebekka 0438417085