The MMMotors media team were there as well.
As Janie said, things rarely go to plan & Taz & I were unable to find lifts for the run. This is the first time I haven't had a trike or bike to ride when the toy run comes round. We still wanted to support the event though, so hopped in the car & drove to the start point at the Foster Wheelers company carpark, just off junction 11 of the M4. Heavy rain over the past few days & dire warnings of more to come seem to have depleted the numbers a little this year compared to the last few runs, but in the end the rain gods smiled on us & there was nothing more than light drizzle.
Despite there being a sea of crimson-clad Santas, as well as dozens of elves, fairies & snowmen, we immediately spotted young Janie -well you don't see many 4 foot, motorcycle riding Christmas puddings.
Well done for making the effort Janie.
Bikes & trikes were still arriving as the main group saddled up, adjusted their cotton wool beards, secured their pressies & prepared to leave. This is the first year I've been able to watch the procession, rather than being in the midst of it. It's an impressive sight. As I've said before, they sweep along the route from Reading to Wokingham, like an invading army -the Lapland light armoured division. Police vans & volunteer motorcycle outriders precede them, temporarily shutting off road junctions so the Christmas Crew can trundle through, across roundabouts, straight through red traffic lights, swarming past gawping car drivers. It's great fun!
Not being in the procession means we didn't make it to the Dr Barnados home in Wokingham so we entrusted our pressies to a couple of passing Santas. Just as well we stayed behind to watch the last elf disappear into the traffic though. After a mobile phone distress call we found a very forlorn looking Christmas pudding, broken down just around the corner. Poor Janie's Enfield India had let her down just as she left the carpark. She was lucky not to get trampled underfoot by the Jingle Bells Brigade. Never mind Janie. You made the effort, that's what counts. We stayed with her till help arrived in the form of partner Dave_Postie, Dad, Jacko & sister, Sarah. The Enfield was loaded into the back of a van & taken home in disgrace.
We'll be back next year, hopefully with Tazet & I riding our own trikes & hopefully the Christmas pudding will be there too.
See you there?
