A thundering roar filled the air in Bairnsdale yesterday as around 200 motorbikes set off for the 13th annual Riding for a Cause Toy Run.

Bike riders, families and supporters gathered at the Bairnsdale Riverside Caravan Park where they enjoyed a breakfast of egg and bacon rolls and coffee to help raise funds for The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal before they headed off at 11am sharp, bound for Bruthen, Nowa Nowa and Lakes Entrance before returning to Bairnsdale for a ride through town and a sausage sizzle back at the caravan park.

Families were entertained with jumping castle, ice cream and music as they awaited the return of the bikes, which returned laden with gifts and gift cards and vouchers, non-perishable foods and blankets, which were presented to captains Dave and Claire Jones, of The Salvation Army, for its Christmas Appeal at the conclusion of the event.

“I am really happy with the amount of riders that turned up,” Mr Jones said.

“We had nearly 200 riders come out. I couldn’t have asked for a better day to do it.

“The event is turning into a huge community event. People are really looking forward to the ride. We have people that start ringing in October to find out details about the toy run.

“Dave Tomkins, of Easyriders, did a fantastic job coordinating all the riders, while Bunnings supplied the meat and drinks. All the eggs were donated by Maroubra and lots of other locals chipped in too.

“The East Gippsland Christmas Appeal will reach 500 families, while the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal is up to 150 families.”

PICTURED: Robert Coates-Botten and Stephen Baxter participated in the 13th annual Riding for a Cause Toy Run on Sunday. The toy run left Bairnsdale and headed through Bruthen, Nowa Nowa and Lakes Entrance before returning to Bairnsdale.