Riders do a toy run to Gilgandra

Members of the Central West Riders SMC gathered in Dubbo on Sunday ahead of their toy run for kids in the Gilgandra and Tooraweenah area. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

THE thunder of multiple motorbikes rang out from the car park of West Dubbo’s Shell service station on the weekend, as members of the Central West Riders SMC (Social Motorcycle Club) set off to Gilgandra to help out a neighbouring small town doing it very tough.

Club president Darrel Harvey said, as a social motorcycle club, they enjoy participating in charity events.

“We decided to bring a toy run to Gilgandra in partnership with the Lions Club, in part to help out with Christmas presents for children whose families are doing it tough, and also to create a community event where the people of Gilgandra and surrounds could forget about the drought and the tough times for a while,” Mr Harvey said.

“We achieved our goals having 45 bikes attending and we hope to build on that for next year.”

The club worked in conjunction with Gilgandra and Tooraweenah Lions Clubs and Gilgandra Shire Council, the motorcycle and car Toy Run, with all participants donating a child’s gift or a gift card for a teenager, with those gifts for the underprivileged and farming children in the Gilgandra and Tooraweenah area.

Mr Harvey said the club was already planning other charity events in the coming year.

“We’re in the process of pre-planning for a charity ride and show in March as well as supporting the Black Dog Ride One Dayer, and the Dubbo Bike Rally,” Mr Harvey said.

“We also conduct a monthly ride and take part in other motorcycling events in the central west.”

The club is keen for new members to join in the activities and invited anyone interested in going for a ride to get in touch.