I text Sam & Johnny on Saturday to inform them of pending toy run on Sunday but the boys were very doubtful if the weather was going to improve as Saturday was wet and gloomy the whole day. Quick check on the internet and the forecast was for dry and sunny. I text both of them but they were still not convinced.
Come Sunday morning sure enough the sun was out but it was quite cold. We had visitors till 2am and I was very tired due to lack of sleep and therefore considered going by car to the Ace. Another factor was that I have had a frozen shoulder for some time now and was not sure if it would affect my riding. After having missed last two toy runs I was determined to make it this year. I text the boys but only Johnny replied and he wanted to make sure that I was going on the ride and not just to the Ace. He too had a late night drinking session and almost did not make it.
Arrived at the Ace and there was no sign of anyone from the Busy Bee. After a short time, Brain turned up followed by Ian and Bob arrived by car as he had to exchange an item at the Ace Café that his son had bought previous week. People started bring all kinds of toys that got segregated into age groups before loading them into the van. Dee was in charge and she was riding shot gun in the front seat of the van.
We all set off in a big group with Unity Riders providing escort which they do each year. The convoy slowly headed onto North Circular Road towards Hanger Lane and then onto A40 to St. Mary’s hospital Paddington. Staff brought children down to the car park where they received presents and a chance to take photos with so many Santa Clauses in fantastic outfits. Some of them even sat on the bikes to take pictures.
Then onwards to Royal Brompton hospital with more of the same. Next was St. Thomas’s where we tend to spend more time as it is the last hospital on our run. It is always a great satisfaction to see smiles on kids’ faces when they receive those presents. They also like to take photos with their favourite heroes then it was back to the Ace.
Arriving back, we all got separated in the London traffic. Brian, Ian, Dee and I had hot drinks and Johnny decided to head home. Ron once again announced that it was his last run and we all started laughing and making jokes. Just then he got one of the unity rider to stand up who introduced himself and stated that he was taking over from Ron next year. I guess he did really mean it this year. This was most satisfying and rewarding ride of the year and I am glad my shoulder held out but it was getting quite tough towards the end.
