[Melb] Toy Run Wrap Up

To many Chief's not enough Indians & politics

CDIHL

 

(forwarded from local forum)

[ - start - ]

The 2003 Toy Run has been and gone, but not the controversy that
surrounds it. As a volunteer for the MRAA event, and one of the
people who appeared in the promotional poster, I have tried to avoid
the mud slinging from both sides of the Toy Run division, but the
rumour and innuendo has gotten to the point that answers must be
forthcoming.
From the moment I was asked to be a marshal, I had reservations
regarding the lateness of the organisation. I put my reservations
aside, as I realized that the marshalling situation needed as many
volunteers as humanly possible. Continuing on the course of goodwill
with volunteering, I offered my bike and myself when the call went
out for the poster shoot for the Toy Run. The photo shoot took place
in Collingwood in a laneway across the road from The Smith Family
offices. Followed by a review of the shots back at The Smith Family
office, where the poster shot was agreed upon. Also discussed was
the finish point of Werribee and the need for a marshals meeting and
a dry run prior to the event.
So far no major concerns, as already news of the unrest with
Williamstown had done the rounds. Some fairly heated comments, and
laying of the blame squarely at the feet of the Hobson's Bay Council
and the Williamstown Motorcycle Club ensued in following days/weeks.
Supposedly negotiations had been entered into, and had stalemated,
resulting in the approach to Werribee who welcomed the MRAA with
open arms(?).
The story now hits a twist with the civil engineers stating that
they cannot accommodate the expected number of bikes in main street
that had been offered (Watton St.?). Subsequently, Werribee
regretfully withdrew their offer.
Three weeks out and there was no finishing point for the MRAA Toy
Run. Conversely, at this stage the Ulysses Club had announced that
its annual run from Cranbourne, would be finishing at Williamstown
as part of Bikes On The Bay.
To the credit of the MRAA organisers, they were able to come up with
Federation Square as a finishing venue. As the start venue had been
preordained as St. Kilda Road between Southbank Blvd., and Park
Street on the city service lane. This unfortunately limited the
length of the actual parade ride from start to finish point.
As an adjunct to all of this, in the week prior to the marshals
meeting, a problem on the MRAA yahoo forum arose regarding the
posting of files by Michael Czajka, the MRAA Road Safety & Research
officer. Many felt that he was being unfairly moderated, and
important information of value to all riders was not being uploaded
directly from MC. The end result being that several volunteers took
this as an affront, and withdrew their services for the Toy Run.
Amid all of this, I found the file in question on another Yahoo
group and uploaded it to the MRAA group, in the hope that it may
avert the actions of others. People stood by their convictions, and
withdrew their services. Given the circumstances, I applaud their
principles, but not necessarily the timing. I bear them no grudges,
as I agreed in principle with their grievance.
The morning of the marshals meeting arrived, and we gathered at the
MRAA offices in Ross Street South Melbourne. We took our seats, and
a brief (?) précis of events to date was commenced. Two guests from
APEX were introduced and thanked for their intended help with
marshalling and breakfast on the day. A lot of uncomplimentary
comments were made regarding the Werribee and Williamstown councils,
which led into the Cranbourne ride organized by the Ulysses Club. As
the chief organizer led into a diatribe regarding this ride, and the
Maggs family, Dale Maggs entered from the street. Dale protested
what was being said, and asked that facts be adhered to. The
invective towards Dale that followed was embarrassing. Here was the
chief organizer directing the basest gutter language at fully paid
up member of the MRAA, in front of the two guests from APEX.
Professionalism seemed to be a lost cause. Dale was told he was not
welcome, and that he should leave immediately (with fruity language)
by the organising cadre. Several from the floor asked if he was a
paid up member, and stated that if so he had the right to remain. At
this point the floor asked that we stick to the business at hand and
organize the marshals.
Areas were allocated for each marshal, and then discussion turned to
the collection of toys. Three trucks were allocated for Federation
Square, at which point Dale commented that they had organized one,
possibly two trucks to collect toys at Williamstown for The Smith
Family. Questions were asked of Dale regarding the collection for
TSF. He was dealing with the same people as the MRAA. During the
meeting Dale made it clear that the Cranbourne organizers would make
everyone at the Cranbourne start aware of the St. Kilda Road start
point. There would be no join up of the two groups and those that
wanted to come to St. Kilda Road would have find their own way from
the freeway.
Before we left Ross Street, I apologised to Dale regarding the abuse
he had received, as I felt it was counterproductive and totally
unprofessional in front of our guests. I further discussed with Dale
methods of getting those riders to St. Kilda Road that wished to,
without disrupting the Williamstown Ride.
We left en masse, and rode to the starting point where we identified
our objectives for the marshalling of bikes and the start. We
followed the route around to Fed. Square where we did a walk through
of the area by the Yarra River where bikes would be parked.
Following this we inspected the roof top parking, and attempted
different patterns of parking. Seemingly satisfied, we departed.
The morning of the event arrived, and according to plan, confusion
reigned. As the first of the parking marshals that most riders saw,
I was mostly ahead/behind of what was happening. Thus most the
confusion was relayed via two-way radio, when the ride actually
commenced. The best-laid plans at the Federation Square end of
proceedings, had taken their leave. By the time I got back to my
bike at the start point I was the last MRAA marshal to depart St.
Kilda Road. I collected a few stragglers and led them to the roof
top car park at Fed. Square. Further confusion appeared regarding
the entry of bikes that had been chosen to appear in the central
area of Fed. Square.
From my point of view the almost insurmountable had been achieved.
The volunteers had conducted themselves in an exemplary manner.
Like many others, I felt that Federation Square was harsh and
uninviting.
The organisers were pleased with their result, and toys were duly
deposited in the awaiting trucks. Not too many bikes stayed for much
more than a half hour or so, before departing. The general
consensus, was that most were venturing down to Williamstown to
compare events. I like many others, took this option.
I was highly impressed with the atmosphere and bonhomie of Bikes By
The Bay. People milled and mingled amongst the bikes, whilst many
found a shady patch of grass and relaxed with food and a drink. To
me, this was what the reward for our good deeds should have been. A
very picturesque setting where almost all of the bikes were visible
from where ever you stood. To me the day was as much about the bikes
as our generosity.
I heard not one disparaging word about Bikes By The Bay from any of
the attendees that I encountered. An excellent way to end the day.
Or so I thought.
As I stated at the beginning, questions need to be answered.
When I arrived home, more rumours awaited me. These and earlier
rumours, I will now address.

1; Were permits and applications lodged late, and if so why?

2; Was the attitude of the MRAA organisers detrimental to their
cause?

3; Did Werribee back out after contacting Williamstown?

4; Have the organisers engaged in possibly libelous and slanderous
endeavours that may backlash on the MRAA, bringing it into disrepute?

5; Which organisation received the donated goods?

6; How was APEX associated to the event?

7; Were ultimatums leveled at The Smith Family regarding their
acceptance of goods from the Ulysses Club run?

8; Did The Smith Family fund production of the event posters, which
featured their logo?

9; Are The Smith Family considering legal action against the MRAA?

10; When confronted with the fact that legal action may be pending,
did the chief organiser state " not my problem as I won't be on the
board'?

11; If the invite to participate in Bikes By The Bay was always
open, why was it not further negotiated?

These are points that have been posed to me by various people. My
posing these points to everyone else will not be popular with some.
To many, I may not have delved deep enough.
If the chief organiser handled his negotiations the way he handled
the appearance of Dale Maggs at the marshals meeting, I have no
doubt as to why this event struggled.
The Toy Run is a charity event that should not or ever, be subjected
to ego or grandiose overtones. Somewhere amongst this I feel that
the intent was lost amongst the bluster and braggadocio.
A lot of reconciliation will be required to repair the damage that
has occurred. And hopefully the Toy Run can once again become the
premier event it has been in the past.
Again these are my views, obtained from my own observations, and the
information and questions I received. I fully expect that some will
ostracise me, but I hope that first they consider the questions, and
hopefully the forthcoming answers.
I believe in the intent of the Motorcycle Riders Association of
Australia, and unlike others, I choose to seek answers rather than
walk away shaking my head. Members need to feel that they are
receiving the whole truth, and be confident in the board. Some feel
that the board is autocratic. The board should always be honest, and
more importantly open in its dealings. No board will function
without some dissent amongst its members. Currently this board has
chosen to ask for the resignation of those who disagree with its
edicts, and it is more than just Michael Czajka who has been imposed
upon in this way. A board full of yes men/women may fail to make
correct or unpopular decisions.
The AGM is upon us in February, where we all have an equal
opportunity to help make the MRAA stronger. Rifts need to be
repaired. Strength rebuilt. The MRAA can be of benefit to all riders
if we work together for a common goal.


Shane Brightman
Mem.No. 25690

[ - end - ]

 

Sundays toy run was a complete and utter cockup.

I've been to about 12 toy runs but this years was the first as an MRA
member. I joined up soon after the wire rope barrier protest ride.

Who was the bumbling fool in charge of putting this year's run together, was
it the same idiot who was swearing at the marshalls meeting in front of the
non-MRA volunteers.

I want this blokes name. And call for his immediate resignation from all MRA
positions. I wont renew next year if this moron is still in charge of an
important event like the Toy Run.

ps. Thank you for posting this information Foo.

Grant

 

if anyone read all that can they give a summary pls.

 

toy run = balls up.

 

As a first timer to the toy run, the organisation at the event itself seemed
pretty good. The marshalls all seemed to know what they were doing, and
parking at both the start and end points appeared to be done with a minimum
of fuss. Before the event, I was worried that i'd be jammed in, and be
stuck there all day, but there was plenty of room. The ride itself was so
short that it was a bit pointless. Fed square was a bit 'harsh'. I just
dropped of toys, had a gander at a few of the bikes, then went home.

 

MRAA == bunch of self-important wankers who lost sight of
the charitable aim of the event.

Ulysses == bunch of self-important wankers who lost sight of
the charitable aim of the event.

Toy run == an event designed to make self-important wankers who
lost sight of the charitable aim of the event feel all
important, to be avoided at all costs by folks who
aren't self-important wankers.

Having seen the childish fiddle farting that's been going on
in both groups over the past few weeks, toy runs of all shapes
and sizes are events I'll avoid like the plague in the future.

Those people are so far up themselves they should be
amateur photographers.


Bob

 

CHIEFS
NO APOSTROPHE YOU NUMBNUT!

 

Iet me see if I get this right.... it was a cock up?

LMAO

 

bahaha, for once it was not my cockup. :-D
b.t.w. go out and ride more in the holidays, it sure beats being the apostrophe police,

doesn't it?

Mike.S

 

Gonna be the apostrophe police till friday
then the holidays begin.
39 degrees tho sheeeeeeeeeeeet!

 

Its nice in the pool, been in there most of the day.

 

All of the above makes me like the Bellarine Toy Run much more!

Cheers
Goaty