[Melb] Toy Run Wrap Up

Discussion in 'Australian Motorcycles' started by Vespa-50-Special, Dec 15, 2003.

  1. To many Chief's not enough Indians & politics

    CDIHL
     
    Vespa-50-Special, Dec 15, 2003
    #1
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  2. Vespa-50-Special

    Sean Foo Guest

    (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 - ]
     
    Sean Foo, Dec 15, 2003
    #2
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  3. Vespa-50-Special

    Grant Welles Guest

    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


     
    Grant Welles, Dec 15, 2003
    #3
  4. Vespa-50-Special

    Biggus Guest

    if anyone read all that can they give a summary pls.
     
    Biggus, Dec 15, 2003
    #4
  5. Vespa-50-Special

    paulc Guest

    toy run = balls up.
     
    paulc, Dec 15, 2003
    #5
  6. Vespa-50-Special

    paulc Guest

    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.



     
    paulc, Dec 15, 2003
    #6
  7. Vespa-50-Special

    Smiling Bob Guest

    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
     
    Smiling Bob, Dec 16, 2003
    #7
  8. Vespa-50-Special

    Smee Guest

    CHIEFS
    NO APOSTROPHE YOU NUMBNUT!

     
    Smee, Dec 16, 2003
    #8
  9. Vespa-50-Special

    Biggus Guest

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

    LMAO
     
    Biggus, Dec 16, 2003
    #9
  10. Vespa-50-Special

    Mike.S Guest

    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
     
    Mike.S, Dec 16, 2003
    #10
  11. Vespa-50-Special

    Smee Guest

    Gonna be the apostrophe police till friday
    then the holidays begin.
    39 degrees tho sheeeeeeeeeeeet!
     
    Smee, Dec 16, 2003
    #11
  12. Vespa-50-Special

    Biggus Guest

    Its nice in the pool, been in there most of the day.
     
    Biggus, Dec 16, 2003
    #12
  13. Vespa-50-Special

    Goaty Guest

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

    Cheers
    Goaty
     
    Goaty, Dec 17, 2003
    #13
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