Over 500 of you registered online and the weather was playing games right until the last minute. It was -5C when we made our way into work, it was the coldest Easter on record but at least it was dry so we were a little uncertain as to how many of you would join us in the freezer!
We weren't to be disappointed numbers were no less than on any other recent Easter Egg Run and as usual we had our normal selection of rabbits and chicks astride their bikes, the eggs were being loaded onto the van and the charity buckets were clanking away.
One particular trend is for people to bring in eggs and cash donations raised from workplaces and it would be great if you can feed it back to you colleagues that their generosity is very much appreciated!
And so at half nine we were off police bikes closing the roads and the Durham Advanced Motorcyclist (DAM) as supporting marshals. What's particularly striking is how our communities are engaging in the run with hundreds at the sides of the roads waving and cheering. Indeed one family in Aycliffe Village deserve a special mention as every year they're out with their deck chairs and Union Jack flags at the ready. Despite it being a miserly 2C we weren't to be disappointed they were out once again in all their glory!
The eggs were delivered to our children's wards in Darlington and Durham hospitals, photos and Tweets were sent for all to see and so we ended back at Police HQ. Following a hot drink, some warmth and a short presentation another successful Easter Egg Run came to a close.
We've counted your donations and they came to a fantastic grand total of £940.90 which will once again go to the Meningitis Research Foundation, meanwhile other hospitals, children's homes and special schools will be visited with the remaining eggs!
There's no doubt that the police bike section couldn't put this event together without volunteer helpers to collect the eggs, drive the BikeWise van, make the hot drinks, take photos sort the websites, the list goes on. So to those volunteers we extend a big thank you, it is very much appreciated!
Neither could we safely escort such a huge group of bikes without the support of the DAM observers who act as the marshals. So I also extend my sincere thanks to them. Indeed they're always looking for new riders so why not join them? You'll get more out of your riding and we'll get our marshals, we all benefit!
Finally all of you that took part yesterday acted as first class ambassadors for biking and have made a real difference to our communities who have really embraced the event, to the children who have to spend time away from home this Easter and towards helping eradicate the scourge of Meningitis a disease that hits the young and their families particularly hard.
So from myself and the whole BikeWise team thank you all very much.
Enjoy your bikes this year please please don't learn by accident, ride safe and we'll see you at BikeWise!
Sergeant Iain Rodgers
