Orphan Run - Marsh Memorial Home
16 October 2005
16 Members, on 16 Bikes, gathered at Damelin to depart for Marsh Memorial to collect the children. I wish to extend my gratitude to each and every member that arrived to give up their time to make a difference in these childrens lives. Unfortunately Chris Dunn's bike gave him problems before we reached the Home and he had to arrange to get collected by CJ. The Children/Teenagers were excitedly waiting for us when we arrived. One of the teenage boys thanked us on behalf of all the children for our kindness in organising this event for them. Graham Johnson donated some of his motorcycle magazines to the Home. Once everyone had all picked which bike they wanted to go on, we left for a short ride which took us down the N2 (a very short detour to get onto the N2!!!), onto Baden Powell Drive towards Muizenberg and then back to Claremont. We parked in the parkade next to Stadium-on-Main and made our way down to the ten-pin-bowling alley. We were organised into 4 Groups of 5 people - in the last group we had 4 NOMADS members - some novices and some a little more experienced! - It was great fun!
We encountered a small problem on leaving the parkade, but after negotiations we only paid for 8 bikes' parking fees - after all, we parked 4 bikes in one parking spot!
We left Claremont and rode along Rhodes Drive, over Constantia Nek and into Hout Bay to stop at Fish On The Rocks. A big thanks to Fish On The Rocks who sponsered fish, chips and a cooldrink for all the Marsh Memorial children! Before we left, a large, fat seal entertained us on the edge of the rocks and on departing two local kids came wobbling down the road towards us on a surfboard with a skateboard underneath for wheels!
We rode back over Constantia Nek to Marsh Memorial where the children reluctantly had to say goodbye. Most of them hugged me and thanked us for the great day they had experienced. On chatting to one of the child minders, she informed me that she had never seen the kids so excited and happy the day before an outing!
Once again, thanks to all the riders who made the day so special for these children.
Susan
