The Sunday before Xmas in Huddersfield; a horribly cold day when all sensible members of the local populace are happily thronging the shopping centres of West Yorkshire frantically buying last minute presents for half-forgotten relatives. That's sensible people folks, those of us dysfuntional enough to be addicted to this thing we call biking were right out there in the sub-zero temperatures, merrily thronging to Martha's shop "Geared Up". Not for the purpose of buying presents, but to raise money and bring toys for North Kirklees Womens Refuge, a centre for women and their children escaping from the hell of domestic violence.

The run was Martha's idea, and supported by willing help from Huddersfield MAG and Famous Last Words MCC, proved to be a huge success as over 100 bikes from all over Yorkshire converged on Geared Up for a run through the centre of Huddersfield and Brighouse, ending up at Lakeside Lodge for a welcome pint and pie and pea lunch. The day raised £462.33 for the refuge and was pronounced a huge success. When I spoke to Martha the following day she was still buzzing, and asked me to pass on her personal thanks to all the bikers, individual and from the many clubs that turned out, for their support. You know who you were.

Outside the shop	Martha & the girls	The massed ranks at Brighouse
A big cuddly pal	Photogenic Bob from FWE (about time he had his own site)	Wot's in the sidecar?
Judy with "Best Decorated Bike"	Brian with lovely restored Sunbeam S8	Willow with bear (one of these is a raffle prize)

Above are a selection of photos from the day, click on the thumbnails to enlarge. George from the Bridge Rats MCC took some photos with his digital camera, which we were able to get on line the same evening. Click here to take a look at them.

And on behalf of all the bikers who attended, we'd like to thank Martha for the inspiration and effort for such a splendid day and such a worthwhile cause. Cheers!

 Rod Gibson