AUGUSTA -- They arrived in groups, shaking off the water that had beaded up on their jackets during rides from Bangor, Lewiston, Skowhegan, Waterville and elsewhere.

Within minutes, hundreds of motorcycles and their riders had gathered in the parking lot in front of the Augusta Civic Center, the toys they planned to donate strapped to the backs of their bikes.

Soon after, the motorcyclists riding in this year's United Bikers toy run set out for the Windsor Fairgrounds, their last stop, where they planned to leave their toys in the hands of the social service organizations that would pass them on to eager children.

Roger Vandrell, of Monmouth, said he noticed fewer participants than usual in the toy run on Sunday, attributing it to the day's rainfall. Vandrell has participated in the ride each year since 1988, always leaving from Lewiston.

"This parking lot is usually full," he said. "It's water. Why does it scare so many people?"

For Alyson Duplisea, of Hartland, the toy run is a family affair.

"It's for a good cause and we ride as a family and we love riding," she said after pulling into the Civic Center parking lot.

Richard White, of Pittston, immersed himself in the spirit of giving, riding into the Civic Center lot dressed as Santa Claus with a sleigh in tow. The Santa Claus getup is a 17-year tradition, he said.

"It's for the kids," he said.

But over 17 years, kids don't remain kids.

"Now the people I saw for 17 years on the side of the road, now they're riding," White said.

The biking crowd at Sunday's toy run was a mix of veterans and first-time riders.

Debby Cleary, of Milford, a newly annointed motorcyclist, was enjoying her first toy run.

"Where else are you going to see this much black leather?" she joked.

Cleary's friend, Lisa Jackson of Bangor, also enjoyed the ride. But the day's rain was not the reason for her fun.

"I don't know if I'd be out today if wasn't for the cause," she said.

Matthew Stone -- 623-3811, Ext. 435

mstone@centralmaine.com