About Nottinghamshire Motorcycle Easter Egg Run

March 24th 2024 will be the 43rd Annual Nottinghamshire Motorcycle Easter Egg Run.

Originally founded and run by a Nottinghamshire gentleman called Keith Glenn, it has for the past 17 years been hosted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The events organiser is now Tim Marston, a former operational Fire Officer and current Fire Investigation Dog Handler.

The Nottinghamshire Motorcycle Easter Egg Runs' mission is to host and facilitate a great event, for the benefit of disadvantaged children and children with special needs, whilst at the same time encouraging a safe community event.

Originally the event was held within the City Centre and eggs were delivered to County Hall before being distributed by the Bikers, however increasing demands on Council staff, the Police and other organisations meant that an alternative arrangement was required to keep the event going each year. It was at this time that Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service offered to facilitate the event and manage egg distribution.

After hosting the event for one year at Dunkirk Fire Station, which was due to close, it was finally agreed take the event out of the City, without closing roads off, and the 14 mile ride-out route we use today was formed.  

The Egg Run will start at ‘The Forest Recreation Ground’ (known as the Goose Fair Site). We ask bikers to be in attendance between 09:00hrs and 09:30hrs, to ensure everyone is in place and ready to go for a 10:00hrs ‘ride-off’. 

This ensures bikes are not still arriving on site as the rest of us are leaving, therefore reducing the risk for all those attending.

A 'Sweeper Vehicle' for First Aid and Trauma Care is kindly provided by PB Fire Ltd, a local private firm, who kindly give there time and resources free of charge for the event to provide additional safety cover.

They are not however in a position to recover a vehicle or deal with any breakdowns so please ensure you have adequate provision to deal with any mechanical issues that may arise. 

The Egg Run finishes at Mansfield Fire Station where eggs and donations will be collected and distributed by Fire Service personnel and a team of volunteers. We usually get about 2500 Eggs which are distributed over the following 2-days.

Fortunately there aren't the Children's Homes around these days like there used to be. Instead children are often living within the community with foster carers or other guardians. Some are still with their parents but families may be struggling financially and so treats are a rarity. We rely quite heavily on Sure Start Centre's, whose staff kindly assist us in ensuring children within their communities receive the Eggs in a timely manner for Easter.  

We welcome anybody with a road legal motorcycle, trike or scooter. The event is Learner friendly, just please bear in mind if you haven't ridden in a large group before then we're happy to give advice. In simplistic terms ride to your ability, keep your distance from the bike in front and maintain a steady road speed and road positioning that doesn't keep your fellow bikers guessing what your next move will be.

All types of Bike & Biker welcome.

If you're a non-biker/rider who wishes to attend the event at Mansfield Fire Station then you're also very welcome. All we ask is that you park your vehicle in the car park at the adjacent Mansfield Civic Centre and walk back round the corner to us at the Fire Station. This ensures the station rear yard can be kept clear for the motorcycles as they arrive.

Due to the high traffic movement on and around the site we ask that anyone arriving to view the bikes who is bringing a Dog then please ensure your pet is on a lead at all times. Ideally, if you can make alternative arrangements to not have animals on site then this is appreciated. 

Parents/Guardians are asked to ensure that younger children are supervised at all times please.

When you arrive at Mansfield Fire Station please start to park to the rear of the station, accessed by the green gate to the right hand side of the vehicle bays (Appliance Room).

Eggs are collected on the left hand side at the rear of the Appliance Room, where volunteers place a sticker on each egg, so the children know who has sent them the egg(s). Each Sticker reads:  

"This Easter Egg has been sent to you with best wishes. From the Bikers of the Nottinghamshire Motorcycle Easter Egg Run".

When you have handed in your Egg(s) please feel free to grab a free tea, coffee and biscuits. If you require something more substantial then there is a Burger Van that sells hot food.

We sell raffle tickets to raise money for children's charitable causes, so please give generously if you can. That said, we know everyone is feeling the pinch for the cost of living these days, so we are very grateful for as much or as little as you are happy to donate.

We don't charge an entrance fee and there is no fixed donation price.

The Fire Service Museum, located to the rear of the station yard, will be opening its doors for you on the Sunday morning, so please feel free to go and pay them a visit.

Finally, when you leave the event please take care and keep it Shiny Side Up.