If you have come across several hundred Santas who have swapped the sleigh for a motorbike in Poitiers, don't panic! They participated in the Santa Claus motorcycle ride organized this Saturday, December 21, 2024 in Poitiers.
A red tide of 676 bikers made the engines hum well before the scheduled departure at 2 p.m. in front of the University Hospital. A record, 30 more than last year. Alain came, like every year: “It’s really nice. It's rare that we all get together like this. The atmosphere is great. As for me, whenever there are organized motorcycle rides, I go. »
4,000 euros raised for an association
Among them, there are all profiles, children, young people, crazy bikers. “It’s really something we can do as a family, which brings everyone together, confides Stéphane. This is also what makes this event special. »
“It’s a highlight of the year, develops Manuel Repentin, coordinator of the Federation of Angry Bikers in the department. Each participant must pay five euros. The funds raised go to an association, A hospital for children. The aim is to encourage the reception of children and adolescents in hospital. »
This year, 4,000 euros were raised, a figure similar to last year.
On the starting line, motorcycles, of course, mopeds, sidecars and even, more surprisingly, a horse and a little Yorkie dressed as Santa Claus, too.
Two hours of walking
At 2 p.m., the 676 Santas set off for a two-hour stroll, passing through the Couronneries district, Porte de Paris, Auchan-Sud before arriving at the premises of the Moto-Axxe association, organizer of the event.
“There are years when there are breaks, explains Stéphane. There is even one, I remember, we stopped right on the main artery near Auchan-Sud. The break had lasted fifteen minutes. I can tell you that things were moaning behind,” he laughs.
This year, the horns were not intended to complain but to encourage them. Motorists, with smiles on their faces, sometimes wave to greet them. And then, the children, present on the side of the road, had a big smile as they saw these 676 Santas pass by.
