The sky may have been grey, but the Illawarra was a sea of purple and yellow on Sunday as thousands of people watched the i98FM Camp Quality Convoy wind its way from Appin Road to Albion Park.
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With the rain clearing, 800 trucks and 1000 motorbikes roared through the streets while thousands of people cheered, donated money and waved their Convoy flags in support of the charity event, now in its 11th year.
Some spectators were so keen to get a good position to view Convoy, they took their breakfast with them to eat by the side of the road as they waited.
Others – like the Simpson family From Albion Park Rail set up camp, with a marquee, chairs and barbecue and settled in for the morning to watch the passing parade of honking trucks and motorbikes.
A truck driver himself, Jason Simpson said he and his family had been coming along to support the event for about five years.
“The kids love it and I think it’s good to support something like this,” Mr Simpson said.
“My dad Tony is a truck driver too, so for us it’s all about the trucks.”
Even so, his kids were thrilled to bits when members of another Simpson family – Bart and Homer, rode past on a motorbike.
Other characters spotted among convoy of bikes included Duff Man, Elmo, Cinderellla, Batman, both Bananas in Pyjamas, a couple of Stormtroopers, Darth Vader, several Spiderman impersonators, a Captain America or two, Superman and Supergirl, Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie, a NASA astronaut, a few Olaf’s and a mish mash of animal characters.
The biggest cheers however were definitely saved for the big rigs though, with Rob Starcic, of Coastal Windows and Doors, the winner of the right to be lead truck for 2015 after making the winning bid of $220,000.
He was joined by hundreds of big-hearted truckies doing their bit to help kids with cancer and their families.
Veteran i98FM Camp Quality Convoy spectators Genene and Jason Kisnat of Dapto made sure they packed ear muffs for children Jake, Sam, Rose and friend Claire Pearson as they watched from their King Street Warrawong vantage point.
“It’s a great day. I just think it’s really important to come along and support everyone,” Mrs Kisnat said.
By the time a crowd of 7000 people arrived at Croome Road Sporting Complex at Albion Park for the Free Family Fun Day, the sun had started to shine through the clouds.
Entertainment included Justice Crew, Luke Koteras and a Freestyle Motocross Display featuring some of Australia’s best riders, stalls and children’s rides.