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?"