AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci was leader of the pack Sunday as thousands of motorcyclists thundered through Maine’s capital in an annual charity ride that makes Christmas brighter for poor children across the state.

Baldacci said he felt comfortable on his newly purchased Harley-Davidson as he led the rumbling procession to Capitol Park near the State House, where three Salvation Army trucks were being filled with stuffed animals, games and other toys.

“He did very well for being a newbie,” joked Stanley Gerzofsky, a Democratic state representative from Brunswick who rode near the front of the pack and said he hasn’t missed a Toy Run since it started two decades ago.

Maine’s previous governor, independent Angus King, was also a Harley owner and Toy Run participant. Tycoon Malcolm Forbes, founder and publisher of Forbes magazine, also joined the run in its earlier years.

Both of Maine’s congressmen turned out for Sunday’s Toy Run, which came eight days after 10,000 Harley-Davidsons rumbled their way through Milwaukee on an 8-mile parade celebrating the company’s 100th anniversary.

About 20,000 motorcyclists, riders and spectators were expected to turn out for Sunday’s ride in Augusta, but it was difficult to pin down an exact number, said Maj. Frank Kirk of the Salvation Army, which distributes the gifts.

What started in 1981 as a relatively obscure event that drew 80 motorcyclists now typically brings out 10,000 to 20,000 bikers and is considered Maine’s largest one-day charity event. Larger turnouts are prompted by good weather, and Sunday’s was almost ideal, at 75 degrees and dry with scattered clouds.

Kirk, watching over the festive gathering that featured food and concessions sold from white tents, said the volume of toys has risen steadily through the years, with exceptions when the Toy Run coincided with dreary weather.

Last year’s total peaked out at 10,235 presents, said Kirk, adding, “I think we’ll go over that.”

While many of the motorcyclists driving a variety of makes and styles make the run every year, it was the first go-around for Marty Arsenault, who owns a machine shop in Bangor.

“It’s nice – it’s a good time,” said Arsenault, who donated a basketball and Mr. Potato Head to the cause.

Speaking to the crowd, freshman 2nd District U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud pronounced himself a veteran biker, saying he’s had a motorcycle license since he was 18. Zeroing in on a sensitive issue for many motorcyclists, Michaud drew cheers when he wound up his remarks by saying, “Let those who ride decide!”

First District Rep. Tom Allen, also a Democrat, homed in on the purpose of the event: “You’re making a difference in the lives of children of Maine.”

AP-ES-09-07-03 1546EDT