JOHOR BARU: THEY came on their loud two-wheeled motorcycles, and many of the mean-looking leather-clad riders camped right in front of the entrance to the IOI Mall Bandar Putra in Kulaijaya recently.

    Despite their "intimidating" presence, the motorcyclists were actually gathering  for a meaningful cause.

  About 300 motorcycles, which included superbikers, choppers and also those that were custom-made, turned up for the inaugural IOI Mall Bikers Gathering, Fun & Charity 2012, held in conjunction with Fathers Day.

  More than 20 motorcycle clubs attended the event. They included the Labis Bikers, Kota Tinggi Bikers, Mahkota Bikers, Apachi Bikers, Dragon Biker, Gold Wing Singapore, Skudai Bikers, Kluang Easy Bikers, Batu Pahat Bikers, RCSpado Bikers, Putra Bikers, Johor Bikers and KJ Bikers.

  The event  organised by IOI Mall Bandar Putra, Putra Bikers, Johor Bikers and KJ Bikers Garage started as early as 11am, when the bikers thronged the mall's entrance, parked their machines and registered.

  The event was also held for the benefit of Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Terencat Akal Johor Baru. Its major sponsors included the Kulaijaya-based motorcycle shop Tong Ban Seng Motor as well as automotive accessory companies, Powerzoom and Eco Echo.

  By noon, the event kickstarted with a charity ride to the welfare home, from where the children were escorted to IOI Mall for the charity ceremony.

  Along the way, the bikers brought the children to Hutan Bandar in Bandar Putra Kulai for some activity.

  In addition, there were also  mini games and competitions organised by KJ Bikers. These included the open custom bike competition and standard custom bike competition, and the winners went home with trophies and certificates.

  At the charity event, IOI Mall and the  bikers managed to collect RM2,230 for the fund.

  One biker, R. Banni, said the motorcycle-themed event was his first since taking-up superbiking two months ago.

  "It is a good platform to not only contribute to charity, but to also meet like-minded bikers," said the 27-year-old civil servant.

  "I definitely look forward to attending more similar bike events."

  Visitor Mohd Faizal Mahd Maslan, 32, said the event offered non-bikers a chance to interact with bikers.