An annual Easter motorcycling tradition stretching back three decades had its final run yesterday and a veteran participant made sure he was there.

Ron Mckay said he rode in a Bikers Rights Organisation New Zealand (Bronz) Otago Easter Egg Run at Portobello in 1990.

The rally finished in 1992, but the annual Bronz Easter Egg Run continued, he said.

Mr Mckay (64) said he joined in because he was a member of Bronz at the time and supported what the club did.

Yesterday, riders with loads of chocolate eggs started their group ride at Port Chalmers and headed into central Dunedin, encouraging people to make food donations to the Salvation Army.

Mr Mckay, owner of the Green Island Mower Centre, said motorcyclists were generous.

However, the cost of putting on the event had killed it, he said.

"The committee has put a lot of time and effort into it."

Rider numbers had dwindled in the past eight years, Mr Mckay said.

Mosgiel man Steve Willis, originally from Edinburgh, had an Easter bunny strapped in for a ride on his 750cc Suzuki Katana.

It was also his 56th birthday. He said the charity aspect was an important part of the Bronz event.

Bronz Otago president John Russell said it was sad that the event would not continue and it was the end of an era.

Riders would be encouraged to give directly to the Salvation Army in future, Mr Russell said.

Organisers always hoped for good weather and they got that yesterday, as well as a strong turnout.

The event cost about $1000 to put on, most of which went towards the cost of traffic management for the central city as the motorcycles passed through.

The tradition of motorcyclists riding through the central district while bearing gifts would continue.

The December Toy Run, which had been growing in popularity, would still be held annually.