On 23 November 2025, under clear skies at Lavender Kontrei Mark in Pretoria, a sea of motorcycles rolled in for one of the most heartwarming events on the biking calendar: the annual Toy Run. Among the many riders, families, and excited children, one of the standout presences was GCKL Services, partnering with Forbatt SA to showcase two of their premium battery solutions, the advanced OUTDO I-Gel motorcycle battery and Forbatt’s trusted standby power range.
The annual Toy Run has long been more than a gathering of motorcycles and revving engines; it is a celebration of giving, compassion, and solidarity. Riders from across the region came together to donate toys, school stationery, toiletries, and non-perishable food items that were all intended to bring joy and support to local communities in need. The event started early and culminated in a mass ride that converged at Lavender Kontrei Mark, where hundreds of riders arrived together to create a striking scene filled with unity, generosity, and the unmistakable freedom of the open road. Through this powerful tradition, the Toy Run continues to show that when communities unite, meaningful change follows.
Lavender Kontrei Mark, a vibrant and family-friendly venue featuring more than 120 stalls, play areas, diverse food options, and expansive lawns, provided the perfect backdrop for the day’s festivities.
For GCKL Services and Forbatt SA, the Toy Run offered more than a marketing opportunity. It was a chance to connect directly with riders, demonstrate the reliability of their products, and support a socially meaningful cause. Their OUTDO I-Gel motorcycle batteries attracted particular interest. Engineered for serious riders, these high-tech batteries feature a built-in micro-electronic chip that measures capacity, displays an LED status in green, yellow, or red, and offers instant internal diagnostics through a simple “TEST” button. With a rugged operating temperature range from –30 °C to 65 °C, they are designed to perform in almost any riding condition. For added confidence, Forbatt SA supports their gel products with a three-year warranty and offers a one-year warranty on sealed lead-acid variants.
Forbatt’s wider power-backup range, including AGM and gel batteries from 1.4 Ah to 200 Ah, was also showcased to highlight their expertise in energy solutions for security systems, power outages, and industrial applications. Throughout the day, many bikers stopped at the stall between ride-ins and gear checks, drawn by the glowing LED indicators on the OUTDO batteries. Representatives from GCKL Services demonstrated how the self-test function works and explained how capacity intelligence helps extend battery life. The demos quickly sparked conversations, with seasoned riders sharing stories of unreliable starts and battery maintenance struggles. The I-Gel range stood out as a sleek and smart solution.
Some moments that captured attention included live demonstrations of the “TEST” button showing real-time capacity status, side-by-side comparisons with older battery models, which highlighted the I-Gel’s modern design, and detailed discussions about how gel and sealed lead-acid technologies perform under vibration, extreme temperatures, and long idle periods.
Beyond the technical showcase, GCKL Services’ involvement highlighted a deeper commitment to the biking community. By supporting the Toy Run, they helped contribute to a larger mission which involved uplifting underprivileged children, strengthening bonds among riders, and giving back to the community. Forbatt SA also benefited from the visibility and goodwill, connecting their brand with an event that blends passion with purpose. It was not just a display of horsepower; it was an expression of heart-power.
With the success of this year’s showcase, both GCKL Services and Forbatt SA are positioned to strengthen their presence within the biking community. Future initiatives may include offering on-site battery diagnostics at motorcycle rallies, collaborating with riding clubs to provide special pricing, and hosting technical workshops such as battery care and installation during charitable events.
The 2025 Toy Run at Lavender Kontrei Mark became far more than a charity ride; it evolved into a platform for innovation, connection, and community upliftment. Through their presence, GCKL Services and Forbatt SA did not simply present batteries; they inspired a conversation about technology and reliability while helping reinforce the spirit of giving. In doing so, they powered more than just motorcycles; they helped power a cycle of goodwill.
For more information, visit: www.forbatt.co
