Fun at the annual Poker Run

Twenty-nine bikes turned up at the H Cafe on a chilly but sunny morning, to join in the fun on our annual Charity Poker Run.

Members from Oxford, Bedford, Northants,Reading and Wilts branches were in attendance plus a posse from the BWDE group who must’ve been up at the crack of dawn to join us! 😊

After registration, in which 42 people contributed towards the Motor Neurone Disease charity, we set off to our first destination Triumph M40, led by myself with Peter Jordon as tail ender. Unfortunately we lost Phil Naylor with a puncture, which was really bad luck as he missed a great day!

Pete Johnston received a kind donation of a gift voucher from the Triumph dealer towards our prizes, which was a kind gesture!

After dealing the first of 5 cards and a look at some bikes, we set off for the 2nd destination, On Yer Bike, a Kawasaki dealer near Aylesbury.

I made a boo boo on the way which led to some confusion….why spoil the habit of a lifetime 😜……but we all arrived safely. Pete Johnston again worked his magic and received a couple of T Shirts from the dealer towards our prizes.

After dealing the 2nd card, we rode to our lunch stop, The White Hart, Nettlebed. I somehow lost everyone bar four riders, don’t ask, and ended up getting to the pub after everyone else, who took the direct route. This led to some banter amongst us but we all arrived safely for what was a very nice meal in the function room laid on by the proprietors……just as well we pre ordered at the start else it would’ve been manic!

It started to rain soon after we arrived but cleared up before we left…good timing. The 3rd card was dealt here prior to making our way to the fourth stop, Abingdon Honda, who donated our main prize!

The ride to Abingdon, on some nice roads, went smoothly…hooray…. and we arrived just as the rain started to fall, another stroke of luck. It was a extended stay here as interest in the bikes and the popularity of the coffee machine was to take it’s toll so it was decided to deal the last two cards at the last leg of the day, The Swan Hotel, Eynsham where refreshments where laid on and the results were declared.

Claire Robins from Wilts Branch was recipient of the 1st prize followed by Gus Smart from BWDE winning 2nd prize. Further prizes awarded to Roger Elvin, Beds Branch and our own Elaine Heckford….well done guys!

Myself and Erica, would like to thank everyone for their contributions and efforts, you ALL made it a great day out!
£225 was raised for the charity….which was a good result!

A special thank you to Erica as she works tirelessly behind the scenes and without her help I’d have struggled.

Here’s to next year!
Ted

(for photographic proof see ‘pictures’ or click on this link   https://goo.gl/photos/LQNHopcmMXe8ffC28)