NON-STOP NICK

20TH ANNUAL SPRING POKER RUN
April 01, 2006 • Chico, CA

"Whether to Weather the Weather"

This was no April Fools Joke. They were having a Poker Run to benefit "Wings of Eagles" and come rain, wind or snow it was going to happen.

As I checked the weather reports all Friday night, hoping for a report that would tell me that I could make this run without getting too wet, I decided to get defiant and make this run to Chico regardless.

Rolling the Harley out of the garage at 5:30 am, it didn’t start sprinkling here in Santa Rosa until I hit the starter button, just my luck, by the time I made it on to Highway 101 it had stopped raining. Rolling west on highway 37, I caught another brief shower, but Highways 80, 505 and Interstate 5 were dry all the way to Chico. Arriving at Hall’s Harley Davidson at 8:45, I was greeted by friendly Chico Harley Owners Group member’s who were hosting this year’s event. After a cup of coffee and a donut and I was ready for the day.

Registration was a breeze and I was soon back on my bike and heading out for a 130-mile poker run. First card was an ace, so that warmed me up. From Hall’s Harley Davidson the route took us North on Highway 99 a quick 15 miles to South Ave and west to Woodson Park, for the second stop, I drew another ace and although the sky was constantly threatening to rain at any moment, I felt good. Heading out of the park west on South Ave to Old Highway 99 North, crossing over Interstate 5 on Corning Road west to Black Butte Road South to Neville Road and headed West. When we got to Road 306 we turned south to Highway 162/Forest Highway # 7, and turned west.

This was some of the prettiest countryside I had seen in a while, rolling hills with oak trees and as we passed a little stream, that was running full tilt, I caught sight of a cascading waterfall. The third stop was up the hill on Highway 162 at the Vista Point. There was snow on the sides of the road here, and I drew a 2, which made me think of winning the low hand side of this poker game.
Coming back East and down the hill, on 162 I ran over a varmint of what type I do not know, a streaking shadow appeared from my left and my front tire ran over something soft. My co-rider said it was smaller than a squirrel but bigger than a mouse. I was glad it didn’t ruin my day. We also caught another brief shower and the wind started picking up, adding to the cold. I felt for the Chico H.O.G. members who were volunteering at the poker stops, with this weather and all.

We road 162 into Willows for the 4th poker stop at Willows Airport. I drew an 8. Heading still east on 162 to Highway 45 North to Ord Bend Park and the day’s last poker stop and the party. I drew a 10 so my hand was neither high nor low.

The Food was ready thanks to Dave Wasney’s "Holy Smoke BBQ. We enjoyed some fine pork loin, beans, cole slaw and bread. There were the ever-present donuts for desert, coffee and fountain sodas for all.

Ron Hall, owner of Hall’s Harley Davidson of Chico was the Master of Ceremonies and had the crowd going with organizing the bike games, the raffle prizes and the awards presentations. H.O.G. members told me that he is the most active Dealer in participation of the H.O.G Chapter events, and I saw signs of that when he was calling out riders by name when more participants were needed in the bike games. Although we caught a sprinkle occasionally during the party, the crowd of nearly 200 riders stayed for the fun.

I had never seen the "Bike Wash game" before, where a passenger tried to throw a water balloon over a bar while slow riding underneath it. What a blast for a cold day, bet there would have been a hundred participants if it were in the 80’s. The "Weiner Bite" game drew the best laughs, as mustard got in the face of the ladies that missed the bite. As this event was open to all bikes, a Triumph 650 was geared low enough to take the slow ride competition, maybe next year I’ll bring my brother’s Harley Davidson 125cc Rapido in for this event.

Raffle prizes galore as over 300 donations of goods and services were to be had. I particularly wanted the Chair and ottoman done Harley style; even the ottoman had highway pegs.

Lest we forget with all the fun we had that this event was held for a charitable cause. "Wings of Eagles" is the Joseph Alvarez Organization for seriously ill children founded in 1993. Over 400 families have been aided by over $600,000 raised over the years, and it is unfortunate that the weather we have had this year has affected the money raised during charitable events. Additional donations can be made to "Wings of Eagles" by calling Georgia Alvarez at 530-893-9231 or 530-228-2398. All donations are greatly appreciated.

As I rode home after this 503-mile day I was glad that I did not let the threat of rain ruin what turned out to be a great day to ride my Harley Davidson.
Non-Stop Nick

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