ABATE Old Timers Poker Run

August 9, 2003

After being away from the club for over a month due to our cross country ride, you can see at www.isinthe.us, we decided we should get out there and say hello to the other club members. So, even though Karen’s foot was bothering her, and I just wanted to take it easy, we rode to the restaurant for breakfast. We were a little surprised that only 3 other members showed up. Still, as is our custom, with the exception of Karen who decided to save her foot the trouble, we went on the ride. We started at the American Legion Post in Buena Park where we registered, got our T-shorts, goodie packet, and map, then ran the poker run route. The directions were a little off, but it make it interesting to navigate and we all had a ball laughing at each other as different groups made different wrong turns. I think everyone eventually made it to all the stops in plenty of time for a great lunch and some door prizes. Then the games began. I don’t know exactly what it is about the weenie ride contest that makes everyone want to watch, but there we were, laughing and giggling as the girls managed to smear the mustard on their faces and in their hair. One rider even tried to do it solo and we found out why that was not such a good idea. We all took a little break from the sun and went into the air conditioning again to listen to some live music. Then it was back outside again for the slllooooww races. It is just amazing how silly we are able to make ourselves look in a race like this, but it’s what we do best. After the slow races were over, we adjourned to the air conditioning again, tough call, to pass out the trophies, the plaques, and the rest of the raffle prizes, and some more music. Then of course the required 50/50 that all were waiting for. To top off the day, I had left my key in the ignition and turned on, something I never do and my battery was dead. But in the spirit, I was pushed several times, before giving up and using cables. There is always seems to be several someones to get you going. Considering I had not really wanted to go out in the sun, we all had a great time. So if you are reading this story, remember, if we go out to ride, how can we have a better time than riding on a beautiful day enjoying each others company. It just doesn’t get much better than this. And I speak from experience, after all, I just tried it in 37 states. This is one of the best. For those of you who missed this one, I can only say, we missed you to. Hope to see you next ride. Till then, I’ll see you on the byways…