2008 SW Fallen Rider's Poker Run
written by Ed Photos by Dizzy
Well! it all came together, after some concerns regarding our coming success of the Poker Run
and the threatening weather forecast, but it all held out and the SWWA Chapter is happy to report that a donation of $1333 was presented to the Royal Flying Doctors Services.
We all are fully aware of the valuable service that the Royal Flying Doctors Services provides especially in the vast isolated areas, which recently one of our member has experienced, hopefully the RFDS will not be called upon again.
Hats off and thanks to our fellow Chapters for their support in making this event a success and ensuring the future of the Fallen Riders event.
The Perth Chapter arrived at the Bunbury South West Harley Shop to join the South West Chapter on the first leg to Pinjarra, unfortunately but not unexpectedly there was the one usual minor casualty (Snigger, snigger, say no more) meaning, back up vehicle driver Barron was fortunate to have a passenger on board, another ear to bend. Ha, Ha, Ha.
Poker stop at Pinjarra, Dick transferred to a Surly’s MGB sports to again experience the freedom and air in the hair, the stop went smoothly and after a few beverages, raffle prizes and the poker hand then to Dwellingup as the weather look to set in as heavy dark threatening rain filled clouds.
Next stop Boddington, an excellent meal and Bundaberg Rum donation, raffle prizes drawn, poker hands, beverages, beverages and beverages; the break in the weather dictated the time to mount the trusty steeds and off to Williams for the next poker hand, raffles prizes and beverage It seems enough was enough, don’t know who was annoying whom but Barron offloaded his beleaguered passenger to another vehicle in favour of Dick, the final ride from Williams was to Darkan Hotel.
Last to arrive at Darkan was the now famous powered trailed machine, this created much interest, much viewing, much documentation and well photographed, as we now well know why! The one-man band, Billy Neil got the locals and Patriots rocking, what a blast this set the night, the atmosphere encompassed by dimmed lights against Patriots Flags background. As the night rocked on, and it really did get moving, the Gambling Tables fired up, the barmaid got a lot of admirers (mum’s the word). At 24:00 hrs closing, to the bar, beverage stock up to accompany the rest of the night, 04:30 hrs the last of the revellers hit the sack.
Sunday morning and not that early just as the sun spiked the horizon it exposed the extent of damage, revellers strewn over the area, aliens slowly emerging from shelters, not the best sight for a start of a new day. Breakfast and coffee at Cath’s Café at the local service station adjacent the Darkan Hotel was the fix. Revellers slowly packed and departed, one unfortunate heavy headed reveller had to ride home bitch, it’s fortunate that the partner was again available to take command, must be an unusually good feeling to finally, actually experience being able to ride away from the Darkan Hotel (of course only due to good planning?)
Thanks again to all who participated, you make this a one great Hell -Offa night, to the people who could not attend sorry, but you really missed out.
Many thanks to Deb who soldiered away working tirelessly, at registration, pushing raffles tickets and being the general Girl Friday, without Deb’s input where would we be?
Last, but not least, appreciation and acceptance must be given to Dick, to the people who can really, really understand the effort (think about it), both mentally and physically to attend and support the Fallen Riders Run, yep! We breed ‘em tough at the South West Chapter!
The big winners are the Royal Flying Doctors Services, and it’s a great feeling when a plan comes together, especially without incidents.
Stay up right - Ride safe!
