February 14, 2010
We would like to thank all of the members that showed for this first ever Sweetheart Poker Run, this is the first time that the club has put on this run for it's members and we actually were surprised to see as many as we did due to the fact that valentines day is usually a lower turn out because couple were spending time together doing what couples do. It was also nice to see as many ladies on the run as we did enough in fact that it was almost 50/50 guy's and gals and we did have a lady leading the run and a lady as our sweep. The ladies put there heads together and came up with a route & an ending location. The ladies decided that they wanted to end the poker run in the town of Winters and eat at the Buckhorn. The route was going to be a nice one with temps expected to be in the mid 60"s compared to what it has been over the past few weeks that would be like summer weather. Today's run would take around Lake Berryessa via Hwy 12 to Calistoga Rd to the town of Calistoga but first we would take a break at Grahams potty stop. Lets back up just a bit now before our road trip began members who wanted to purchased their poker run sheets with hopes of ending the day with the highest hand and taking some cash home with them also the Ride For Kids would also be a winner regardless who had the highest hand because half the pot went to the RFK. Members lined up it hopes of pulling a high card for their first pull and some were very happy with the results and some like myself who pulled a lower card was just happy being out in the sun on my bike.
Once we got through the first round it was time to get the group moving and as previously mentioned our first stop on our journey was to be Calistoga at Grahams stop so that we could get rid of some of that coffee we had downed and of course to draw our 2ND card. As per the norm once we got over the hill and closer to Calistoga the sun came out and the temps were warming up fast we got to our 2ND stop without any issues and got parked and boy it was time to shed some winter gear, wow did that feel good not having to ride around like the Alaskan Explorers. We got the group together a drew our 2ND card at this point the guy's didn't seem to happy with the cards they were getting but the ladies were all smiles, I would think so since I saw one draw an Ace at the first draw then draw a King on the next draw is it me or does there seem to be a pattern here. Before I forget there was a real treat for us on this run it wouldn't be so special stopping at Grahams potty stop unless Graham was on the ride and he was it was great to see him join us on a run it has been awhile and he has been missed. After we had the second draw out of the way it was time to continue on down the road, for the next leg of the run we took Silverado Trail to Hwy 128 and followed the awesome drive around the lake and had another stop and our 3rd card draw at a little deli at the South East side of the lake.
We got the 3rd draw out of the way and still my cards sucked as did most of the guy's but the ladies on the other hand were all smiles, I think something was going on we just couldn't prove it, oh well no matter the Sun was shinning and there were bikes everywhere what a great day for a ride. We continued down Hwy 128 zipping around the curves and just having a blast, we eventually made our way to the town of winters, and got parked, took of what remaining cold weather gear we had because the temps were still climbing and we made our way over to the Buckhorn which wasn't opened yet but since we were hungry and wanted to eat ASAP we opted to eat at the Putah Creek Cafe, we put our name in it did take about 20 minutes to get in and seated but it was worth it, now Rosalie who had to cut out a bit earlier left her poker hand in good hands with Shirleen Perry her actually ended up drawing the winning hand with not one but two pair and Rosalie had given instructions that if her hand had won to donate it all to the Ride For kids, now is that awesome or what, I tell you that the Redwood Riders has some of the best and most generous motorcyclist anywhere period. The winning hand won a total of $70.00 for the ride for kids not bad at all for a couple hour ride.
After the poker hand was picked and we went in and got seated we had a great meal and some fun conversation while we enjoyed our grub. After lunch members knowing that with us still being in the winter months and there being no guarantee of good weather for the next ride opted to take the long way home, the return route would take us from Winters down Hwy 505 to Hwy 16 past Cash Creek Casino then over to Hwy 20 on into Lake County, then through Middletown and eventually back home, it did take us a bit longer than anticipated about 2 hours but let me tell you the ride around clear lake which was almost dead calm was spectacular even as the sun was on the downward it still was one heck of a ride day, I think if we do that run again now I know that Hwy 53 is a tad quicker then following the lake around to Hwy 29 but it is not nearly a beautiful. I would like to thank the members that stuck it out all the way to the end and a big thank you to Rosalie who ended up being the big winner of the day with some help from Shirleen and of course the Ride For Kids who will reap the rewards from our efforts but truly it was us that got to do the run who really were the big winners of the day thanks to all of you who attended.
Tours & Events Director / Information Officer
Redwood Riders M.C
24hr HOT LINE 707-568-7745