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“Soldier Down” Benefit Poker Run, March 5, 2005
The first run of the season….well, maybe not the first, but the first run that many bikers could get into and excited about. The sun was shining!!! What a first! All we had seen, for what seemed like an eternity…was rain, rain and more rain! There was no safe riding for us in the foothills of the Sierra’s. Snow could still be seen on some roads and hail was no strange visitor either.
Ron and I got the bike out and as usual, it was spit shined to perfection. We dusted off our leather duds and polished our boots and then waited for our friends to pick us up along side Highway 20 going towards Marysville. It was something we had looked forward to all week. Ron can actually get sorta grouchy, when he can’t get on his bike and ride. So as you can imagine, I pray for the sun to shine. And as I expected, he was up and ready long before I was.
I was excited to attend this run, as my editor had written to me, asking about a group of bikers that had contacted him, called the United Bikers of Northern California. They had made a special request of us for a group of soldiers and although I didn’t know them personally, I had heard of them and they seemed like a good group of people. So, today was a special day, not just because this was a long awaited ride (in good weather), but it was also an event sponsored by The United Bikers of Northern California and I would be able to meet them up close and personal.
As we pulled into the parking lot of Suzie Q’s (where I am told, bikers began arriving at 7:30 am), we were greeted by many long lost friends due to the bitterness of winter. Out of all the people that were in the registration line and those that were just standing around socializing, one funny and animated crazy woman stood out in this crowd of black leather. I had no idea who she was, but she was definitely someone I wanted to know. But that would have to wait. I needed to find the person in charge, so I could get the scoop on this fundraiser. I approached a group of United Biker Volunteers and asked, who was in charge. Everyone pointed out Liz…and wouldn’t ya know….it was that funny, animated woman. Liz was “Crazy Liz”, the one person that stood out in this large crowd. And although she was in charge, she acted like this was any other day, relaxed and at ease with herself. She was kind enough to spend time with me, but I felt I would be taking her away from an important job. I wanted to give her a break from the thousands of times she would hear her name being called, so I told her I would give her a call, later.
From there, we were off to the second stop… Costless Discount Store on N. Beale Road in Marysville. I started the day out just great! I had two high cards, and I was on my way to a very positive hand, and grabbed a donut to boot. I stuffed the donut in my mouth, as I heard the roar of several engines and realizing that no one ever waits for me, I began to move very quickly. I was half dressed as Ron, began to pull out, donut hanging out of my mouth, fumbling with the zipper of my jacket while trying to get my gloves on. I almost choked on the piece of donut that was half chewed as I threw my leg over the seat. Finally situated, I gulped the rest of the donut and we pulled out of the parking lot.
This time we were off to a more scenic route and we could fulfill our need for speed on the open road and out of the city limits. We ended up at a country corner bar and restaurant called the Driftwood Inn, in Smartsville, where bikes were backing up, as riders and passengers came and left or took a minute to socialize again, in this very packed parking lot. But, unfortunately for me (which is not unusual), my poker hand began to go downhill, as I drew a low card. I walked outside mumbling something like “I never win!” but as I looked at the long line of bikers who came out to enjoy the day; I realized how very lucky we all were…just to be here. It was beautiful outside and as I looked around at the smiles on these rosy-cheeked faces, it was obvious that the start of the season had begun and my poker hand surely wasn’t the real reason I came out here.
The next stop along the poker path was the Brownsville Bar, next to a small country Post Office and a few old buildings out of the pages of history. Once again, I was in my absolute favorite element. I looked across the street and found a lone biker, sitting in front of a very old historical looking building with his best friend…his bike, just watching the enter rouge of bikes, as they parked along the road. I am sure he was feeling what we all felt…that special feeling that comes with riding these old country back roads in the foothills of the Sierra’s. I spent time, taking pictures of all kinds of people (including a birthday boy and his dad) and even stopped to introduce myself to a few of the club member’s that were present. I spoke to Grumbles, who is the founder of the “Sisters of Scota Women's Motorcycle Club” for a few minutes. (Another very busy lady!!) Never having enough time to talk…we made a date to meet once again, in Laughlin at the River Run. I later found out “Sister’s of Scota” won the “Club Participation Award” for this Soldier’s Down Event.
Later, as we returned to Marysville, we ended up in the main part of town, where once again, history unfolds through a time warp, as your bike turns the corner from today to yester-year. Brick buildings stand straight and bold and in perfect condition as though they had never weathered 100 years. Brightly colored tanks and murals with polished chrome mirrored the reflection of the sun’s rays bouncing off the long line of parked bikes that surrounded this historical town’s streets and parking lots. As I took pictures of the street, and the towns guests, I estimated about 800 to 1,000 people must have come out in support of this event.
I might add, that at the end of the poker run, the day was really just getting started. The Opening Ceremonies were performed by the Air Force Jr. R.O.T.C. of Linda / Marysville California and then we heard a great big voice come out of a little body (Pinkie) who brought the meanest looking and toughest guys to a tear or a the very least, a somber face, as she belted out the “Star Spangled Banner”. It is amazing to me, each and every time I see it, but as many times as I have witnessed the heart of the biker’s in our community, I am still…so very moved.
I followed the music provided by the Flying Bridge Band, into the final stop where I could hopefully get some food as I was starving by this time. I found a dark restaurant called the Silver Dollar where most bikers congregated, and ran into several friends where I felt comfortable resting and getting a bite to eat. People in black leather jackets were, once again, gathered together, peacefully and happy to support a good cause.
Although, we all had a great time on a well organized, poker run, I knew the real reason for the successful turnout today. The Biker Community places special emphasis on patriotism. We are Americans….loyal and true. And any chance we get to show our patriotism, we do. Today was about soldiers who devote their lives to protecting our Country. And today we were supporting soldiers who had suffered injuries…. so that we can be free to do what we do.
This event was conceived back in December with a letter from the Armed Forces in Germany at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. They had just received 500 wounded troops from Iraq, and more were arriving each day. When these soldiers arrived, their clothes were tattered, torn and bloody. Since supplies are limited, the BX does not have the ability to keep clothing and supplies on hand. The soldiers, once recovered must take a bus to get clean clothing and supplies. Reading the request, the United Bikers of Northern California (U.B.N.C.) Yuba / Sutter Chapter decided they could help! They said, they knew they could put something together quickly. And at the end of this special day… they had raised $7,000.00 for supplies for the soldiers. (That did not include the articles of clothing that were donated by bikers and community members). Fed Ex donated the cost of shipping the items donated, over to the soldiers. Now, that is what I call, a very cool donation and a great event, planned in just three months. That has got to be a special blessing from God and a lot of support from our biker community.
I tried many times to get a statement from Crazy Liz, but as we played phone tag, and emailed each other, I could tell how busy she was and finally got the rest of my information from Lynne Mello, their Historian. Thanks Lynne for all your help!
This made me come to the realization, that those of us, who devote our time to charitable events, usually work long, hard hours at a regular job, yet we make time to take on these events because we know how important they are. I just want to thank those of you, who lead charitable organizations such as United Bikers of Northern California, and all the other charitable clubs for your hard work and dedication to your cause. It is always an honor for Quick Throttle Magazine to be part of your event.
This event, sponsored by the United Biker’s of Northern California was one of many successful charitable events to come, but was a great start to a long season of great riding!
~Babydoll
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