Drive It Like You Stole It Poker Run at Reflections

I had to check this one out!  Personally I have never been on a Poker Run, so I was not sure what to expect at all, however, this was a Ronald McDonald House charity event so I had to go.

Let me tell you folks my thoughts on the charity they chose first, I think it was absolutely awesome.  My family has had personal dealings with this organization a long time ago.  My nephew became extremely ill at 1 year of age, and my sister in law (at that time was my brothers new girlfriend) did not have much money at all, and this organization stepped in to help her care for this child.  He remained there until his passing (which was way too young), but they treated him and the other children there as if they were their own.  I have to say that as a parent, I am happy to know that there is such an organization out there that really does love and care for terminal children!

That being said (can you tell it hit a soft spot on me), I want to tell you about this event!  A local motorcycle club, The Predators, and Reflections hosted this event together.  When I first walked in, there was leather as far as the eye could see (not in a kinky way .. although I guess it could be .. lol).  There were representatives and bikers from several of the local motorcycle groups that were there signing up for this run.  Since I had never gone on a "Poker Run", I had to get some information on it, which John (President of the Predators) was happy to give, and so now I am passing it on to you!

The concept of a poker run is that you begin at one venue, and there is a route that is given when you sign up here to go to other venues along the way.  At each venue that you stop at, you are given a poker card, and once you return to the beginning venue, you are given your final card.  At that time, you turn over your "hand" of poker to see what you have.  At a specified time (which you need to be back by), the person who picked up the best hand on the way wins!  Now I personally don't play poker, but this is fairly idiot proof, so I am game (no holding cards, drawing, its just blind luck).

One of my first questions after the actual run was explained to me, is "do I need to have a bike to do this run", and the answer is "No".  As long as you have a means to get to each location in the time allotted, your good to go!  I felt a little out of place at first (being one of the only ones without a vest), but everyone was very polite and friendly and I can not recall a time that I was sitting by myself without someone coming up and talking with me.  So if your a bit rocked back because you don't own a motorcycle and such, don't be, they are some of the best folks I have met so far in a club!

Now on this run, they did it a little differently for the run:  they made 2 other stops and then came back to Reflections where you drew all of your cards at once.  So the time came for everyone to begin the run .. down to the wire, I figured what the hell, I going for it!  So I get in my bad ass 4 cylinder car and rev up the hamsters to get them moving!  The bikes pull out of Reflections parking lot and we are off!!  First stop is Aww Shucks Oyster Bar, which I have never been too (but you can bet I am going back to review it).  We stayed there for about 30 minutes, where everyone was having a few beers or some oysters on the back patio .. then the call goes out "lets go"!  We continued down 231 to Hwy 14 and followed it into Tallassee to a Mexican Restaurant called Cozumel's.  It's here where everyone decided to grab a bit to eat, food was great, cheap, and in generous quantity .. perfect combination!!  After everyone was done eating and paying, its time to head back to Reflections.

The ride itself was amazing from my view.  I held the tail end (since I was in a car), and there is something about being behind 30 motorcycles roaring down the highway that is just awesome to see.  The only problem I had was that the hamsters didn't want to accelerate as fast as the bikes did, so I did find myself playing catchup a lot, HOWEVER, which ever bike was holding the traffic for the turns, always waited until I came through the turn as well before heading back into there place in the caravan (knowing I was following them in a car).  Although I was not on a bike for this run, I still felt like part of the run and a part of the group, which in itself is a GREAT feeling.  Now being in the car wasn't a complete disadvantage though .. I had air conditioning .. HAHAHA!!

As we pulled into Reflections, you immediately seen all the women who were on the back of the bikes uniformly dismount and rub their legs and butts out (it was quite comical really) as the bikes were being parked.  Hot, sweaty and a little sun kissed, everyone entered the venue for a cold drink and some cool air!  Once everyone recouped, and the burgers and dogs were being served, everyone began drawing their hands.  The winner of the poker run (I failed to get his name or club so if you know it, please comment so I can add), was so very generous that he donated his winnings back to the charity!!  There was also a raffle for a Ronald McDonald cake, and to up the "bounty" on this cake, the President (John) offered to donate his services:  "whomever won the cake cake would have the privilege of smearing it in his face", which immediately caused more sales (seemed like a really popular guy .. lol).  Even after the winner was drawn (Sweet Pea), the cake was so sought after, she was receiving bribes from other club members to sell it to them, which she did and donated the additional money back to the charity again!

It was really a great time, and was for a great charity, and although I was a little hesitant to participate in the beginning, I am so glad I did and wouldn't trade it for anything!  Absolutely FANTASTIC event, fabulous people, and down right damn good time!!  I also see that there was over $1,000.00 raised for the charity during this event .. GREAT JOB!!  I would encourage EVERYONE to check out one of these charity rides in the future, you definitely wont be disappointed!!