2007 Winter Poker Run
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The First Annual Muscular Dystrophy Poker Run has come and gone. Having a small weather problem in the morning did not dampen the spirit of the event, as about one hundred participants braved the weather. People from all over came to help the cause, from Toronto, Brockville, Alexandria, Québec and many more from the area. I would like say one more thing before I continue with this article. It was great to have the Labonté Family on hand, especially Guillaume, my little Yamaha buddy, who left a real warm spot in my heart from the first time I met him. I hope this event will continue and get stronger in years to come because it is for a great cause. To begin a great big thank you to the Club Optimiste d'Hammond as well as Sylvain and Sylvie Couturier for their awesome help in organizing this event. Let's not forget all the hard work our volunteers have done in the organization of this poker run, without them, it would not have happened. I would also like to thank our sponsors that helped make this event possible, Location Action Rental Inc., Forêt Larose Sports Bar, Rockland Marine and Equipment and Allan Johnston Repairs and Sales. Also, special thanks to the checkpoints hosted by Motel Chaplain in Plantagenet, Forêt Larose Sports Bar in Bourget and Chez Philias in Hammond, and to the Ontario Provincial Police, Clarence-Rockland's by-law enforcement officers, trail wardens and finally to our prize sponsors: Mark's Auto and Cycle, Princess Auto, Canadian Auto Parts, Importations Thibault, Gamma Sales and Winner's Circle. There are so many people to thank and I hope that I did not forget anyone. Thanks again. The day began at the Bourget Community Centre with freezing rain coming down but everyone had a smile on their face, ATV's being unloaded and people getting ready to go. And, at the front of the pack, Sylvain and Guillaume are sitting in the rain on the Polaris Ranger … I don’t think any kind of weather could have stopped them. It was awesome to see all these people on their ATV ready to go. Every thing was a go and at 9:30 a.m. the run began. People made their way to St.-Pascal and everything was going great, till the route to Plantagenet. ATV’s there were getting stuck as the trail was terrible. What could we do? Then, a quick phone call to our friend, OPP Officer Luc Coté; Luc changed the route and away we went again. The next stop after Motel Champlain (Plantagenet) was the Forêt Larose Sports Bar (Bourget) for lunch, thanks to all who have helped. I would like to mention that the Forêt Larose Sports Bar graciously donated 10% of their sales from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. to the cause. Things are then rolling again and the next stop is in the middle of the forest (Larose Forest), a beautiful place beside a lake where people just stop to enjoy the scenery. This is stop number 4 and it is my favourite spot in the forest. Things are going great. Next stop is at Chez Philias near Hammond. Everyone gets their card and enjoys the hospitality of the Chez Philias’ crew and away we go again. Final stop is at the Bourget Community Centre, things are great and everyone is accounted for, the ride is complete. Everyone is inside the centre ready for supper, which was catered by Cuisine Benson from Casselman, “great Job” as the food was excellent. Prizes were given out, and for the best hand, the winner was Éric Lavergne.He took home a dinner for two at the Rideau Carleton Raceway. The night was followed by a dance featuring a band called Timber Wolfe. The best part of the night was the donation to Muscular Dystrophy Canada. How did we do? No problems here, we ATVer’s, have a giving heart. Here we go, yes, $1,850 to The Muscular Dystrophy Association and $1,087 to the ATV Club awesome. What can you say, nothing, I can’t say anymore. Until next year, |
