2010 Fallen Warriors Memorial, Part Three - The Poker Run

After the stirring ceremonies, it was time to fire up the bikes and head into the hills for the poker run. And what a glorious day for a ride! We’ve had the coolest and wettest Spring I can remember in the valley and foothills over the past 20 years. In 2010, a blue-sky Saturday has not been a given, but a gift, for a motorcycle rider. This day was a gift indeed.

 

We rolled south on Latrobe Road in groups large and small. I was accompanied by Nor-Cal Triumph Rider Group member Stan Kromfols astride his Honda Valkyrie and we rode a respectable but brisk pace on our sport-oriented steeds. First stop (but second card draw) was the Fire Station in Sutter Creek.

 

Next leg was a real treat, winding our way out of Plymouth through the back roads of Amador Wine Country. Third card draw was at the Karmere Winery on Shenandoah Road. I’d never been to Karmere before, it was quite the aesthetic and serene setting, so much so that I plan to go back and try their wines. If you do also, please tell them you appreciate their support of the FWM.

 

We left Karmere and headed through one of my favorite little communities, River Pines, on our way to Pleasant Valley and Bones Roadhouse for our fourth card draw. Bones is a popular foothills watering hole for bikers of all stripe and they even host a couple events per year in their parking lot to raise money for the SPCA. Just before Stan and I prepared to roll, a whole pack of V-Twin earth shakers rolled out, seen (and heard) here:

 

 

The route weaved along Pleasant Valley, Mother Lode and Greenstone roads, where it hooked us up to Highway 50 West and back to FWM headquarters at the El Dorado Hills Town Center. We made our last card draw in the parking lot, but my hand was nowhere near the full house that was standing tall. C’est la vie. Stan and I cashed in our coupons for a free lunch at Mama Anne’s café and then walked around admiring the custom motorcycles and cars.

 

Moving the FWM to the EDH Town Center was a great idea. It gave the event a certain class and style not achievable in a super market parking lot. Hats off to John Cordova and the entire FWM staff for putting on a first class event that remains true to a cause we can all support. Already looking forward to next year’s event…

 

Until next time, stay tuned and upright,

Jack