Written by: Greg Mathes ( Club Coordinator )
Photography by: Carlos Guerrero (Club Photographer)

Members,

The Poker Run benefiting the American Red Cross was a great ride that will be hard to beat.

We met at Rick Case Honda Powerhouse on Sunday, November 10th. A cool crisp morning with a bright morning sun greeted riders. And riders we had, I am not sure of the exact count, but over 20 members total attended this event!

We had several new faces and many faces from last year’s Smokey Mountain trip were there. Welcome back Martin! It was great seeing you again. 7am is early, but it paid off in the end. During the safety briefing, I mentioned that those riders on sport bikes could peel away from us slower folks if they chose to. Some members did, it was a sight to see them pull away from us. It always amazes me the power of some of these bikes. Just remember, always ride within your abilities.

Pulling out from the dealership we headed west on Griffin Road and north on US-27. Some other members joined in with us here. I would guess there were 23-25 motorcycles. We decided to stay in a single group since it was a straight run up the road and so early in the morning.

I had already coordinated with the Clewiston Inn for our arrival. They had a long table waiting for us and the buffet was all set up. Since it was a little chilly riding through the sugar fields, coffee was the served first followed by a fulfilling breakfast.

Time was catching up on us and it was not long until we needed to leave. Before I left, the hotel manager wanted to talk with me. What had we done that she needed to talk with me? It seems that the hotel is looking for ways to drum up business and they realize that motorcyclists could be in their future. We discussed different ideas: comedy nights, theme dinner parties, etc. I told her that some of us might be interested in doing a Murder Mystery Dinner (please, not my murder). I told her I would contact her after the Ride for Kids event and discuss a ride date.

By the time I got back to my bike, everyone else was gone. Not to worry though, we had decided at the table to all go get gas and meet at the start point up the street.

Registration went fast. The Gold Coast Honda Rider’s Club was the largest represented club in attendance. Thanks guys for helping out. We were provided with maps and for some reason I ended up being in the lead. If I can program a simple address into my GPS, I can 8 out of 10 times find the destination. Our stops did not have an address, so I ended up relying on my wife, Jo-Ann as navigator.

Please read that last sentence again. It is very important for our first stop. We are heading counterclockwise around the lake. The first stop was approximately 42 miles from the start point. I programmed the destination’s name, some Fish Camp, into my GPS so I felt confident. The sun was rising and the temperature along with it. I had my bikes intercom turned off enjoying the solitude. Suddenly I hear a horn blowing and look in my rearview mirror to only see a couple bikes. What has happened? We circle back (every member of our club should be well versed in making U-turns if I am leading) thinking the worst. We come upon everyone at a fish camp I passed right by. My GPS said the fish camp was still 15 miles, but apparently not the one we were suppose to stop at! After parking my bike, my wife makes the statement, “that was a nice nap”. My navigator had been sleeping on me.

Lots of laughs, draw a card and then off again. The next stop was a little easier to find. Luckily a member had been here a week before and volunteered to take the lead. R.J. Gators was stop number 2. In and out as we were running a little late.

Stop three was at the Indian Casino on the northwest side of the lake. After drawing a card, you were presented with a free $20.00 card for the electronic poker. I never have any luck with these things and my card was promptly reduced to zero in a very short time. One member, sorry I forgot who, won around $75.00.

Fourth and fifth stops came and went. We returned to the start point. No one in our club could come close to the posted winning hand: full house with Aces high!

Lunch was provided, BBQ chicken with all the fixings and many door prizes. Each rider was given an electronic poker game to be played on the home T.V. Ron S. won the award for best Tattoos. Xavier and I won gift cards for $50.00 at Greater Yamaha. I wonder if they sell any Gold Wing accessories.

Jo-Ann and I had to return to Davie before 3:30pm, so as soon as we finished lunch, we said our goodbyes and left. The rest of the membership followed after the awards presentation. Thanks Ken for bringing me my gift card.

I think we ended up around 350 miles for the day. The weather and camaraderie was excellent.

Upcoming rides will be the Toy Run on Sunday, December 9th. I will post information for meeting point and departure time later this week.

Ride Safe,

Greg Mathes
Club Coordinator
Gold Coast Honda Rider’s Club
Jgmathes@bellsouth.net