 By the start of the run, the numbers had grown from a little over 100 early registrants to 250 riders. It all began with a Chamber of Commerce-perfect morning. Imagine the electricity in the air as 250 rumbling bikes and their riders started their engines and set out on the 96-mile course with four stops to pick up the cards for the poker hand (the last card was obtained at the end of the run). From all accounts, the bikes performed well, the riders were on top of it all, and the course provided a firsthand look at the beauty of the surrounding areas that we have all come to love. One of the very best parts….it was an injury-free ride!
 Greasewood Flat in North Scottsdale hosted the after-ride activities with a choice of beverages and some of the best hamburgers in town. Liberty Wildlife's educational ambassadors wowed the entire venue with their message of conservation and made the event not only fun but educational in nature. The best poker hand was four 8s….hard to beat. The silent auction was hot and heavy. The raffle was a thrill for those who won. The highlight of the event was the release of a red-tailed hawk that had come in to the facility with a head injury, ironically the same kind of injury that bikers often suffer. Lori Healy released the rehabilitated bird on behalf of the presenting sponsor, Chester's Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It sprang into the air, lifted its body skyward and was soon a speck in the sky….no doubt happy to be home.
Everything was perfect. The ride passed the test and will be repeated next spring, once again presented by Chester's, whom we owe our greatest gratitude.
|
