11TH Annual CBA Central District Poker Run

By: LincoLn infieLd

pril 10th wAs the dAte set for

the 11th Annual CBA Central District Spoker Run. They call it the Spoker Run since there are multiple starting points around the Piedmont area that all converge on one ending point for the party, like the spokes of a wheel. Each year a different chapter of the NC Concerned Bikers Association Central District hosts the end party of the Spoker Run, this year it was Chatham County’s turn and the ride ended at American Legion Post 305 in Snow Camp, NC.

The weather forecast was calling for rain just about all day, but all week long the rain percentages and time had been all over the place. I was determined that I was going on this ride and well, if I got wet, then so be it! The sky was a bit threatening at times and I know that the Charlotte chapter ran through a little rain, but in Snow Camp, it was a beautiful day and the different chapters arrived at the American Legion, ready to have a good time. The chow line was a hit with hot dogs with the fixin’s, potatoes, cookies and more. Once everyone had a bite to eat, we did what bikers do best; lean on bikes and shoot the shit. There was a little bit of ribbing, some tall tales, and a bunch of jokes. Inside the Legion, Lance Key was strumming the guitar and keeping everyone’s toes tapping.

After a bit, Mike Morris called everyone inside to go over the day’s winners. Each chapter of the CBA that participated in the Spoker Run had a winning hand for their chapter and plaque for the winner. Liz Rocafuerte from Alamance County, Pamela L. from Chatham County, Sue Everhardt from Davidson County. and Josh Needham from the Charlotte chapter all won their respective best hand plaques. The Charlotte chapter had an extra $100 thrown in on their best hand as well! The Charlotte chapter got the prize for the most participation as well. Now check this out, everyone that played a poker hand got a big red ticket for the $500 grand prize. It didn’t matter if you pulled a bunch of crappy cards, like I did, you still had a shot at the cash! The ticket was pulled, the numbers called and there was a grunt from everyone who didn’t have that winning ticket. Josh Needham, however, was wearing a big grin and his day’s winnings went up to $600, congrats Josh! The 50/50 ticket was pulled next, and Bob Loftus walked off with $110 bucks! The cash was all handed out, but there was a huge Chinese raffle going on as well. You could win a handful of knives, mini crossbow, ammunition, leather goods and a whole lot more. I had my eye on that pile of knives, but it just wasn’t my day.

The day was getting on and the weather map showed that a line of storms was moving in, so everyone said their good byes and set off on their way home. I enjoyed the beautiful countryside for a dry 45 mile ride home. It was the crown on a great day, one of those days that was a gamble on the weather and the feeling that comes along with knowledge that we won this bet. Big thanks to the Chatham County Chapter of the Concerned Bikers Association for hosting this year’s event.