The Non Poker Run
We had a hankerin' to do a Poker Run. The tough part was finding one on the weekend we had
available. I checked the two spots I know of online that track that sort of thing for Central Florida riders: the ABATE web site and of course, our own Coastal Cruizin' site. It was a frustrating search. A thorough check of those resources
produced one option, and it didn't exactly reach out and grab me. Glancing through the newspaper, I found another one. It was a little far away, down in Melbourne, but I liked the fact that it would benefit the Brevard Sharing Centers. (I've
had a little bit of experience with them, and I can't say enough about the great work they do for people in need.) The trouble was, I didn't see the article in the paper until 10:00, and the last bike out was supposed to be at 11:00. There was
no way I was going to be able to get the gang together and make it down there in time for the ride. Dang. I hate when that happens. That left only the run I found on the ABATE site. It was billed as a Poker Run for those who hate Poker
Runs. Like I said, it didn't exactly leap out and grab me. The concept was odd: there were no designated stops. No map, no route, no plan. Just ride where you want and show up at the end by 3:00 and draw all five cards at once. On the
one hand, I admire the concept, because it's so different. It appeals to the rebel in me. On the other hand, I happen to like Poker Runs. I like the idea of a group of folks following a route, meeting up at different places and comparing cards
as the day progresses. Anything less than that isn't a Poker Run, it's a benefit. (Not that there's anything wrong with that. Benefits are good too.) Being the only game in town, so to speak, we decided to give it a shot. My son
came over with his wife and one of their friends and we all headed out, cruising to some of our favorite spots. It was a gorgeous, hot day and we avoided the rain clouds and the Sunday drivers, for the most part. We putted through Rockledge,
then down US-1 and back up River Road, to Cocoa. It's a familiar route, but always a fun one. Not long after 2:00, we got to our absolute favorite watering hole, Island Breakers on Merritt Island. (See the September 2008 issue of Coastal
Cruizin' for a complete and very well written review.) We sat there for a while and as we contemplated the nature of the Non Poker Run, we decided that in addition to going without a planned route and designated stops, we'd keep up that
rebellious spirit and skip the last stop too. So for us, it really was a Non Poker Run, but that's all right. It was still a good afternoon for a ride, with good company and good stops along the way. And when it comes right down
to it, that's a good day.
