Sunday, September 30, 2007

West Unity American Legion Poker Run

I decided to participate in a Poker Run in west Unity, with proceeds going to "Operation Support our Troops". Decided to ride up to Napolean Ohio on Friday night after work, and got a room at the Best Western just off Route 6. Beautiful hotel with pool and hot tub, sharing a parking lot with a TA (truck stop).

Saturday morning, I got to the American Legion about 1/2 hour early. There were 50 or more bikes at the Poker Run. Mostly Harleys, but a few Goldwings and at least one Nomad (mine!). Everyone was standing around, looking at the bikes. After asking where to register, I went inside, stood in line, paid my bucks for the charity, and then went back outside.

My favorite bike, was a well worn, Krylon painted Harley. Owner has a GREAT sense of humor that comes through in his bike and in this pic below.

On the Poker Run itself, we all were pretty much free to run the course at our own pace, and stop whereever we wanted. I stopped for a sandwich at a Subway in Napolean near the hotel I was staying. There was a Harley Stealership there. Decided to stop in just to see what they had. What a great find! About 25% of their shop was a street mock up, housing antiques from Harley Davidson. Cool!! Here is a picture.

Finally got back to the Legion at about 3pm. Asked Alma to sew a few patches for me on my jacket. We have tried to meet for all summer, and it was great finally meeting Alma and hubby Wendell. Everyone congregated in the Legion hall for pop and food after the run, and had the poker drawings and various raffles. What a great time it was! They raised almost $2,000 for "Operation Support our Troops". What a wonderful way to mix a great day for a bike ride with support for a great Charity.

Sunday, I decided to head out to Hudson Leathers, pick up some pin holders, and socialize with other riders who decided to go there as well. On the way home, after a 100 miles or so, I stopped at a rural truckstop for a drink of water and a stretch.

But all good things must come to an end. 475 miles in two days. Home safe and sound. Kids loved their gifts from the Harley store. Another great weekend. I truly am blessed. Here is a map of all the places I ran around.

Friday, September 28, 2007

On the run up...



On my way to the Poker Run, I ran across the "Green Mountain Energy Windfarm" just south of Bowling Green, Ohio. How cool is this! From the website:
"Nov. 2003 — The AMP-Ohio/Green Mountain Energy Wind Farm — Bowling Green, Ohio. The first utility-scale wind farm in the state of Ohio, this wind farm originally consisted of two 1.8 MW wind turbines, the largest east of the Rockies. The capacity was doubled in 2004 when two more turbines were added. "

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Been awhile...

For the last few weeks, I have been under the weather and unable to do riding. But things are back in synch and I am ready to go! And just in time for a poker run. This weekend, participating in a small run in NW Ohio. Should be a hoot. Hopefully will get up to Hudson Leathers as well.