2nd Annual St. Jude Poker Run – Eatonton, Georgia

St. Jude Children's Hospital is one of the largest childhood cancer research centers in the world for patients enrolled on a research study protocol. St. Jude opened back in 1962 in Memphis with the help of the entertainer Danny Thomas. ALSAC (American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities) helps find different ways of funding the hospital. This way the family doesn't have to pay for lodging and meals for one parent. The child also receives medical treatment at no cost. The 2,800 dedicated employees work in their various occupations to find a cure. The Road Captain gave a safety talk on what to do and watch out for during the ride. When time came to make the ride, Terry Coker of Eatonton gave a short talk to all the riders and led the group in a word of prayer. The 85 bikes headed west on Hwy 44 out of Oconee Motorsports to Harmony Road. The bikers then turned right on Hwy 441 and rode north to Madison for their first stop. At Twisted Throttle Chopper the bikers drew their first poker card. I was walking up the ramp to go into the shop and a line was forming out the door. I thought it was the line to get into the shop. I found later it was the restroom line. This was just after a 20-mile ride and no beer had been consumed from the beginning of the run. Maybe it was all the coffee and donuts that were furnished back at the Oconee Motorsports while waiting on the Savannah riders to arrive.

The bikers saddled up and rode south on Hwy 441 to Rock Eagle 4-H Camp to draw their second card. The riders stayed on Hwy 441 to P J's Bar & Grill in Milledgeville. The city of Milledgeville was the old state capitol of Georgia when it first became a state. Milledgeville is another little college town deep in history that would be a nice place to tour.

After having something to drink and another pit stop, everyone then headed north on Hwy 441 to Pea Ridge Road. This 20-mile part of the ride took the motorcyclists through the back roads of Baldwin County. This segment of the road has many new homes which were built in the last 11 months. The riders ended the poker run at Shuckers Bar & Grill. This seafood restaurant is located in the Lake Oconee area of the lake. For many of the 150 riders this was their first visit to Lake Oconee. They were amazed to see the growth of this section of the lake. Five years ago this area was just about all woods and fields. I would to thank the Putnam, Morgan, and Baldwin County Sheriff's Departments for the escorted ride.

It was time to find out who won the poker run and give away some prizes. I found a spot in the corner of the room so I could see what was going to take place. I could hear the bikers talk about the ride they had through the three counties. This turned out to be a great day to be on your bike and enjoy the warm air and sun. I have traveled these road many times looking for the places were they filmed the movie, "My Cousin Vinny." This movie is one of my favorite films. I have ridden to Monticello to see the town square and the courthouse where part of the movie was filmed.

I found out the winner of the best poker hand was Jean and Mike Lee of Loganville. I did not get the name of biker that won $200 for the worst hand, if you call that a losing hand. There were many awesome door prizes and things auctioned off during the day. What I liked about this poker run is if you did not win a door prize you still received a hat, a key chain, coffee cup or a bandana to take home.

Something I found interesting is when they auctioned off a print by Stan J. Strickland, an artist from Milledgeville, Stan was born in south Georgia and was the oldest of nine children. His career as an artist covers more than 40 years. Five of his paintings are on board the U.S.S. Carl Vinson, the world's largest aircraft carrier, and on the U.S.S. Georgia, a trident submarine. When it came time to auction a print of an old antebellum home, the bidding came fast. Ronnie, the auctioneer, started the bid off at $20. When the bidding quieted down, James and Gail Roberson's of Milledgeville outbid everyone for this print and $260 went to St. Jude Hospital.

Darlene Brantley, the 1st officer of the Oconee chapter, and other members of Southern Cruisers had a very successful event. The 2nd Annual St. Jude Poker Run is their main project along with yard sales and other fundraisers. They had the help of many sponsors and riders who rode in the poker run. Everyone was ecstatic that the riding club had raised more than $3,500 for the research center. The club had set a goal of $10,000 which they were going to deliver to the hospital personally during the Southern Cruisers National Rally in Memphis later this year. I was happy to find out they met their goal long ago. There will be some happy bikers on their way to Tennessee.

Story and photos by Tommy Pittard