The 19th Annual Edgar American Legion Post 248 Motorcycle Poker Run, hosted by the Edgar American Legion Riders Chapter (ALR), was Sunday, June 1. Motorcycles came into Edgar from all directions Sunday morning to participate.
The weather was perfect with the sun shining and the wind minimal for the 105 riders who registered.
The route took riders to small towns that some of the riders have never been to before. The businesses were contacted ahead of time to prepare for the blitz of riders, who offered food and drink to whet the appetite and quench the thirst.
The first destination on the route took riders through Shickley to stop and see the Veterans Memorial, continuing on to Friend with a stop at Rico’s Mexican Restaurant. The next stop on the route was Harbine at the Side Trek Bar & Grill. The next town was Alexandria at Bear-N-T’s Hideaway Café and Lounge. The final leg of the ride, with warm and fair weather, was back at the Edgar Legion.
The participants arrived back to a pulled pork meal and were given a chance to win door prizes.
One stop along the Edgar Legion Poker Run trail was at the Veterans Memorial in Shickley.
COURTESY PHOTO | CLAY COUNTY NEWS The door prizes were donated by members of the Edgar Legion Riders, as well as businesses and friends of the Legion.
Two of the 105 riders head out from the Edgar Legion Sunday morning, en route to various stops planned during the 19th annual Edgar ALR Chapter Poker Run. MELISSA WHITEFOOT | CLAY COUNTY NEWS
The scores were tallied. Veterans were recognized and applauded. Nebraska American Legion State Liason Mike Reimers of Central City spoke giving Edgar congratulations on running a nice Poker Run and encouraging all to support Legion Rider Chapters across the state. The event was over by 5 p.m. and riders could safely return home in the daylight.
Proceeds from the 50/50 are applied to the yearly donation Edgar ALR sends to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund. This Scholarship provides college funding to children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty, or those who have a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. Edgar has donated over $9,500.00 through the years to this worthwhile cause.
The following are the list of award winners:
• First place gold ring and plaque: Perry Ridgway, Fairfield; Second place silver ring and Plaque: Brittanie Simonsen, Hastings; and Third place bronze ring and Plaque: Megan Rumery, Milligan.
• Oldest Veteran for the 13th year: Larry Simpson, 84 years old, Superior.
• Youngest Veteran; Don Greever, 35 years old, Edgar.
• Longest distance to travel; Robert Hundt, Lincoln, 97 miles.
• Oldest Bike: Todd Otto, Fairfield, 1985 Yamaha Virago 700.
• 50/50: Joel Shuck, Exeter, donated winnings back to the Riders for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship.
Winners of the poker run, from left: Perry Ridgway, Brittanie Simonsen, Megan Rumery, Robert Hundt, Larry Simpson, Don Greever, and Todd Otto. Not pictured Joel Shuck. COURTESY PHOTO | CLAY COUNTY NEWS
Edgar American Legion Riders, in front from left: Kathy Moore, Brad Shuck, Pam Shuck, Gloria Ridgway, Don Greever, and Karen Shuck. Back row, from left: Denis Moore, Todd Wilson, Lynn Ridgway, Kalen Shuck, Todd Otto, and Dennis Shuck. COURTESY PHOTO | CLAY COUNTY NEWS
