GOE XIX, Day 6: Games, Poker Ride and a Poolside Banquet
Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
Wednesday Morning already of the rally, first on the schedule: Biker Games! Before that was a trip to get Dunkin Donuts. They were had at the picnic tables outside our hotel door, and we had company. As things started up for the Biker Games, Kasey wasn't feeling well, so I missed most of the games up in the room with her. I did see my brother compete for the first time in the slow ride, but he didn't make it past his first round. Neither have I. We did have an addition, a Trike Only Game of joust.
Next on tap was the Ralph Barnard Memorial Poker Run. It is a fixture of our Gathering, and has been for nearly 15 years. Hard to believe it has been almost that long since I was able to share the road with Ralph. I didn't know him nearly long enough.
We exited the hotel, and started north on Interstate 87. It was only for a few miles, then an exit to head east on State Road 149. At Fort Ann, we took SR 4 north. Near Whitehall, we veered off onto SR 22, to continue north. We kept our way north through the park. We did have one fuel/rest stop. It gave me a chance to check to make sure the GoPro was still working.
Before the next stop, the one for lunch, we would be on State Route 9N, heading south, and long the lake. We had passed through Ticonderoga on Mountcalm Street. Like with any group ride, most of the danger is when you start and when you stop. The parking lot across the street from the restaurant was gravel featuring a slight incline at its entrance. Sure enough, we had someone do an ease over. No harm, and the bike got righted, and then rolled into a parking spot.
I heard that only about 40 said they were going to Poker Run Lunch. The weather was awesome, and I think everyone at the rally came along, we were 80 strong. To say we filled up the eatery is understatement. We were able to get seated, waited on, and fed, so all is good. I even had a moment to capture a photo.
Leaving for the last leg was smoother, and made our way back down State Route 9N. At the south end of the Lake, we pulled off into Mount Prospect Park. After paying at the gate, we wound the road through the park up to the summit. For some reason, motorcycles and the tour buses are all that is allowed.
Coming down the mount was more of a coast, with the engine providing the braking, and popping off a few "shots". SR 9N was only part of the route for a short distance. The rest was along the Interstate. On the ramp, we pulled up next to Kevin and Virginia and decided to peel off from the group, and head to get gas, and a sweet treat or two at Ambrosia. I guess they had some regional treats that just couldn't be ignored.
Dinner and the rest of the evening was all about the Banquet. Awards were given, announcements made, and then food and dancing followed. All of this taking place by the pool. I think this was a first, and it was actually quite nice. The pool was blocked off, and no one was in their suits. Maybe we should plan for something like this in the future?
Wednesday Morning already of the rally, first on the schedule: Biker Games! Before that was a trip to get Dunkin Donuts. They were had at the picnic tables outside our hotel door, and we had company. As things started up for the Biker Games, Kasey wasn't feeling well, so I missed most of the games up in the room with her. I did see my brother compete for the first time in the slow ride, but he didn't make it past his first round. Neither have I. We did have an addition, a Trike Only Game of joust.
Next on tap was the Ralph Barnard Memorial Poker Run. It is a fixture of our Gathering, and has been for nearly 15 years. Hard to believe it has been almost that long since I was able to share the road with Ralph. I didn't know him nearly long enough.
We exited the hotel, and started north on Interstate 87. It was only for a few miles, then an exit to head east on State Road 149. At Fort Ann, we took SR 4 north. Near Whitehall, we veered off onto SR 22, to continue north. We kept our way north through the park. We did have one fuel/rest stop. It gave me a chance to check to make sure the GoPro was still working.
Before the next stop, the one for lunch, we would be on State Route 9N, heading south, and long the lake. We had passed through Ticonderoga on Mountcalm Street. Like with any group ride, most of the danger is when you start and when you stop. The parking lot across the street from the restaurant was gravel featuring a slight incline at its entrance. Sure enough, we had someone do an ease over. No harm, and the bike got righted, and then rolled into a parking spot.
I heard that only about 40 said they were going to Poker Run Lunch. The weather was awesome, and I think everyone at the rally came along, we were 80 strong. To say we filled up the eatery is understatement. We were able to get seated, waited on, and fed, so all is good. I even had a moment to capture a photo.
Leaving for the last leg was smoother, and made our way back down State Route 9N. At the south end of the Lake, we pulled off into Mount Prospect Park. After paying at the gate, we wound the road through the park up to the summit. For some reason, motorcycles and the tour buses are all that is allowed.
Coming down the mount was more of a coast, with the engine providing the braking, and popping off a few "shots". SR 9N was only part of the route for a short distance. The rest was along the Interstate. On the ramp, we pulled up next to Kevin and Virginia and decided to peel off from the group, and head to get gas, and a sweet treat or two at Ambrosia. I guess they had some regional treats that just couldn't be ignored.
Dinner and the rest of the evening was all about the Banquet. Awards were given, announcements made, and then food and dancing followed. All of this taking place by the pool. I think this was a first, and it was actually quite nice. The pool was blocked off, and no one was in their suits. Maybe we should plan for something like this in the future?
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