2009 Motorcycle Run and Poker Ralley

The DOC Central Office parking lot was alive with the sound of throaty engines as 15 motorcycle enthusiasts converged to begin MCCA’s Second Annual Motorcycle rally on September 12, 2009. Our mission for this gathering was to have fun and enjoy the end of summer. We also wanted to help build camaraderie among community corrections bikers. Our MCCA Motorcycle Run volunteers, Sarah Walker, Hector Matascastillo and Mark Groves greeted the riders and served donuts, pastries and hot coffee to those of us who decided to skip breakfast. The day was beautiful. The sun was shining and the temperature was in the 50s. Our lead rider was Hector Matascastillo.

We decided to take a southerly route this year. The first stop was Stillwater prison; followed by Faribault prison; Shakopee prison and a ride back to the Central Office. All, but one of the riders arrived “safe-and-sound” at Stillwater. Somehow, one of the riders got separated from the main bunch. Actually, as the riders were driving east on Highway 36, they all didn’t quite make it through the last stop light before the exit to the prison. Some rode through a green light; some of them passed through a decidedly yellow light. The last rider, catching a glimpse of a police officer on the corner, smartly stopped his bike and did not proceed through a red light. Lucky for him, too! As he glimpsed over at the cop, he noticed that the cop was wagging his finger “no” and shaking his head side-to-side. A surefire moving violation ticket thwarted. By the time the light turned green, he lost the pack, took a left when he should have taken a right and was hopelessly lost. He rode around a bit and returned to the Central Office for the end of the run.

Mark Groves prepared a delicious BBQ lunch for the returning riders. Everyone gobbled their brats, beans, potato salad, cookies and washed it all down with cold sodas. The riders traded stories, and delighted about our second annual MCCA motorcycle ride now tucked, safely under their belts. They drew their fifth poker card. One lucky, duck won the $50 bucks for the best poker hand. Believe it or not, he had a diamond flush draw from five cards. Some of the others had a pair, two pair or five totally unrelated cards.

I don’t know about you, but . . . I can’t wait until next year’s rally. I’m hopeful we’ll attract more riders next year! We'll see you at next year's Third Annual Motorcycle Rally and Poker Run. Vroooommmm!