More than 100 keen motorbike riders are expected to take to the scenic roads between Bairnsdale and Bemm River this Saturday as the ninth Orbost Poker Run gets set to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House, Monash.
While committee member, Kevin Goudge, said the weather could bring “a stinker of a day”, he said regardless of what the day brings it will be a great one, and all for a worthy cause.
“It’s all been coming together really well,” Kevin said.
“The support from the community and businesses has been fantastic, as it always is.”
Every day another business is acknowledged on the ride’s Facebook page as more and more come on board donating goods and services for prizes and the charity auction that will take place at the end of the day’s ride.
The Orbost Poker Run was established in 2010 through Kim and Dave Hibberson’s wish to give something back to Ronald McDonald House Monash, where they stayed throughout their daughter, Mackenzie Grace’s, visits to the Monash Hospital.
A small but dedicated committee of volunteers, all motorcycle enthusiasts, came up with the idea of a poker run, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Heading into its ninth event, the Orbost Poker Run continues to succeed thanks to an incredibly supportive community, generous donors and sponsors.
Since its establishment in 2010, the Orbost Poker Run has raised around $214,000. Last year more than 125 riders raised in excess of $31,000, a figure that organisers would love to top.
The Orbost Room at Ronald McDonald House Monash has been named in honour of the town’s massive efforts.
Kevin said every year the ride attracts 120plus riders, and he expects no different this year.
And with so many bikes on the roads of East Gippsland it will be quite a spectacular sight to see.
Ride registration will be from 9am at Bairnsdale McDonalds, with riders heading off at 10am sharp.
The convoy will ride to Lake Tyers, leaving there at 11.30am and heading to Forest Park, Orbost.
“Last year we tried something a bit different and it worked so we’ ll do it again. We had Forest Park as one of our card collection points. It kept everyone together and allowed us to do a run up the main street. We road up and did a uey at the round about and back down the street before heading to Marlo,” Kevin said.
“The ride up the street was a great opportunity for the community to come out and see us and a good way for us to say thanks and give back to the community. They’ve given us so much support.”
The riders will leave Forest Park at 12.45pm for the main street ride, which organisers hope will be lined with supporters, before heading to the Marlo Hotel for lunch.
At 2.15pm the ride heads towards Bemm River before departing for the Orbost Club Hotel at 3.45pm.
Split Whiska will once again provide entertainment for the evening, which Kevin encourages everyone to get along to to get in on the fundraising action, including the massive charity auction.
PICTURED: A wide range of goods will be up for grabs this Saturday at the Orbost Club Hotel after the Orbost Poker Run to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Monash. The Orbost Poker Run sets off from Bairnsdale and travels through Lake Tyers, Orbost, Marlo and Bemm River before returning to Orbost for a night of fun.
