Georgia Wilderness Society
Poker Ride 2025
October 26, 2025
Well, Mother Nature dealt us a decent hand for our GWS Poker Ride. Yeah, it was a bit cool and breezy, but the rain held off. About seventeen youngsters showed up, with nine riders. The old-guy organizer had to resort to becoming a shuttle goat due to a back issue (feels better now}.
After the CPOs (card-passer-outers) took their positions, the peloton took off, headed for Crawford County and the first of two hills, with the shuttle goat bringing up the rear. At some of the card stops, the words "Aw ***t, not another piece of crap for a card" may have been heard. Traffic was light and the shuttle goat had put up warning signs on the busier road segments. The entire trip went with NO BIKE FAILURES! Anticipation was building among the high card holders, as the finish line came into sight.
When all returned sweaty (except for Curt and Joe) and thirsty, the accounting showed Mike Ryan as the big winner. Door prizes were then awarded, with CPOs taking part. One winner got a wooden kitten plaque (the best kind of cat to have). Then the shuttle goat grilled up some dogs and burgers and the hungry crew pitched in to some delicious potlucks that were brought. Some highly dubious tales were told, perhaps with some minor exaggerations. Bike riders were Shirley, Bonnie, Mike, Basil, Margaret, Lynn, Joe, David, and Curt. The CPOs were Jane, Irene, Kerrin, and Holly - thanks much for your help!
Thanks to sister Cherry for the door prizes. Other attendees were Tammy, David B., and Yuki. Special thanks to Mike Ryan for donating his $$$ winnings to the GWS slush fund. Speaking of bikes, a word of appreciation to Gina (Bud's sister) for donating Bud's and Niki's bikes to GWS. One went to a club member and one to a bike rehab for eventual donation to a needy youngster. Thanks to everyone for coming. We really enjoyed it.
--Rosemary and Terry
