Bikers 4 Orcas San Juan Island Poker Run

Bikes lined up at Pelindaba Lavender Farm – Ted Schlund photo

John Wickham shares this recap of last week’s motorcycle event here on the island…

Sunday, June 28, 30 motorcyclists headed out from the Masons Lodge in Friday Harbor on a Poker Run across the island as part of the worldwide Bikers 4 Orcas Ultimate Ride To Freedom. This is the second year of the global event, raising awareness of wild orcas in captivity, and raising funds to help return them to the sea.

It was the first event here in the islands. Since L-Pod’s Tokitae, known to the world as Lolita, remains in an oversized bathtub at Miami’s Seaquarium for the 44th consecutive year, it was only fitting to ride here, and donate the proceeds to OrcaNetwork, as it continues to work for Tokitae’s release and return to L-Pod and the Salish Sea.

Bikes on Second St, with a vintage BSA taking off – Taylor Musburger photo

Riders came from as far away as Morro Bay, California. A sumptuous breakfast was put on by the Masons, then the riders headed out, without directions, to get a card at each of 5 stations for their poker hand: South Beach, False Bay, Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Roche Harbor, and San Juan Island Distillery.

The final destination was Lime Kiln Point (Whale Watch) State Park, where the hands were evaluated, prizes awarded, and games ensued. The winning hand, a 9 high straight, was Paul Langdon’s, who hauled in a trophy and a whale watch tour, and the lowest hand, also 9 high, was Jimmy Norton’s, who rode up from Edmonds, garnering a whale watch tour as well.

A golden wrench was awarded to local rider Andrew Bauer, on a vintage BSA, as the time-honored prize to a rider who has a breakdown on a poker run. Along with numerous door prizes, all the riders won big smiles, and the visitors were simply stunned at the beautiful views to be had throughout the run. They will be back.

Patti Wickham, organizer in chief of the event and Howard Garrett, Co-Founder and Director of OrcaNetwork – Joanne Schlund photo

Many hands and many contributors made for a great day. We’d like to thank the key supporters: San Juan Masons Lodge #175, Discovery Sea Kayaks, U-Ride Motorcycle Rentals, and Mike’s Café and Wine Bar, and San Juan Distillery. Shout out to Howard Garrett, Co-founder of OrcaNetwork, for coming over from Whidbey Island to inspire us and join the festivities. Patti & John Wickham, Larry Phillips, Sierra Frost, Ted & Joanne Schlund, organizers.

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