The Lockyer Poker Run for 2008 was this year combined with the Bikes & Bands Charity Festival at Aratula, and as such combined a number of groups’ poker runs into one. Our group met at the Walloon Saloon for a 7.30 am kick off, let by Poppa Bear (Paul Brasher). A group of some 30-40 bikes rode out through Gatton for a 9.30 am start to the main poker run. The group arrived at Maa Maa Creek at around 8.30 for registration, meeting the guys from Rim Valley and a number of other riders for a chin wag and breakfast. Gary from Rim Valley led the ride, winding up through the hills and onto the Downs for the first stop. A 25 minute break for issuing of cards to all riders, which numbered over 80, was most welcome in the warm sunshine.

The group then headed through Allora and proceeded along the sometimes dreadful piece of highway to the next stop at Fisher Park, where many fuelled up. The only delay was at roadworks just on the Warwick side of Cunninghams Gap, where we were held up for some 10 minutes at roadworks which seem to have been ongoing at that spot for 2 years or so. One would think that by now the work would have been completed!

Another 20 minute stop for fuel and the group headed out in small bunches for Aratula, winding down Cunninghams Gap accompanied by some misty rain. However, things were jumping at Aratula, with many people already on site and the camping area already well populated with tents and campers. The other poker runs all arrived over the course of the afternoon, and the bands were already warming up by the time we arrived. A big number of trade stalls, great food and excellent band entertainment made for a fantastic day, and in the end over 1,000 bikes attended. The weather stayed fine for the most part, and a thoroughly good time was had by all.