Springs Touring Club Benefits El Paso County Search & Rescue
Search and Rescue groups are often called out when the weather is less than ideal. So, why should it be any different for a Search & Rescue Fundraiser?
On Sunday, May 15th, the Colorado Springs Touring Club held their 23rd Annual Poker Run benefitting the El Paso County Search and Rescue. This is an event the club takes great pride in, and goes to great lengths to make sure it generates a little attention and cash for the search and rescue team. All proceeds of the CSTC run have benefited the El Paso County Search & Rescue Team, whose members supply their own gear and cover their own training expenses. In the past, CSTC has helped finance one of the specialized vehicles the squad uses during training and searches.
It seems Mother Nature wanted to generate a little empathy from motorcyclists, as well, forcing participants to operate in less than ideal weather conditions.
As it was much of the month, May 15 was cold and windy with just enough occasional rain and drizzle to remind riders they were in Colorado, and winter might not be ready to relinquish it’s grip just yet. Despite this, a small and determined band of riders and passengers waited in the parking lot of the Disabled American Veterans Knob Hill Chapter #26 parking lot, ready to take on the chilly challenge.
Before that, though, there was breakfast for all and visiting with members of the search and rescue squad. After a short pre-ride meeting, the ride route was shortened due to the weather—but cancellation was never considered. With that, 28 motorcycles, loaded with riders and passengers rolled out of the lot for a ride around town. There were also a number of riders who decided that while the weather was not for them and riding, the cause was worth participating. So they braved the ridicule of the hardy riders and followed along in a line of cages.
Dodging raindrops, the pack burned down south to Pueblo for the first stop at the Sam’s Club parking lot. From there, little time was wasted plowing back toward Colorado Springs for a stop at Cowboy Espresso in Fountain for a warm-up. Then, after a little prodding, riders worked their way back up to the DAV to warm up, dry out, enjoy a little lunch, and start checking ticket and wallets for the door prizes and auction. There was also the distribution of the all-important ride pins.
Event organizer Barb Manka, a Colorado Springs motorcycling stalwart, thanked everyone for participating and expressed how much it meant to her. Barb and her husband, Jerry, have long supported the El Paso County Search and Rescue Team. And of course, there were members of the team on hand to show their appreciation as well.
In the end, the rain-caused wet leather dried out, and the droplet spots were washed off the bikes, and everyone forgot about how cold the may have been. What won’t be forgotten, though, is that they helped a great cause. While the CSTC Poker Run is a small event when compared to many others, it is tough to find a more worthwhile group to help out. Helping out is, of course, one of the things bikers do well.
