Dave Raposo Poker Run

June 28, 2008

Rhonda, Scott, Jake & Ron at Kickstands in Camp Lake

The poker run was a memorable one to say the least. I was a little late meeting up with Ron, but that was because I took a nap after work. We made our way over to Winthrop Harbor and met up with Scott (Libertyville PD), Rhonda (Scotts girlfriend), Gary and Carrie all from Illinois. I lead the way to Shamrock in Caledonia then Ron lead the way to The Bunker in Waterford, but he decided to show us what a dead end street looked like (this is why he has a GPS unit...LOL).

We met an Oak Creek Firefighter and his wife there. They were asked to tag along with us, but as we rode into Burlington, the skies turned black and they turned around (they were SMART!!) I joined back up with the group south of Burlington until Gary's poker card flew out of his pocket. Being the nice guy I am, I offered to go back to get it. So, the group continued on, I found the card and started heading towards KC's Cabin in Spring Grove. I was not sure where the group ran off too, so, I decided to make my way to KC's. As I got into Twin Lakes, the sky started to open up. Using my logical brain, I figure if I travel East, I will out run the rain and be fine, the only flaw in my thought process was I still had to drive South.....SO, as I was heading South through Wilmot, the wind pushed me sideway and the rain permeated every stitch of garment I was wearing. I made it to KC's before the group did, I was soaked, cold, and having fun. Then the rain stopped and all was good. Gary and Carrie where the smart ones by donning their rubber ducky suits.....comfort knows no fashion, they were dry.

While our short stay at KC's cabin, some ate and others waited....I went out for a smoke and observed four bikers roll up on their Harleys and park right next to my Honda....I thought, HUH? that is cool, some motorcyclist enthusiasts. Then they turned their back to me and what did I see......Outlaws, Black Pistons, SFB's....I thought, oh great.....this going to go well as Ron and I were the only ones there wearing BK colors. We became really popular, they kept staring at us. As we left they followed us out the door and watch us as we left to head for Kickstands in Camp Lake.

NOW, this was interesting, we chatted with the group, Gary and Carrie had to leave. A patriot stopped by our table and there was a quick discussion about the "SNORT" patch on his vest. Ron and I were schooled on what this entailed and now have the patch to prove it. Lets just say, it had something to do with Tequila and a straw. Scott and Rhonda left. Ron and I waited and waited for the raffle. I won a two burner camping stove which I offered to Ron, he declined. Ron left and I stayed for a little while longer. I won a bottle of vodka and a gander mountain hat. I met up with another guy that used to work with Dave Raposo and used to work for me also and we chatted for a while, it was good to see him and talk about old times.

The poker run was bitter sweet, sure there was the rain and wind, but I thought that was a small price to pay for all the pain that Dave went through. What was really sad was watching his 25 year old widow standing up there on stage trying to sort and figure all that was going on.....way too young to be put in that position. All and all, the day was good.

FYI, there was representation from BK IL X (Waukegan) members.

Oh, if forgot about the Apple pie and something about it being 190 proof??? good stuff, but i only had one sip.......

OH AND, I think we were able to recruit Scott.....HOPEFULLY!!!!!!!