For the past two years, a humble but hugely fun auto event has been foremost on our driving itinerary. We have attended the Cobourg Lions Club annual poker run – car rally two of the three years they’ve held the event. This year marks the 4th and it is fast approaching.
The “humble” part comes through the fact that these are just some good folks enjoying their vehicles and taking in the countryside. This is truly a run-what-you-brung event, no pretense to be found.
Each year while remaining beautiful, the route changes and some new ideas are presented to challenge and delight not only the driver and navigator but even the crew in the backseat. This is truly a fantastic family event.
So what is a poker run? Like a navigational rally each team is presented with a route book that provides written directions that often require diligent attention as not every instruction is straight forward. It’s during events like these that you realize how many intersections aren’t properly marked!
Along the way, you will be presented some challenges to prove that you have accurately stayed on the prescribed route. These challenges provide an opportunity for the whole family to get involved as you all pile out of the car to search for a hidden cache of treasures, or perhaps record dates or details from a roadside historic plaque!
The poker run is about accuracy not speed, so these challenges offer a great opportunity to not only stretch the legs but grab a coffee, and a snack from a local bakery, hit the washroom, or grab a bit of gas if you left the house a little rushed.
The route will cover stunning landscapes, charming towns and villages, rolling hills and fun driving roads. You will find no shortage of camera worthy views, it was a challenge to narrow our collection of photos down to just those in the post.
Along the roughly 150 kilometers, if you accurately stay on route you will encounter 5 checkpoints along the way. This is where the poker comes in! At each checkpoint you will choose a card that will make up a hand which back at the hall might score you one of the many shockingly impressive prizes. Don’t worry, if your hand is looking light, there are chances to do some wheeling and dealing at the end!
The route leads back to the Lions’ Hall where a wonderful hot lunch awaits, with enough choices to please even the pickiest of eaters. Here among the laughs, the war stories, and finger pointing (it’s always the driver’s fault) take the time to enjoy the warmth that stems not only from living in a small town, but being part of a COMMUNITY like that of Lions.
All that while you are supporting the countless community projects that the Lions are actively engaged in. A truly worthwhile event for all! This year the 4th Annual Cobourg Lakeshore Lions Club Poker Run is on October 20. Email cobourglakeshorelions@gmail.com or call Christine Bayer at (905) 269-8505
It is truly with a heavy heart that we have to miss this years event. Please help us live vicariously through your adventures. Post up any photos of the event on our Facebook page.
