Motorcycle ride benefits Muscular Dystrophy
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 01:00 p.m., June 24, 2008
Updated 01:00 p.m., June 24, 2008
It’s time to fire up the bike for the eighth annual C&J’s Poker Run, a 100-mile ride to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The ride starts at 10 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Emporia Senior Center, at the corner of 12th Avenue and East Street. Joyce Wempe, who started the ride with her husband, Conrad, said that the ride is focused around a poker game. The first hand is drawn at the Emporia Senior Center at 10 a.m. The last bikes to go out will depart at noon.
The bikers ride to five different destinations — the senior center, Wabaunsee Lake, Dairy Queen at Council Grove, Highway 57 between Council Grove and Strong City, BP gas station at Strong City and another hand at the senior center in Emporia. The charge is $15 a hand and the price includes hamburgers, chips and a drink. Additional hands are $5.
“Everyone enjoys that ride,” Wempe said.
Wempe said ever since she and her husband moved to Emporia in 1985, they have participated in the Topeka Harley Davidson’s MDA ride. It was a 60- to 80-mile route and donations were collected.
“With that in mind, Conrad wanted to do more than go door to door and ask for donations,” Wempe said.
The poker ride was born and has been successful ever since. Last year’s ride included about 250 people.
“That was our biggest year,” Wempe said. “It was good. As long as the weather is good, we’re good. I’m praying for the best Sunday because you never know.”
In case of rain, Wempe said the ride will be held on July 13.
Wempe offered some final words for potential riders.
“Just get on your bikes and ride,” she said. “Come out and enjoy the ride. That’s what it’s all about.”
For more information on the ride contact Joyce or Conrad Wempe at 342-6979.