The Ride for the Hungry & Homeless Poker Run took riders on a 70 mile ride through four counties.

 

Other then a bike & rider getting struck by a big "Bambi" and getting an unexpected helecopter ride to the A.C. Medical Center, the poker run went off without a hitch. The rider was not seriously injured and was released a few days later.

 

The Poker Run Committee did an outstanding job with planning the route and manning the check points along the way.

 

The final check point was Giampietro Park in East Vineland where the riders were entertained by a DJ and munched on hot dogs which were washed down with water and lemonade supplied by our friends, the Calvary's Thunder/CMA Motorcycle Club.

 

The Calvary's Thunder also did a Blessing of the Bikes at the park before the parade up to the main event, Thunder on the Avenue.

 

Four blocks of Landis Ave, Vineland's Main Street,

was closed off to four wheeled traffic for five hours so the bikers could park and mingle with their friends and fellow riders.

 

The bikes were parked along Landis Ave with the help of the Latin Cruisers Motorcycle Club.

 

The girls from the NJ Bikini Team set up a booth where they signed autographs and showed off their tan bodies.

 

Four, yes four live bands entertained the crowd from two stages, playing a mix of music from heavy rock to the oldies.

 

WVLT / 92.1 did a live broadcast from the "Avenue" , played oldies and did live interviews with riders, spectators and members of the Thunder Committee.

 

The many food vendors kept the crowds hunger under control and the merchandise vendors were selling motorcycle related accessories, clothing and leathers. There was even someone installing LED lights on bikes while you waited.

 

One disappointment was that the scheduled "Dyno" guy failed to show up and never called to say why. All we can say is that it was his loss.

 

Local motorcycle dealers set up their displays of new bikes and gear and custom chopper dealers were on hand to show off their one of a kind bikes.

 

Considering this event had been put on hold for a few years and this was the first time a poker run was included, the event was a huge success in more ways then one.

 

The riders, their passengers and the general public were well behaved and there were no attitudes to be found.

 

It was more a family oriented event which was evident by the number of men, women and children who attended with their "biker" husband's, father's, wife's and mother's.

 

Because of the generosity of the riders and the event sponsors, we were able to donate $6000 to the Spirit & Truth Ministries. They will use that money to purchase food items and clothing for the area homeless population.

 

To say that they were excited about the donation is an understatement. The expression on Katie Riggione's face in the picture below says it all.

 

The 2005 Thunder on the Avenue was a success. With your support and generosity, the 2006 Thunder can be bigger and better.

 

See you there................................