04-05-2009

Relay for Life

The Misfit Chronicles Continue......

Sunday, April 5th, 2009 came in with near perfect weather for the Poker Run Relay for Life to Fight Cancer. The bikes started rolling in at Malibu's, stop #1 and the registration point, around 8:30AM. Ken Poole, his wife Carol, Mayor Larry Schultz, Wanda Schultz, Steve Wilson, Earl Soosong (sorry if I misspelled that, Earl), and a veritable sea of volunteers made this event happen. Many hours of planning and preparation went into this worthwhile event. Of course it wouldn't have been complete without the famous Misfits!

   After getting our poker hands and 50/50 tickets, it was kickstands up for the ride south to stop #2, Lou's Blues. We rode down U.S.1, over Pineda, and then down A1A to this frequent biker stop and watering hole. We gathered our clan for the Misfit pic and got event volunteers Barbara Ball, Earl Soosong, and Steve Wilson to join us. I didn't count Ken 'cause he's one of the Misfits! We had a good time, but we've got three more stops! Let's ride!
  Instead of taking the suggested route to Earl's Hideaway, the Misfits took the scenic route down A1A to Sebastian. We slowed it down going over the Sebastian Inlet bridge so the long line of Misfits could get a good look at the emerald waters of the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. We rode all the way to Wabasso and then came over to the mainland via Orchid Island with its majestic views of the Indian River Lagoon. Going over the first bridge, we again slowed it way down so we could take in the sights! We got to Earl's, stop #3, and had plenty of parking on this day. Rockledge Mayor Larry Schultz, his wife Wanda, and other event volunteers were running the hands. Bonnie had all of our hands and Rob and Cindy Herto's as well (Rob and Cindy-we missed you, but hope you had a good trip). You'd think with six hands she could get some good cards! Needless to say with our luck at cards, we better stay away from Vegas!
  Our next destination, stop #4, was the Old Florida Grill aka Red Fish near Frontenac. We headed north with some 20 odd Misfit bikes, and it was tough at times snaking through the traffic and lights of Melbourne, Rockledge, and Cocoa, but the Misfits always try to stay together and watch out for each other. The weather continued to be pleasant with the ominous clouds that formed dissipating before they could cause any trouble. After more good cheer, it was time to head for the last stop.
  Stop #5, the Cocoa Elks Club, was the last stop on the run. Here everyone chowed down on the great chili that was waiting for those on the Relay for Life. As I went from table to table, the good spirits and smiling faces were dramatic evidence of the success of this event. Participants and volunteers alike were having a great time. In the attached picture, take a good look at Mark Sweet and what he is holding. Yep, Mark won the 50/50 drawing! Way to go, Mark! Thanks again to all of the volunteers who worked so hard on this event and to all of the Misfits and other bikers who came out to support it.

Pat