We are once again very proud of our community for pulling together to help a child in need. Ride for a Friend continues to thrive thanks to our many sponsors and community members who support us. We can't thank you all enough. We are steadily making small improvements every year and we hope we can continue to enjoy your support as we begin to plan for the 2019 Ride for a Friend.
The 2018 Ride for a Friend would not have been possible if it was not for the generous support of our sponsors. We are extremely grateful for their help in making our 6th Annual Charity Poker Run possible.
Please join us in thanking the following organisations! 
92.7 Rock
Wright Air Systems
Respect is Burning
Best Buy North Bay
Screaming Demon
Glencore
The Rock Harley-Davidson
Sudbury Plumbing
HKH Electrical
Lefebvre's Source for Adventure
Greater City Mechanical
Deluxe Tattoo - Poly
Taylor Sheet Metal
Lively Golf Club
Dead City Studios
Pete's Small Engine
Mountain Warehouse
Studio 613 Tattoo
Leather Works Plus
Kustom Klubhouse
Jack's Masonry
AL's Plumbing
Shear Design
Krown Rust Control North Bay
Fix Auto Chelmsford
Northfast
CIBC North Bay
Gateway Signs
Wolseley Canada Plumbing & HVAC
Royal Distributing
Rhythm n Cues
Echo Rentals
Sabrina Johnson Photography
Cousin Vinnys
Honda Cycle
Battery Battery
Keg Sudbury
Algonquin Equipment
Skin Illusions
Gagnon HVAC
Kings Buffet
Cardinal Tattoo
Casey's Bar
Shark Mobile
The Plaza
Campeau Heating
Jean Guy Rubber Boots
CT Hydarulics
Sudbury Subs
Brafasco
Kerr Smart Energy
Inklined
Kings Sportswear
M.I.C.
Good Sound Advice
Grecos Pizza
Crocodile Printing
All Makes Auto
Home Hardware Algonquin
East Side Mario's North Bay
Piercing by Jenny 1 Punch
Burger World Algonquin
Legit Trix
Burger World Hammond
Ted Pearson Auto Parts
Carlson Sport
Lot 88
Witrak
Tuco's Tacos
Wholesale Club
Opera Café
Saturday, August 18th, 2018
Poker Run General:
1. Ride for a Friend is a Poker Run. The objective of participants is to visit at up to 6 checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The goal is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. Having the best hand and winning is purely a matter of chance. The event has a time limit (11am-3pm), however the individual participants are not timed.
2. This is not a parade ride. Riders may complete the route at their own pace and in the sequence of their choice. Please view our interactive map to help decide what route you will take. There are 3 route ideas provided to get you started: The Short Run: 82km, 1hr ride; The Long Run: 179km, 2hr 14min ride; The Big Loop: 213km, 2hr 38min ride.
The Details:
1. The action all starts at 11am.
2. Riders can register and begin their run at any of the 6 checkpoints any time after 11am
3. There will be a Road Captain located at Jean Guy Rubber Boots in Sturgeon Falls, to lead riders who would like to ride in a group or don't know their way around the area. Departure at 11:30am. See event staff for details.
4. $20 per hand. Riders or passengers may purchase multiple hands.
5. Poker Run Play Card must be submitted by 3pm at the Beausejour.
Playing your Hand:
1. You’ll draw 1 card at each of the check points. If you draw an identical card as one you are already scored for, the card will be void and you will draw again
2. Hands will be determined by the ‘Poker Run Score Card’ which you’ll receive at your first check point
3. You may purchase additional cards when submitting your Score Card to improve your hand. Prior to drawing your additional card you’ll have to forfeit one card from your existing hand. A maximum of 2 additional cards may be purchased for $5 each.
Destinations:
1. French River Rest Stop @ French River Hwy 69 crossing
2. *Beausejour Inn & Restaurant @ 1527 Hwy 64, Alban
3. Monetville Tavern and Lodge @ 53 Shanty Bay, Monetville
4. Lake Nipissing Narrows @ North of Monetville Hwy 64
5. The Lavigne Tavern, @ Lavigne on Hwy 64
6. Jean Guy Rubber Boots Tavern @ 201 Main Street, Sturgeon Falls
*Final destination and hand submission point is Beausejour in Alban.
View the Interactive Map
1. We’ll be holding a 50/50 draw
2. Door prizes. Keep your ticket stubs!
Entertainment:
1. We're lining up some great live entertainment for your enjoyment
2. Stay with us all night for food, liquid refreshments, our signature boat fire, and live music. Please drink responsibly and better yet - set up your tent and spend the night.
Camping:
1. Join us at the Beausejour where you can sent up your tents for FREE. Porta-John's are on site. Please see event staff for tenting locations.
The Ride for a Friend organizers and hard working volunteers would like to introduce you to The Watsons, specifically Scott and Ian!
Scott and Ian are 17-year-old twins. They were born at 30 weeks gestation weighing a little over 2 pounds each. As a result of being born so early the boys have several diagnoses. They are completely wheelchair dependent and suffer a seizure disorder, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, deaf blindness, non-verbal, and are completely g-tube fed. That being said they capture the hearts of everyone who meets them with their smiles and positive attitude.
Over the last few years they each have had several surgeries and have had to travel frequently to Toronto, often having to stay a while to see several specialists at Sick kids. Ian recently had to have spinal fusion surgery, which we’re thankful to report went very well.
The Watsons are a very active family and they love to spend time outdoors. This is especially important to Scott and Ian. Their biggest challenges revolve around mobility issues, especially in their home. Although they have spent a considerable amount of money to make their home accessible and usable for both Scott and Ian, they have fallen short with regards to a pathway and driveway. They have incorporated a ramp system along the driveway to accommodate wheelchair access; however the driveway is not hard surfaced to allow freedom of mobility for the boys to access the back yard and handi-transit services. With the boys soon turning 18, they’ll soon be men, and it is surprisingly challenging to maneuver their chairs on uneven or rough surfaces. If the Watsons could get their driveway paved or something similar it would allow easier access for Scott and Ian as well as the support workers that are required to visit their home, and would also allow for easier maintenance throughout the year.
We hope you’ll join us again this year, or for the first time, to help support a local family. Of course we expect to have a great time doing it!
Welcome to the Sixth Annual Ride for a Friend. The Ride for a Friend organizing committee is proud to bring you the 6th Annual Hwy64 Charity Poker Run on August 18th, 2018.
This is a game, not a race, played out on the highways of Northeastern Ontario to raise money for local charity. We intend to make the Ride for a Friend Annual Charity Poker Run the premier Poker Run event in Northern Ontario.This year’s recipient is young Noëlville resident, four year old Charlie Lynn Fowler.
The event will begin with registrations taking place at any of our Six "Checkpoints". Then you’re off to enjoy a scenic ride through the French River and West Nipissing areas along beautiful HWY 64. The run will conclude at the Beausejour Inn & Restaurant where participants will be entertained with live music.
All makes and models of motorcycles and classic cars and cruisers are welcome to participate. Money will be raised for Scott and Ian and their family through registration fees and pledges collected by participants.
Join us on Facebook, RSVP the Event, and invite your friends!!
