Donald
Teuma-Castelletti
LADYSMITH March 24, 2018
Quad-riders competed in a clash of sports this weekend, when they brought their poker faces to the forefront at a new event for the Pontiac Quad Club.
The first Big Wow Poker Run drew in over 100 riders as the club convened at the Hotel Ladysmith on Saturday, before riding all about the area.
“This was the first year and with the success, we’re hoping to do it again,” said Pat Gravelle, event organizer.
Using the hotel as their start and end for the run, riders were tasked with stopping in at three checkpoints – the corner of Campbell’s Bay Road and Bryson Road, Gavan’s Hotel in Quyon, and Restaurant Malyvia in Lac des Loups. As well, they’d receive a card at the start and end of their journey from the day’s headquarters, giving each rider a full hand.
When all bets had been placed, three riders came out with the strongest hands. André Renaud came in third, Danny Purdy took home second, while Jean Normand finished in first place with his strong hand.
Winners took home a portion of 50 per cent of the profits, with the other half of the money donated to Bouffe Pontiac. The event raised $1,136 for the food bank.
“We had wanted to give back to our community,” said Gravelle. “This was our way to do so, by donating to Bouffe Pontiac.”
While not everyone could be a cash winner, there were plenty more opportunities to take home a wide variety of prizes. With nearly 40 items to giveaway, everything from helmets to charging packs and more, riders had more chances beyond just their hand of cards to take home a prize.
Gravelle said the ride took the majority of people about four hours to complete and that 68 ATVs carrying 104 people participated. They were proud to have no accidents occur, but did have the assistance of the MRC des Collines Police just in case.
“I think everybody was happy,” said Gravelle.
