“If it ain’t broke, why fix it?” These are the words of Orbost Annual Poker Run committee member, Kevin Goudge, as the poker run team looks forward its 10th anniversary ride this Saturday, February 29.

After last year’s ride, the charity event had raised just over $244,000 for Ronald McDonald House Monash (RMHM).

“We’re hoping to crack the quarter of a million this year,” Kevin said. It’s a good formula the team goes by every year. It works well while a number of people have asked what they’ll do differently for the 10th anniversary, Kevin says the day will run pretty much the same as usual. Despite running a little behind due to the bushfires, he says it’s all good and everything is on track for another successful run.

It averages well over 100 bikes each year, or at least it has in the last five or six years since Kevin became heavily involved. This year looks like it will once again have a good turn out.

“We’re getting a lot of interest and as with previous years we’re getting some great donations of items for the night’s auction,” he said.

Take a look at the Orbost Annual Poker Run Facebook page and you’ll see the terrific support it’s receiving from local businesses as well as those further afield.

The Orbost Annual Poker Run was established in 2010 through Kim and Dave Hibberson’s wish to give something back to Ronald McDonald House Monash, where they stayed throughout their daughter, Mackenzie Grace’s, visits to the Monash Hospital.

A small, group of motorcycle enthusiasts came up with the idea of a poker run with the first conducted in 2010. Its success over the decade since is thanks to an incredibly supportive community, generous donors and sponsors. Orbost is a generous community, the Orbost Room at Ronald McDonald House Monash named in honour of the town’s massive efforts, including the annual poker run.

As with previous years, the ride commences in Bairnsdale and travels the countryside as riders collect their poker cards, finishing at the Orbost Club Hotel where the evening continues with entertainment, more fundraising opportunities and, of course, a whole lot of fun.

Ride registration will be from 9am at Bairnsdale McDonalds, with riders heading off at 10am sharp, bound for their final Orbost destination via Bruthen, Lakes Tyers Beach, Marlo and Bemm River.

After the Lakes Tyers stop, the ride will head to Orbost’s Forest Park for a poker hand collection point where they will gather together and ride at 12.45pm as one group up Orbost’s main street and back. It is an opportunity to thank everyone in the town for their support and with so many bikes involved it will be quite a spectacular sight to see.

Then it’s off to Marlo for a sausage sizzle lunch at the Marlo Hotel, then Bemm River to collect another card, before returning to Orbost and the final destination of the Orbost Club Hotel at 3.45pm.

One card will be collected at each venue, riders hoping they’ll pull together to be a winning hand by the end of the ride.

Split Whiska will once again provide entertainment for the evening at the Club Hotel with the charity auction kicking off at 9pm. Open to everyone, not just those registered for the poker run, there will be a cover charge for the evening program.

Merchandise is available to further support the cause with some great items available to serve as reminders of a great gathering, including 10th anniversary signs, patches and t-shirts. Every poker run registration also receives a 10th anniversary stubby holder.

As well as raising funds for Ronald McDonald House, Kevin says the annual event is a real positive for the area, especially after this summer’s fires.

“It’s not just East Gippsland riders who come along. We’ve got people coming from all over including a couple from Albury and a group coming down from Bathurst,” he said.

“If we have say 140, 150 riders each bringing two people, and then they come back later, that’s great for the region.

“It’s great to raise money but it’s also good to really showcase what we’ve got around the place.”

Kevin encourages everyone to not only come along to support the fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House, but also to support the local communities that the ride will pass through.

“It’s a great region and we’ve done it tough with the fires. People coming for the poker run will see how good it is and come back at another time for a visit,” he said.

Register for the ride in Bairnsdale on Saturday morning, keep an eye out on the roads for the mass of riders and have a great night at the Club Hotel after. However you get involved it will be an event not to be missed.

Head to the Orbost Annual Poker Run website or Facebook page for further details.

IMAGE: The Annual Orbost Poker Run committee members held their final meeting at the Orbost Club Hotel last Wednesday in the lead up to the big event this Saturday. PICTURED: Kiely Lobley, Gracie and David Hibberson, Reuben Dzikowski, Mark Glenister, Tim Behan, Kevin Goudge, Brenda Clay, Paul McGuffie and Kim Hibberson. S63-1091