By Martha Aitkin, Bruce Peninsula Press
More than 30 motorcycles and riders set out from the Hungry Hiker Food Truck in Tobermory on Saturday August 17th, 2024 in the second annual “Just the Tip” Poker Run Charity event to raise funds for Tobermory Primary Place Childcare Centre. This event was once again planned and organized by the sister and brother team of Linda and Neil Bain owner/operators of two Hungry Hiker locations on the Peninsula plus Bain’s General Store in Ferndale.
Sponsors for the event include The Hungry Hiker, Captain’s Convenience (Connor Rouse), JC Munn Contracting (Jody and Andrea Munn) and Munn Excavating (Jeff and Theresa Munn).
In spite of their optimism and enthusiasm for the cause, the riders were forced to end the run early due to the risk of riding in such severe weather conditions. Never mind the risk – let’s talk about the discomfort! You haven’t had wet feet until you dump a cup and half of rain water out of your boots at a roadside stop! Most of the riders bailed just after the first card stop at the intersection of the Dorcas Bay Road and Johnson’s Harbour Road, while a few got as far as the second card stop at the Dyers Bay government dock.
Back at the Hungry Hiker the riders tried to dry out while they waited for their dinner of mouth-watering brisket on a bun and an evening of rocking out to the live music of the band Rewired at the Tobermory Community Centre. The evening event featured further fundraising through the generous donations of items that were raffled off by silent auction.
T-shirts and ball caps, designed by Connor Rouse and printed by Refinery Work Wear of Sarnia, were on display and available for purchase at the Hungry Hiker.
I enjoyed my time in the rain hanging out with these courageous and generous souls dressed in leather and rain gear! Co-organizer Linda Bain indicated that she has had “bikes in my life as long as I can remember” and that she experiences the clubs and riders as “an incredibly generous group”.
The Owen Sound branch of the Skull and Bones Masonic Order (SBMO) Worldwide Motorcycle Club engage in weekly charity rides. SBMO describe themselves as a bit rough around the edges with a shared love of riding and a deep commitment to “being good brothers and people to our fellow man”.
As a resident of Tobermory with a strong desire to keep our local day care open and thriving, I am grateful to Linda and Neil and their wonderful friends for making this happen. In total the event raised $4,700 for Tobermory Primary Place an increase of $1,500 over last years event.
Well done Linda, Neil and friends!
