ADAMS -- Local bikers have an opportunity to ride in a poker run Sunday, during what organizers hope will be a dry, slightly cooler June weekend after a week of high temperatures.
The memorial motorcycle poker run, to benefit the Martin "Marty" Chittenden Education Trust Fund, will be held rain or shine at the American Legion Post 160 on Forest Park Avenue. Registration takes place there from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and riders must return from the 90-mile journey along some of North and Central Berkshire's most scenic byways by 2:30 p.m. to participate in determining the winning hand and the recipient of a cash prize. The entry fee is $10.
"It starts off at the Legion and continues with mileage down through Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Charlemont, Rowe and others," organizer Patricia Wol said. "You take your own time and enjoy the scenery of the back roads. [Organizer] Gene [Gancarz] and I go out and plan it each year, trying to include places people haven't been. We do different areas we think would be interesting and away from traffic."
Chittenden, a well-known Adams resident, died in a motorcycle accident on Howland Avenue on April 18, 2008. The run has been held each summer since 2008 to build the trust fund and pay homage to a man who was friend to many.
At the start of the run, participants receive two playing cards, and proceed to pick up trinkets at three checkpoints along the route. The trinkets are then exchanged
Wol said the prize is usually turned back by the winner, and that roughly 100 riders typically participate.
According to Gancarz, the run has raised over $5,000 over the past four years, including donations from Ronnie's Cycle Sales and Services and other local businesses. The trust fund is aimed at helping to cover the cost of college education for Chittenden's grandchildren.
"We're hoping for a good turnout and sunny weather," Gancarz said. "[Chittenden] had a lot of friends, and we have a good time. The American Legion gets together a little crew afterwards to put on a barbecue."
The public is invited to attend the barbecue after the winner is decided at roughly 2:30 p.m.
To reach Phil Demers,
email pdemers@thetranscript.com.
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