Our Photo Albums

Slide Shows 

Created and submitted 
By 
Daryl Bakewell

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     OMRA’s Big May Weekend 2010

     The Okanagan Motorcycle Riders Association has been on a mission for many years now to help improve life for those in need in the South Okanagan. One of our biggest tasks is the selling of motorcycle raffle tickets in support of the Okanagan/Similkameen Neurological Society. Sales of these tickets generally start right at the beginning of the year and wrap up the second weekend in May at Slack Alice’s Show and Shine where the draw is made.

     In conjunction with the Show and Shine weekend, the OMRA puts on our annual poker run on the Friday that is always well attended. This year’s winner of $100.00 for best hand was Mike Hollar of Summerland with a flush, and winner of $50.00 for worst hand was Elizabeth Schmitz-Burchartz of Penticton. Shannon MacMillan of Oliver won $50.00 for hidden score.

    This weekend also happens to be Mother’s Day weekend, and the Saturday of that weekend is when M&M Meats across the country raise money for the fight against Crohns and Colitis which touches many people. While some of our members are busy selling raffle tickets and 50/50 tickets at Slack’s, other members are busy across town cooking burgers and hot dogs for M&M Meats in support of their campaign. This always turns out to be a fun time and our help is greatly appreciated.

     The excitement continues on Saturday down at Slack Alice’s, and carries on through Sunday with the presentation of awards, the charity auction, and of course the draw for the OSNS Harley-Davidson raffle. The raffle tickets were not quite sold out this year but our treasurer Chuck Simonin made a gallant effort to boost sales at the end by providing a cash-back incentive straight out of his own pocket to anyone buying a full book. It was one of those last minute tickets purchased by John Loken of Naramata that was drawn as the winner!

     The OSNS Raffle is a success due to cooperation from many local business groups. A big thank you this year goes to Kane’s Harley-Davidson for the 2010 Crossbones as well as Penticton Honda for the early-bird prize, a CRF100 won by Normand Emby. Slack Alice’s Gentlemen’s Club houses the motorcycles on their stage when they are not on display for ticket sales at the many local businesses that generously grant us space. We cannot forget to thank the few OMRA members who dedicate so much time moving the motorcycles, and the other members who volunteer their time to sell tickets.

     The OMRA does help out at a few events over the summer, but our next major event is the Penticton Toy Run which happens every third Sunday of September. The planning for our 23^rd annual toy run this year has already begun and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

     Remember, the best way to enjoy life is to jump in with both feet!
Daryl Bakewell

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     Spences Bridge 29 May 2010 

    The first “monthly scheduled run” of 2010 was a huge success and those who passed on the opportunity to join us missed a howling good time. The laughs never ended and as you will see in the pictures we had a lot of fun.

     Saturday morning started as planned with coffee and muffins. Out of the initial large group who talked of coming, only Chuck, Cherry and Daryl were there but were joined by Al, Dave and Don. Barb had prior work commitments but came to see us on our way. Thanks Barb. Two other riders from Kelowna joined us near Peachland just for the ride, hung out for a while and returned home. That’s the riding spirit!

     The trip over the connector was a little damp as expected but not enough to warrant those of us in leathers to put on our rain suits. After a quick stop at Timmy’s in Merritt we came out to a little sprinkle but soon rode out of it. Arriving at Spences Bridge, most of us set up tents and off to Ashcroft we went. Upon arrival at the drag strip we learned that the races had been delayed but were going to start as soon as the track dried a little, so we decided to go for lunch in Ashcroft. The restaurant under the bridge is very biker friendly with some old memorabilia and even a couple of restored Triumphs inside. Our waitress was a fun loving gal and humour flowed the entire time. Unfortunately it sprinkled a little more outside, meaning cancellation of the drags. Oh well! Off to the liquor store we went, and a couple of us got some gas (I did mention this in the e-mail right? More on this later…)

     Back at the campsite we had a few road pops and decided to venture the two blocks down to the Log Cabin Pub. One of the guys decided he should have got some gas and heard about a lady who sold emergency gas in Spences Bridge. The story is hilarious but you’ll have to ask him to tell you this one! After some food and drinks at the pub we went back to the campsite and sat around the fire. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other better and see the personal side that never comes out at the meetings. As I sit here writing this, I am still laughing out loud just thinking about the jokes and stories that were told, and the fast-witted humour that steadily erupted!

     Sunday morning we awoke to beautiful sunshine, and after an excellent breakfast at Rumours Restaurant we hit the highway. What an awesome route to take, going on #8 to Merritt, 5a down to Princeton, and the Old Hedley Road to our last stop at the Gold Dust Pub for lunch. Again, the humour was non-stop. After that it was a skip and a hop back to the Valley and home.

     Cherry and I want to thank the other guys for a great time and the most fun we’ve had in one weekend in a long time!

This slideshow made with Smilebox

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Hagel Memorial Run

     Sunday September 06 was the chosen day for a ride to remember a fallen rider, the “late” Greg Hagel. Most were friends of Greg; some just came to show their respects. Even a few that were afraid it might rain at least showed up to cheer us on. Some might say it was “just the usual ride”, but that’s okay because the usual ride around here always means a good time.

     Other than a few sombre moments, it was great fun! By the pictures you will see that we all enjoyed the day. Food, refreshments, and best of all riding around the Sunny Okanagan. Gone but not forgotten Greg, thanks for everything.

2009 End of Season Poker Run

     The annual “End of Season” poker run, formerly known as Dean’s Ride, has been going on for almost 25 years. This year’s event was organized by OMRA’s treasurer Chuck Simonin, and a fine job he did.

     Sunday October 18 started as a fine sunny morning in Penticton, where about 25 riders gathered in the A&W parking lot to register and pull their first card. Shortly after 10:00am we headed for the Packing House Pub in Kelowna. Some rain was encountered at Westbank, but no riders dissolved. After pulling the second card there, off we went to mainstreet Beaverdell and the Tamrack Lodge. Their hospitality was great and the third card was drawn. As we rode into Rock Creek the weather began to warm up. Food and refreshments were consumed at the Prospector Pub where the fourth card was drawn. Final card was at the Sage Pub in Osoyoos, where the weather was hot and sunny, and everyone enjoyed the ride home.

     Once again it was proven; good people x motorcycles = a great time.

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M&M Meats

On Saturday May 9/09, OMRA members flipped burgers and rolled the dogs for M&M Meats annual charity BBQ. Lots of folks dropped by with cash donations and left with full bellies. It was smiles all around as spirits were high, aided by Bernie’s jovial wit. Stockwell even stopped in to pose with a burger. Approximately $1720.00 was raised for chrons and colitis. 

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OMRA Poker Run 2009

Our May 08/ 2009 poker run was well attended with over 150 hands being dealt. The weather was hot and riders were well taken care of at all the stops.

Red, Vivian and John took care of registration at Slack’s, as well as the final card. Who knew the Riverbed Bistro in Keremeos was such a nice pub? Food was great, with Ron and Wolf dealing the cards. The next stop was the Westridge Pub in Osoyoos, with Roger and Laurie shuffling the deck. As always, riders were well received at the Grey Sage Pub in OK Falls for card #4. Complimentary cold cuts were provided, Cherry and Daryl were dealing the cards. Then it was back to Slack Alice’s for the final card. Thanks to all who attended, including a large number of Alberta riders. Approximately

$420.00 was raised for future disbursement.

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                                                                         Pagel Party 2009

     Cherry and I moved to the Valley in 2008 and while out for a ride one Sunday we stopped for lunch at the Gold Dust Pub in Hedley. Along came a group of riders who also stopped, among them were our soon-to-be friend Rick and a man named Greg Hagel. It turned out they were on their way back from an annual party at Rick’s cabin in Manning Park. Greg introduced himself to us, graciously welcomed us to the Okanagan, and told us about the party they had just attended. Further conversation led to his plan of riding in the Three Flags Rally. Sadly, it was to be the only conversation we would ever have with him.

     In honour of Greg and another previously deceased friend Pat, Rick decided to call his annual event ‘the Pagel Party’. With the August 15 2009 weekend approaching, Rick openly invited riders to attend, including members of OMRA. Cherry and I had been looking forward to the fun time that we had heard about and we were definitely not disappointed. It was not a large crowd but enthusiasm was huge. Denice and Red were there, with Red presenting the Greg Hagel Honorary Membership plaque on behalf of OMRA, and Bernie definitely helped liven up the crowd. Everyone had a great time.

     Rick has a very nice place, and there is even a store within walking distance. A barbeque was available for supper and everyone pitched in for a big breakfast on Sunday. The scenery alone is worth the ride and I encourage people to check it out next year, even if just for a day ride.

     PS. Don’t believe any stories you may have heard about my performance. There must have been another guy who looked just like me!                  
                                                                                                                                                                            

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*Other  Slideshows
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Honda Ride
 

Saturday morning on June 6,2009 The Honda Dealership in Penticton held a Customer Appreciation Day
Here are a few  of the pictures of the ride.
  along with a pancake breakfast 
about 35 in total and a few more riders  joined in OK Falls.

 submitted by Barb Scott


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Kamloops Hog 2009

Kamloops HOG Charity Poker Run, June 06 2009. Some of our members attended this event which was sold out by Friday night. Over 800 poker sheets were shelled out along with tickets for supper and a dance in Ashcroft on Saturday night and breakfast in Cache Creek on Sunday. The route was well chosen, taking riders on some smaller highways that might normally be overlooked. The town of Logan Lake and the Black Bull pub came alive for a few hours mid-day, and the motels in Cache Creek were full of riders Saturday night. Ongoing bus service to Ashcroft and back was provided allowing folks to party hardy with no worries. This is an extremely well organized and attended event, plan on registering early for next year. The return trip was again through Spence’s Bridge on #8 to Merritt, and #5a south through Princeton, a route that never gets  boring.

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