2009 “RIDE FOR ELIZA” Lancefield Motorcycle Poker Run
WOW what a day, what a turnout, 275 registered riders, 330 bikes were counted at the lunch stop and $19,100 raised for a very special cause. Well done to everyone who helped, dontated and participated on the ride for the day, thank you all so very much for your kind and generous support. I know we created a very rememorable day for Eliza and her family, Eliza still talks about it with great enthusiasim. For those wishing to know Eliza’s family have informed us that she is going along very well with no complication’s. One tough little girl and loving family, I’m sure you would all agree we hope all turns out for the best for Eliza.
What a sight and what a sound 275 plus bikes in the main street of Lancefield, we certainly pricked peoples imagination and got those tounges wagging. A lot of spectators turned up just to see the bikes and soak in the atmosphere. People still talk about it today and cant wait til the next ride.
WE headed west riding around the back of Kyneton and stopping at the Glenlyon general store for the first card stop. Next card stop and lunch was the Greendale pub, who cooked us up a fine BBQ, with light entertainment provided by a 2 piece band. We then headed through Bacchus Marsh/Darley and stopped at Bullengarook sporting oval for our third card stop. We arrived back in Lancefield at about 3:30 pm and enjoyed the hospiatlity of the Lancefield Hotel. Another band was playing along with prizes, wheelbarrow raffle and auction. A very entertaining day.
We were followed around for the day by a Helicopter and a filming crew. This only added to the spectacile of the ride. A DVD of the ride is now available, it contains nearly 45 minutes of video and 300 indivudual photo’s of the ride set to some fantastic music. Be sure to get your copy, refer to the DVD link on this website to get your copy. You can check it out on ‘You Tube’ under Lancefield Poker Run too, enjoy.
Be sure to check out all the photo’s of the ride for Eliza and the 2008 ride on the Photo’s link on this website as well. Have a look and see if you can see yourself.
On a sad note a fellow rider, Robert “Bob” Gibb, was killed after an accident after about 10 minutes into the ride. A tradgedy for us all and our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I know this affected a great many riders and not the least the Lancefield Motorcycle Poker Run Committee. A sober reminder to us all about the risk we take each time we ride our bikes and the need for us all to responsible and vigilant when riding in a large group. More information about Bob is available on our website.
Bob was rememberd by the Lancefield/Macedon Ranges Relay for life and Vic. Cancer Council at the Relay for Life event the following weekend. The Lancefield Motorcycle Poker Run helped the Shooting Stars, Relay for Life team win the award for most money raised by a single team. We were also able to have the funds directed towards children’s cancer research and it was named in honour of Eliza, bloody fantastic effort.
Eliza
Two year old Eliza is a local child who was diagnosed with a Sacroccygeal Teratoma on the 5th December 2007. She has had to endure six months of extensive and demanding chemotherapy and numerous hospital stays including major surgery to remove the remainder of the tumour and her coccyx. Whilst trying to regain her strength and reclaim her childhood, Eliza now faces years of tests to ensure the effectiveness of her treatment. It will take up to five years from now until this brave little girl is given the full all clear.
Eliza’s parents Colin and Kristine have endured many months of heartache watching their beautiful baby girl fight for her life. They have bonded with other parents in the hospital ward and together they have found inner strength in sharing their fears, frustrations and emotions with one another, and draw comfort in knowing they are not suffering alone. Now they want to share theirs and Eliza’s story with you. In Kristine’s words “It is my personal wish for children to be diagnosed sooner as then little ones like Eliza could be saved the complications of metastatic (secondary) cancer, as it is hard enough dealing with a primary tumour.”
Wouldn’t it be nice to open the paper one day and discover that children like Eliza would be diagnosed sooner and a cure has been found? Eliza would love to give you all a wave as she hopefully will be riding proudly up the main street on her daddy’s bike on the big day!
We all want to help make our world a better place to live in and if enjoying a day out on your motorbike with friends can place us all one step closer to better education and finding a cure for cancer why not participate in this life changing event. So fill up your tanks, pull on your leathers, dong on your helmet and to dig deep into your pockets and lets all….. RIDE FOR ELIZA
click here for ’2009 Ride for Eliza LMCPR Flyer’ pdf
Click here for ‘Eliza’s That not a Triumph Flyer’ pdf
