Mystery Ride

Recently I was invited to a very unique event, unique in many ways. First of all it’s a secret, getting invited to it is rather difficult you probably have a better chance of scoring season tickets for the Green Bay Packers games. It’s been going on annually for decades and I can’t tell you the name of it either, or where it’s held although it is moved around every year.

A couple of guys I know who know a couple guys who know these guys who’ve been hosting it for years now and I was invited to help ride sweep.  It’s basically a sort of poker run but with a few twists.  And it is and isn’t a speed contest. There is a course and it’s marked with certain kinds of ribbon, you need to find this certain kind of ribbon in order to stay on the course. There’s also another kind of ribbon, if you find that ribbon you’re going the wrong way. Oh and by the way that certain kind of ribbon you need to find to stay on the course headed in the right direction, it must always be on your right only.

If you find it and it’s on your left you’re heading the wrong way. And of course the ribbons aren’t exactly close together. This year’s course was about twenty seven miles and we (The sweep riders) left about fifteen minutes after the event started and got back to the start area about four and a half hours later. Speaking of the start everyone was gathered around and shown the different kinds ribbons just before they were told to GO. Along the course there were checks that were marked with yet other kind of ribbon. At those checks is where you picked up a sealed envelope with your poker card.

The course was in some spots very challenging but a lot of fun none the less. There was only one rider who didn’t make it back to the start area; somehow he managed to run out of fuel on a twenty seven mile course riding a two stroke with a two and a half gallon tank. He was being rescued as the sun was setting.  While he was being rescued all manner of prizes were be given out for things like first to finish, first in class and best poker hands etc. I’m glad I was invited and was able to participate in this year’s event who knows if or when I’ll ever be invited back, to this secret event, the one I can’t tell you where it was or the name of it.

Doug 21J