3rd Annual Capt. John McKenna Memorial Run
On May 14TH, I departed home and headed for American Legion Post 70 in Saratoga, NY. The purpose of the trip was to participate in the annual Marine Captain John McKenna IV Memorial Poker Run. We somehow missed this run last year but were determined that we would make it this year.
Upon arrival I found Big Dan Nolin from the American Legion Post 574 Riders Group and many familiar faces from the Leathernecks MC as well. Registration was well organized and simple enough and the gift bag full of goodies was very much appreciated. You can always tell that a ride is well organized when you are given printed directions and this ride was no exception.
Since this is ride is a Poker Run format, you can go whenever you please. I hooked up with Dan and several other bikes and we departed. Our route took us up Route 9N to the East side of The Great Sacandaga Lake where we proceeded north to the bridge at Northville. At Northville, we crossed the lake and connected to Route 30 South. It was a very overcast day with the threat of rain hanging in the air and eventually as we were heading south on Route 30, out luck ran out and we hit a small shower. It was one of those showers where it rains just long enough to make you uncomfortable and to also let you know that Mother Nature is in charge. We stayed on Route 30 South until we intercepted Route 29 in Broadalbin. We proceeded on Route 29 East through Saratoga Springs to the village of Schuylerville where the ride terminated at the American Legion Post 278. As it is with any poker run, there were multiple stops along the way to enable the participants to draw their poker hand.
The American Legion Post 278 had the food ready. We all grabbed something to eat and settled in. Red Lucas who was one of the organizers of the ride welcomed everyone and thanked them for their participation. The father of Captain John McKenna also spoke and told those in attendance how the funds raised would be used to support the Military Welcome Room at the Albany County Airport. This room is manned by volunteers and gives military travelers passing through the Albany County Airport a place of refuge during their travels. If flights are cancelled the staff at the Welcome Room will provide overnight accommodations to the stranded military traveler at no charge. It should be noted that the Military Welcome Room is named in honor of Marine Captain John McKenna.
This was a fun ride even though it rained slightly. The ride route was interesting and provided different types of riding experiences from country roads to city streets. The only bad part about the run was the fact that my luck with avoiding the rain ran out as I headed home. I traveled from Schuylerville to Warrensburg in the pouring rain which made for a very interesting trip home. This run is on my must do list for each year. I can think of no better use for my funds than to provide support to traveling military personnel.
