Ride For Sight Kicks Off Riding Season

By S.Sydney & Stix Douglas


The first Ride for Sight Poker Run was held in September 2006. It brought out a total of 66 bikes and raised over $1600.00 after expenses. Larry Mc Clellan of the House Springs Lions Club stated that amount of money could allow nearly 300 children to have their eyes tested for early diagnosis of preventable blindness.
On Sunday April 22, 2007 the sun shone brightly from nearly a cloudless blue sky. Nature finally conceded to warmer temperatures allowing the Second Annual Ride For Sight Poker Run to be the official start for the riding season. It drew out many from their winter hibernation to take part in this worthy cause.

It is never too late to go for a ride on a bike. House Springs Lions Club volunteer, Marcie Strieder celebrated her 80th birthday at the Ride for Sight by taking her first with Lion David Jones.
The House Springs Lions Club hosted the event, with help from two other Lions Clubs, the Am Vets post #48, and a mass of willing volunteers. One can only imagine the amount of teamwork, thought, and effort that went into the planning and execution in making this a truly incredible event.

Approximately 104 bikes and a total of 170 participants registered and paid the $20.00 admission. The price included coffee and doughnuts served before the start of the ride, a complimentary Ride For Sight t-shirt, and a wristband that enabled them to enjoy all the festivities offered after the ride was over.
House Springs Lions Club Chairperson David Jones started the Poker Run on time and kept it on schedule throughout the approximately 125 mile ride. It was a virtually uninterrupted, escorted motorcycle excursion that took the group through some of the most scenic areas of Jefferson, Washington, Franklin and St. Louis counties. The road conditions were exceptional over each of the six State Highways and the one Interstate.

With the use of only one Byrnes Mill police officer at the first intersection, the vast quantity of people involved in the volunteer staff out did themselves. They were able to get the large number of bikes through the countless intersections and over the entire distance safely and kept the riding participants together as a complete and intact group, making it a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

As acting Road Captain, David Jones led a vast and diverse crew of the area’s bikers. They varied in age as much as they did in the different machines they rode. Nearly every type of two wheeled bikes and a few three wheeled trikes attended, with almost every motorcycle manufacturer represented. But the variety did not stop there; many were individual bikers as well as numerous group riders. Members included at least three different Harley Owners Groups, the St Louis County Metro Chapter #3 of the Blue Knights, Am Vets from Post # 1, and The Statesmen.

The first of the three stops was near the halfway point, in Desoto at the AMVETS Post #48. Adjutant Dave Maupin informed me they are currently the largest AMVET Post in the State of Missouri. They were enthusiastic about being involved with the Ride For Sight and wish to assist in next year’s ride. While there everyone signed their guest register. They did an excellent job of serving refreshments to our large and thirsty group quickly.

The next stop was the Hillsboro Community Center where the Hillsboro Lions Club provided a luncheon. Everyone had time to relax and sit down and enjoy their meal out of the sun under the pavilion, while they socialized catching up on what each had been up to during the winter months.

Soon everyone was traveling to the Fenton Lions Club, near Murphy Flats, the last stop before returning to House Springs Lions Club.

When the group returned in the late afternoon from the poker run they were greeted by the tantalising aroma of the freshly prepared meal that consisted of a Barbequed Pork Steak Dinner with all the trimmings. And their choice of mixed drinks, beer, diet or regular sodas and bottled water.

Shortly after the meal was over the band “SHILOH” provided the music as they played many of the top 40 country and classic rock tunes for the audience’s enjoyment.

After Shiloh had performed its first set it was time to give out the prizes. There were cash prizes for the top three poker hands of $125.00, $75.00, and $50.00 respectively, with two of the winners generously donating their winnings back. However, nothing could compare with the numerous attendance prizes that were provided.

Sarah Calhoun who participated with her husband in the Poker Run went home after the ride and returned with their truck afterward bringing her Seeing Eye dog, Tico that she received, from one of the Lions Clubs of Missouri, several years ago. Showing where some of the monies raised goes first hand as she helped answer questions about the program.

The Ride For Sight Poker Run continues to grow, with almost 40 more bikes participating in the ride over last year. This year’s Ride For Sight raised over $2,500.00; with a tentative date that is set for Saturday April 26th, 2008 for next year. It is one annual charity event that I will be looking forward to participating in again with hopes many of you will join me next year and help to double the number of bikes attending. Please make a note on your calendar now to make this a part of your annual events.

Special thanks go to area retailers and businesses for their generosity in providing this year’s attendance prizes, to the Ride sponsors for their support and to the many volunteers who graciously donated their time to make this event so successful.
Shown here are a few of the many volunteers that graciously donated their time and effort to make this event so successful and enjoyable for the many participants.



Ride for Sight is part of a non-profit organization that is dedicated to help those that are sight impaired. Monies raised goes for early diagnosis of preventable blindness, as well as training and placement of Seeing Eye dogs.

More information can be found on the Lions Club web site http://www.housespringslions.com/ including photos of the event. Additional information on Sight First II the organization and what it does can be found at http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php