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The employees association at the Ponderay Newsprint Company in Usk, Washington, recently held its annual 4-Wheeler Poker Run, and it was another in the string of successful, enjoyable rides for employees and their families.
The event reflects the best aspects of ATV riding, with riders of many ages participating, not racing, but enjoying the riding, scenery and camaraderie of the event. There were many Polaris ATVs on the ride, but regardless of brand, the riders had a fun, safe time – which is the goal of the annual event.
He is a report from Michael Grace, a Ponderay employee and organizer of the annual event:
What a Huge Success!
That about sums up the experience we all enjoyed at this year’s ride.
Almost 70 employees and their families endured the heat and dust on the trails this year. Our route took us to some beautiful scenery on top of Monumental Mountain. The views were absolutely spectacular.
Safety was a huge topic at this year’s event. A pre-ride safety meeting was attended by all riders. Trail safety, proper hydration, EMT designation and watching out for the kids were our topics. I would say 99% of participants were safely prepared for the conditions of the ride by having goggles, helmets and dust masks for their protection. Way to go everyone! No injuries this year either. The parents did a great job of watching out for the kids and lending a hand where needed.
I want to extend a special thank you to my wife, Tina, who put up with me for the past three months trying to get this ride organized. Also, I would like to recognize three other people: Jeff Cunningham and George Weisbarth for their fine cooking ability, the food was awesome you guys. Thanks very much for your efforts. And Tom Petrie, Sr., who is kind enough to map out our route and be our lead safety/EMT representative for our ride. You always amaze me, Tom, with the effort you put in to help me out. Thanks very much.
The smiles I saw on the kids’ faces at the end of the ride made the whole thing worth the effort. All the kids did a great job riding the rough terrain, and putting up with the dust and heat. Every PNCEA child won some great prizes and were very happy.
The adults made out pretty well also. Thanks to our sponsors, everyone was able to enjoy winning a nice prize. Kevin Steel came away with top honors by drawing three queens. Shari Campbell came in second, followed by Jim Leblanc.
Special thanks to Polaris Industries for their generous sponsorship. Those guys at Polaris are awesome to work with, and are a big part of the success of our event.
I want to also thank Cliff Dugger from Ponderay Newsprint Company. Thanks for your support in sponsoring our employee association event.
I am looking forward to next year already!
– Michael Grace
Ponderay Newsprint Company
4-Wheeler Poker Run Event Organizer
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