BIKERS BRAVE THE ELEMENTS

Despite the wind and rain, 100 members of the SEMO Harley Owners Group biked through Southeast Missouri Sunday to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"If the weather would've been like Saturday, we would have had more people," said Ken Jackson, MDA district director. "But we can't control the weather. It was nice this many people showed up."

Jackson estimated the group raised over $1,500.

The Chapter Poker Run began at 11 a.m. from the Cape Girardeau Eagles Club. Riders paid $6 per hand to benefit the MDA, and then biked around the area, making stops to get cards at the Corner Bar and Grill in Benton, Mo., the Rustic Lodge in Zelma, Mo., and the Sweet Onion at Marble Hill, Mo. At each location, they drew cards, and could pay $2 to discard two cards and pick up two more. The ride ended at the Cape Girardeau Elks Lodge around 5 p.m.

Although it was rainy and windy, those who participated felt it was worth it. Mark Conrad of Cape Girardeau said that the ride was fun and good sight-seeing.

"The lightning was a little bit scary, though," he said.

"The spiderwebs weren't too bad," said John Bey of Cape Girardeau. "But those thunderbolts would get your attention."

Kevin Boyer, who grew up in Sikeston, Mo., drove all the way from Columbia, Mo., to visit friends in the group and ride for the charity. "My new rainsuit's not doing good -- I left it at home," he said.

Jackson said he thought the good turnout despite the weather was due to the event's longevity in the area. "This is dedication -- rain or shine, they do it," he said.

Jackson said next week the MDA is having another fund-raiser. "Fish for a Wish," an all-you-can-eat fish fry, will be from 2-10 p.m. Sunday at Cape County Park North.

335-6611 ext. 226