Local

400-strong motorcycle convoy rolls out for 20th Junee Poker Run

Published

1 year ago

February 2, 2025

JUNEE roared to life yesterday as more than 400 motorcycles rolled out for the 20th annual Junee Poker Run and Blues Night.

It’s one of the largest and longest-running charity motorcycle rides in Australia and raises funds for Can Assist Junee, a local charity supporting locals with cancer.

This year was the event’s 20th anniversary, with riders and supporters embarking on a 230-kilometre journey across the Riverina before returning to Junee for the annual Blues Night.

The day began at dawn, with over 420 registered participants—including 390 riders and 36 bus-goers—signing on at the Junee Showgrounds before setting off in formation.

Following a traditional lap of Junee, the 400-strong motorcycle convoy thundered through Illabo and Bethungra, before cruising into Cootamundra and converging on the Country Club.

Barrelling along Burley Griffin Way, the procession then shattered the peace in Harden-Murrumburrah as it powered into the twin towns around midday, parking-up outside the Harden Country Club.

Marking their second pit stop, hundreds of parched bikers poured into the club for a brief beverage before pushing on to Jugiong.

Like a serpent, the parade of bikes slithered through the bends on Jugiong Road, clocking up another 38 kilometres to reach Jugiong just after 1pm.

Like moths to a flame, hundreds of hungry and heat-weary riders funnelled into the Jugiong Motor Inn where they swapped stories over cold drinks and a barbeque lunch, prepared by the Junee Rural Fire Brigade and served by Can Assist Volunteers.

From there, the ride gunned it to Gundagai, turning heads as it hummed along the Hume Highway and roared into the riverside town about 3pm, seeking refuge from the 36-degree heat at the Criterion Hotel.

Riders then completed the final 61 kilometre leg of the trip back to Junee, capping off the day with the annual Blues Night celebrations at the local showgrounds.

As part of the Poker Run tradition, participants picked up playing cards at each location, with the best poker hand at the end of the ride winning a $1,500 cash prize, thanks to a surge in sponsorship.

CHARITY AT HEART

While registrations were slightly down from previous years—around 20 fewer than 2024 and 40 shy of 2023’s record 467 sign-ups—this year’s fundraising efforts are expected to be just as impressive.

Last year’s ride raised a record $27,500 for Can Assist Junee, and with a record-breaking 65 sponsors backing the 20th anniversary event, this year’s total is tipped to be just as big.

Participants each paid $40 to take part, covering the cost of the ride, lunch and entry into the Blues Night.

This year’s 20th edition event shirts also proved extremely popular, with the milestone merchandise selling out before Saturday’s ride even began.

Some sizes vanished within minutes of going on sale at 7am, with the overwhelming demand forcing organisers to place a second order for more.

Proceeds from the day are injected back into the community, with final figures set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Poker Run and Blues Night committee, led by Tony Fitzgerald, has been praised for breathing new life into the annual event over the past decade.

Their dedication and commitment, alongside the efforts of the riders, supporters, volunteers, and sponsors, has ensured the Poker Run continues to be a celebration of community, generosity, and the thrill of the open road.