The 2008 SPUD RUN to Boise, IDAHO
Thursday, June 12th, 2008Back in 1991 at the International gathering at Albuquerque, New Mexico, two Blue Knights - Pat “Doc” HOLLIDAY, BC1 and Scott HUGHES, WY 1 “created” the West Coast Conference “unofficial” Run and named it The Spud Run.
So the first ride was held in 1992 and had 18 in attendance (but I have more than 18 names??? - oh well, it was unofficial). Watching some old video, noted that the founders Doc and Scott (and Lady Lynn) were there along with Milt and Maxine JOHNSON; Dan DORLING; Larry and Dorothy PASCH, BC 1; Gary PIERCE, Al LOUDON and the late Luke LARSON, WA 11; Jerry BEEM, WA 1(the first Mr SPUD); Ron TESTERMAN, WA 1, Bill and Jean GERT, CO 111; Billy SWEARINGIN, WY 111; Steve DAILY, CA III; Lance and Carol (?) and Bob POCHECK (sp), Alberta IV;and a couple of riders from CA (Barry CA I) and NV but I cant recall their names. The first year we toured the old Idaho State Pen. and played tourist to the various high spots in Boise.
From that first ride, the event has grown and this year 102 (unofficially of course) rode to Boise. Unfortuately, a number did not make the event due to tornadoes in Wyoming: snow stopped some travelling from California in Oregon and some high winds and heavy duty rain caused some others to turn back and poor Rob HARBUG, OR 1, had to go back to work and fight “crime”.
This year there were members from BC1; Alberta IV; WAI, WAII, WAIII and WA IV; Idaho III; CA 1 and CA VII; UT I; CO III, NM (?) and Newfoundland & Labrador 1 (sorry if I missed someone/chapter).
Some members showed up a day early and renewed friendships and socialized into the early hours. On Friday, folks checked out the Harley Davidson dealer’s new facility while some ladies went “shopping” to assist the economy of Idaho. Saturday evening, the motel provided a wonderful meal with all the trimmings. Some even went back for seconds, especially the fried chicken…
After being fed, Karl HUTCHINGSON CA 1, as MC, (and soon to become the WCC Chairman and International Rep) called on Bruce CHOMEAKWICH, Alberta IV, Mr SPUD 2007 to make the presentation to Mr SPUD 2008 - Milt JOHNSON, BC1 ( Milt has attended 15 Spud Runs ). Then, Wanda CARSON, WA IV, Mrs SPUD 2007 announced that the 2008 Mrs SPUD was Cindi TANGBORN, WA I…see the photos ( and Cindi, didn’t submit the photo with the fur hat!).
The weather was nice and warm for the banquet and the following morning, people were quite pleased to load up and say their goodbyes, without any liquid sunshine.
Again another successful event and folks are marking their calendar for next year. Check your social events calendar and do drop in to Boise and join in the fun.
Larry R PASCH
Mr SPUD 1996
Newfoundland & Labrador 1