So, what is it?

 

The Enfield Rendezvous & Poker Run is a non-competitive annual motorcycle riding event aimed at bringing together Royal Enfield and other classic vintage motorcycle riders for a ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Riders have to pick a card in each pit stop to make a complete Poker hand at the final destination, and the best hand wins an award.

 

In addition, there are also other specific awards, and the check points offer free food, drinks and lucky spots prizes. The event was started in 2009 by Rabi Thapa (CEO of Sacred Summits Pvt. Ltd) in asso­ciation with an Australian friend, Stewart Mclean, in memory of their riding friend, late Binod Chhetri, who was an adventurer and a die-hard fan of the Royal Enfield motor­cycles. Over the years, the event has gained in popularity and become a ‘must attend’ where Enfielders come together once a year to share their camaraderie.

 

As happened last year, the 10th edition of the celebration ride kicked off at Khula Manch, Kathmandu, with both national and interna­tional participants. The presence of over 150 Royal Enfield motorcycles parked alongside each other was definitely a sight to behold.

 

After a short briefing by the orga­nizers in the presence of MP Gagan Thapa, the event was officially flagged off. Thereafter, the partic­ipants thundered across the city towards Naubise, getting a lot of attention. After cruising down the windy Naubise road, they arrived at the first pit-stop at a highway restau­rant near Naubise.

 

A heavy breakfast later, the rid­ers continued towards Mugling, where they sat down for a scrump­tious Thakali lunch, courtesy Yeti Airlines. After cooling off, the con­voy moved towards Pokhara. The next and final stop was at Akela Highway Restaurant, before the final stop at Pokhara. Soon, dark­ness fell, and the headlights of the Royal Enfield bullet train lit up the streets of Pokhara. On entering the city, they were welcomed at Hotel Pokhara Grande.

 

A nice buffet accompanied by energizing live music was set up inside the hotel’s premises. It didn’t look like the day’s ride had taken a toll on any of the participants as they partied late into the night and wel­comed the New Year 2075 in style.

 

The next day, participants could either relax for the day or join the charity ride to Kalikasthan Pokhara. Later in the evening, they were seen eagerly competing for various awards. The morning-breakfast the next day would officially complete the 10th edition of the amazing Poker Run. And it definitely did not disappoint this year either. We’ll be eagerly waiting for the next one.