Fairfield-Echo

Shiny chrome on Harleys and the neon bright paintwork on super bikes filled the lot instead of pre-owned Lexus vehicles on June 24, but they didn't stay long. When high noon rolled around, about 100 motorcycles and their riders cleared the lot in just a few minutes to launch the first Lexus of Dayton Ride for Charity Poker Run.

Why a motorcycle poker run at Lexus of Dayton?

"We found a lot of our customers also ride bikes, so why not?" asked Scott Gomez, Lexus of Dayton new car sales manager. "It's a chance for our customers and other riders to meet each other, have some fun, take a nice Sunday ride and raise some money for a worthy charity, The Humane Society of Greater Dayton."

The 62-mile ride included five stops at local pubs or restaurants in the southern Montgomery County area, where each rider got one playing card. At the end of the run, the best poker hand won a special prize, in addition to more than 100 door prizes donated by local merchants.

"We have gotten great response for the donation of prizes and gift certificates from local businesses and Lexus of Dayton is paying all of the costs, so every penny from the entry fee is going directly to the Humane Society," Gomez said.

On opposite ends of the spectrum were three of the participants. Lowell Stepp of Germantown cruised in on his 1980 Harley, complete with retro ape-hanger handlebars.

"I bought it brand-new 27 years ago, and I've put all 32,000 miles on it," the 58-year-old Stepp said.

Just down the row, Chuck and Kim Marshall of Carlisle were waiting for the start. Chuck was sitting on his 2003 Screamin' Eagle Road King with gold paint and scallops, while Kim wore her leathers, ready to hop on her black Honda Rebel.

"I rode behind Chuck for 6 or 7 years on the Harley, and this April, he surprised me with the Honda Rebel for my birthday. I've been riding now for a couple of months and I'm out riding with him every chance I get," Kim said.

That's what Saturdays and Sundays are for — riding and raising funds for worthy causes.