Angry gusts of winds violently whipped across the landscape and flashes of lightning split the riotous skies. Despite the certain signs of a brewing storm, a welcome party had assembled near Begnas lake. Equipped with blaring instruments and dancing locals, they were more than ready to usher us into Pokhara Lakeside. This, accompanied by a cacophony of deafening thunder and revving engines made for a fitting welcome for the return of the biggest thunder ride in the country: The XI Enfield Rendezvous and Poker Run.

The Enfield Rendezvous and Poker Run is one of, if not the biggest, motorcycle events in the country. Our bet is on the latter. It all started out back in 2009 with 22 riders that set out on a ride that would set the pace for the years to come. And through the years the framework has been pretty much consistent: ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, follow the Road Captain, don’t race, pick a card at each stop and try to get the best poker hand at the end, and celebrate the Nepali New Year like nobody’s business. And that is pretty much how things unfolded in the XI Enfield Rendezvous and Poker Run. This year, along with the title sponsors Khukri Rum, the event was sponsored by Kavach Gears, KTM Nepal, Royal Enfield Nepal, Moto World, Nepal Tourism Board along with a list of other sponsors.

Things started at the Nepal Tourism Board in Pradarshini Marg. Breakfast was had, well-wishes were shared, the CEO of NTB Dr. Dhananjay Regmi shared a few words, and the Road Captain Goofy (Pramod Shrestha) laid down the law: No overtaking the Road Captain, and no racing.

And we were off. A convoy of roaring Enfields, along with a few KTMs and Jawas, made our way to Nagdhunga, up to where we were provided a police escort. From there on out we were on our own. Our final stop would be Pokhara Grande Hotel at Lakeside. However, since the Poker Run is rarely ever a hurried affair, there would be several pit stops for riders to relax, refuel, re-feed, pick their poker cards, and get to know each other. The ride in itself hasn’t changed too much over the years, and neither has the feeling we get when we’re part of the convoy.

First, there is the incomparable feeling of straddling your motorcycle and riding through one of the most popular and loved roads of Nepal. Cruising through the winding twisties of Naubise, gunning it through the straights all the while having the splendid vistas of the steadfast Trishuli River and the colossal hills keeping you company. As clichéd as it sounds, riding a motorcycle could very well be the truest form of freedom known to humankind.

Second, you get to meet some amazing people. There are the OGs, who’ve been part of the Poker Run since the longest of times and are the faces that you recognize and associate with the event. Then, there were some riders, clad in leather, dreadlocks reaching their hips, menacing scowls on their face, greying beards, with eyes that could stop the devil in its tracks. But, get to know them and they turn out to be chill, compassionate folks living their best lives. Turns out, one of them was even a marine engineer. Honestly, we would have never guessed it, and it just goes to show how close-minded people can be.

There were some inspiring individuals in the mix as well. Nirmala Bhandari, stood out as a bright and lively character. She wore a bright smile across her face that rarely ever left her face, and her laughter was contagious. You would’ve never guessed that she completed the entire ride with a prosthetic leg and on her scooter rigged with assistance wheels. Even more astonishing is the fact that she did a 35-day solo scooter road trip from east to west of Nepal. Nirmala is a wheelchair basketball champion, national para powerlifting winner, Asian Games veteran, and just a strong-willed traveler setting out to push her limits every day.

Another lady with a spirit was Pushpa Lata Acharya, affectionately known as Bullet Aama, who joined the ride for the very first time. Apart from being a certified badass, 63 years young Pushpa Lata is a writer who chose to ride a Bullet, and she hasn’t looked back.

Finally, and most importantly, there is the feeling of camaraderie that comes with the ride. As you can probably tell, the Poker Run has always been successful in bringing together a tremendously diverse group of riders. There is one common denominator that binds everyone together, and that is the love of riding. The Poker Run shatters barriers, breaks the convention, and brings people together. You get a sense of belonging regardless of who you are or where you come from. You get to make new friends and rekindle old friendships. That’s probably why so many riders and participants decide to spend their new years as part of the Poker Run.

After the grand welcome at Begnas Lake, the riders concluded the ride at Pokhara Grande Hotel where a night of good food, cold booze, and revelry awaited us. Unfortunately, the crew and some riders were broken a piece of terrible news. Santosh Karki, a fellow rider and longtime member of FORE (Friends of Royal Enfield) had gotten into a fatal collision with a bus at Damauli. In order to avoid panic, the news was not broken to the participants until the next day. This incident cast a dark cloud in the event. The organizers had decided to cancel the event but decided to go through with it at the request of Santosh’s kin.

The following day some of the riders went on the customary charity ride to a nearby school to distribute school supplies. Upon their return the scheduled activities of the event were to commence, albeit with a considerably somber atmosphere. While the DJ session was cancelled, Bingo went on according to schedule. All proceeds from the games were given to the bereaved family, along with the proceeds of the helmet that was auctioned off for a staggering bid Rs. 51,000 to the amazing Sangeeta Thapa Rana.

Awards were distributed next. The coveted Best Poker Hand award was bagged by Dipesh Paudel. The Best Original Enfield award went to Deepak Kumar Sah, who came in on his Royal Enfield Himalayan that had helped him win at the Raid de Himalaya. Rohit Ghale bagged the Best Enfield Award for his one of a kind RE Standard. Similarly, the Youngest Rider Award went to Shreeshant Napit and the Most Supportive Female Rider Award found its way to Sulakshana Khadka. Longest Distance Rider Award was given to Basanta BC who had rode all the way from Surkhet. The Hard Luck Award for the most breakdowns during the ride was won by Amit Bishwokarma and the Senior Citizen Award deservedly went to the amazing Pushpa Lata Acharya.

The event was concluded with a silent vigil remembering and respecting the life of Santosh Karki. For many, Santosh was a dear friend with whom they had shared many rides. The death came as a tremendous shock, and it definitely changed the tone of what was set out to be a joyous welcome to the Nepali New Year. However, in true Poker Run fashion, the participants and organizers came together in solidarity to do what they could for their fellow rider.

While the passing of Santosh Karki was devastating, to say the least, it was uplifting to see the riders work together to do what they could to help out. Regardless of everything that happened, the organizers managed to pull off the XI Enfield Rendezvous and Poker Run to the best of their abilities in as dignified a manner as possible. We will be looking forward to the next Poker Run where we will be riding in memory of Santosh Karki.

Moto World Nepal provided an LS2 Storm Helmet for the riding clubs to sign. It was intended to serve as memorabilia that would be auctioned off with the proceeds going to charity.