A convoy of chrome, camaraderie and community spirit took over the streets of Burstall on May 24 for the annual Poker Rally hosted by Pam and Darryl Fitterer — the final one under the Burstall Fuels name.
The event drew riders from across the region for a full day of motorcycles, road stops, and home-cooked food. Registration opened at 11 a.m. at Burstall Fuels, giving participants time to connect before kick stands were raised at 1 p.m.
The rally route spanned approximately 400 kilometres, with stops at the Harley-Davidson dealership in Medicine Hat, the Patricia Hotel in Patricia Alberta, and the Buffalo Campground. At each location, riders drew poker chips, each marked with a number, with prizes awarded back in Burstall for the highest and lowest combined totals.
“We left Kindersley around 9:30 in the morning and headed down to Burstall,” said Kindersley resident Kelly Phinney, a rider in the Burstall Fuels rally. “From there we made the full run down to Medicine Hat, over to Patricia, caught a view of the dinosaur park, then through Jenner and back for a great meal and a good time with fellow bikers.”
Phinney noted the route was more about the experience than the competition.
“I didn’t win anything, but I had a great time,” he said. “One of the reasons I take part in these runs is because a lot of them raise money for community projects or charities. And you get the bonus of meeting great people along the way.”
After the ride, participants returned to Burstall for a supper made entirely by host Pam Fitterer. The meal featured barbecue beef on a bun and a variety of salads, including a fruit salad with strawberries and blueberries that riders raved about.
“The food is absolutely amazing,” Phinney said.
Prizes ranged from T-shirts and gift cards to signs and water bottles. Entertainment followed, a live set by local musicians who kept the crowd lingering late into the night.
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Phinney said the atmosphere was welcoming and fun, even if he himself turned in early.
“I’m not young anymore, so I kind of crashed at 11:30,” he said with a laugh. “But I know others stayed out much later.”
The Fitterers have hosted the rally for several years, investing months of planning into routes, stops and posters to promote the event. As Phinney noted, they’ve become known for the quality of their rides and their dedication to the biker community.
“Pam and Darryl are amazing people,” he said. “They give back to the community and to all of us riders. Anything they put on is a good show.”
This year’s rally was the last to be held under the Burstall Fuels banner, as the Fitterers have sold their business and plan to relocate to Kindersley by the end of June. Future rides are expected to continue from their new home base, with the same energy and care that has made the Burstall rally a local favourite.
Phinney encouraged anyone interested in motorcycling to get involved.
“Don’t be afraid to talk to bikers,” he said. “Stop someone at a gas station, ask questions. And check out local Facebook groups like Easy Riders or K-Rock. That’s how you find out about rallies and events.”
He and his wife also organize a memorial Toy Run each year, another chance to ride for a cause and build community.
“There’s a lot more to biking than just the ride,” Phinney said. “It’s about connection.”