Supporting a fallen friend

Poker run raises roughly $2,000 for Slash-X owner’s family

By KRIS REILLY, Editor

Scores of motorcyclists and off-road enthusiasts were among those who gathered for a ride through the High Desert on Sunday to support the family of Brian Lynn.

A poker run to support Lynn’s family raised approximately $2,000, organizers said.

Lynn was killed Aug. 11 in a traffic collision on Highway 247 south of Barstow, not far from the Slash-X Ranch Cafe, which he owned for years.

“Just about anybody who off-roads in the High Desert has eaten (Lynn’s) food and drank his beer,” said Brian Hamilton of Apple Valley. “He was a nice guy, he really was.”

Hamilton said he rides dirtbikes as well as his Harley-Davidson, which he took on the run from the Iron Hog in Oro Grande to the Cadillac Ranch in Apple Valley. The stops included Hooz on First in Barstow, the Slash-X and the Y Saloon in Lucerne Valley.

Chance Moyer, a Cadillac Ranch employee, said about 200 people arrived at the bar Sunday afternoon. Participants paid to compete in the run and also took part in a 50-50 drawing and raffles to support Lynn’s family. His wife, Gayle, suffered major injuries in the crash.

“About half the people gave their raffle prizes back to donate them to the family,” Moyer said.

Kris Reilly can be reached at editor@lucernevalleyleader.com or at (760) 248-7878.