[morepower]

I started riding last summer after several years off and I have a newbie question. I hear a lot about poker runs and there are a few in my area each summer. So I don't seem too much like an idiot when I decide to join one, someone 'splain to me how they work.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

http://motorcycles.about.com/cs/beginners/g/def064.htm

 

[PYSCHOWard]

I think @ each stop,a rider draws 3 cards and tries to make the best possible hand,tallies up points at the end of the ride. Not all group rides are Poker Runs.

 

[psychoboy]

I started riding last summer after several years off and I have a newbie question. I hear a lot about poker runs and there are a few in my area each summer. So I don't seem too much like an idiot when I decide to join one, someone 'splain to me how they work.

Thanks

as dave linked....

it's pretty much a cruise with stops.

at those stops you collect cards from the "dealer".

at the end, the best (and usually worst) hands win part of the pot or some other prize.


basically, it's a very slow cruise with several opportunites to talk to each other, and take pics. (it gives you more scenery than everyone else's back)

 

[rickbb]

Just be careful which run you join. Some are little more than a bar crawl where people drink way too much beer at each stop.

That's what happened on my first, (and last), poker run. :roll:

 

[bearkatbiker]

Poker runs can be extremely fun if the right one is chosen...is also good to bring a buddy or buddies along to ride with.

I usually go on poker runs that benefit something or another and most of the riders are there to have a good time and just ride. All will be run differently but most of the ones I've gone on you purchase a note card for each hand you wish to play. You then ride to a location and draw one card for each hand you are playing. The official at the stop station then rights down the card you drew on the note card. Same goes until you have five cards on each note card you purchased.

At the end you turn your note card in and the winner is chosen with best, worst, etc hands. Then the pot usually divided between the charity and the winner or some variation of that.

Just remember that you ride your own ride and are there to have fun...who cares what the other crazies are doing.

--BB

 

[CycleMichael]

Just remember that you ride your own ride and are there to have fun...who cares what the other crazies are doing.

--BB

I hear that. The poker run I did 2 years ago had a lot of bikers in it. We left the start with a large group of us. The leader of our group had us running about 10 MPH over the speed limit. When we got out of town, a smaller group of riders blew past us on a double yellow line going at least 90.
I wasn't all that comfortable riding in groups at that time, and it was definately a little unsettling.

The best bet is to find a buddy or two to ride with, and plan your route between the stops so that you can ride it at your pace.

 

[psychoboy]

another interesting factoid of cruises in general (poker runs, or just typical rallies)

if the vanguard (the folks up front) are doing the speed limit, there is a 90% chance the folks in the back are doing 5-10 over most of the time.

i don't know why this happens, but i will assume it's due to people in the middle stretching the pack out, and the folks in the back trying to pack it up again.

i'm always in the lead when my car club goes on show runs, i navigate, and i choose one guy (usually the most annoying headlights) to be the back marker. as long as I can see him, i know i've got my group with me.

But i also make sure that everyone who travels with me knows they must keep up. if thye fall behind, and slow the middle of the pack, they get pushed behind the back marker, and i don't care if they keep up or not.

 

[onephsyco1]

I've been to several over the years .
Most of which were great days !

If I see someone or several peope drinking
Or if they start riding wreckless !
I would simply get away from them !
I've never had A problem !

Jack

 

[Dragoon]

Poker runs are a hoot. They are a good chance to meet other riders and possibly end up with a few more biking buddies. I used to do a lot of poker runs in my little airplane so drinking was never an issue. The two runs I did on my bike were totally alcohol free. If you were caught drinking before the BBQ at the end, you were disqualified.

As everybody so rightfully mentioned above, ride your own ride. This should be your mantra on EVERY group ride you go on.

Have fun.

 

[cybrhick]

BTW, poker runs are now illegal in Texas.

 

[Dragoon]

BTW, poker runs are now illegal in Texas.

Wait till they find out that someone CAN get hurt and they will make it a sport.

:lol: :lol:

 

[cybrhick]

BTW, poker runs are now illegal in Texas.

Wait till they find out that someone CAN get hurt and they will make it a sport.

:lol: :lol:

The reason they passed legislation against it, is because they can't oversee where the money is going, so it falls into the same pot as gambling. BTW, for the first poster, most poker runs are set up so that half te proceeds go to some charitable cause.

 

[Dragoon]

I figured it had to have something to do with gambling, or a close interpretation of gambling. It funny just how much we get legislated out of our seemingly harmless fun.

 

[BerrierM]

I've personally helped organize and run a couple of these for the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Carlisle and I can tell you we give 100% of the profits to our charity. We get local businesses to donate door prizes, the Eagles supply the meal at the end (nothing fancy; hot dogs, beans, chips, etc,) labor is all volunteers, and we host it at our picnic grounds.
We have had over 240 entrants each year and have yet to pick a day with good weather. (Go figure.) The riders usually leave in groups of various sizes and receive one card at each of four stops along the way. The fifth card is selected back at the picnic grounds and the best poker hand wins.
We have raised thousands of dollars for cancer and diabetes and, as always, "A great time was had by all."
We also do 50/50 drawings, an auction, etc to "boost" the monies given to charity.
The ride generally covers 125 miles or so.
If you get a chance, get a couple of guys together and join the fun. You will not regret it.

 

[rat]

Bearkat...

I like your ironhead.