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What Are Poker Runs?
We've seen a lot of riders, both experienced and novice, who have yet to ride in their first poker run. Some simply haven't found the right time or opportunity. Others were not sure if they would like the experience. Their questions are pretty much the same:
"What is a poker run, anyway?"
"What do we have to do?"
"Who can ride?"
The funny thing about poker runs is that don't always come with set-in-stone rules. They can vary depending on who hosts them, what they are for, and how big they are.
Rules, etiquette, events, routes, and other factors depend on the individual run as well, but here are some basic guidelines as to what a poker run is, as well as some other facts.
So, What is a Poker Run?
If you are a biker, a poker run is an event where motorcycle riders pay an entry fee to ride a specified route. The route has a series of stops, and at each stop a poker hand (or dice roll) is done and recorded on a score card.
There are other poker runs too, including those for boats, snowmobiles...even horses!
Poker runs are usually timed, but they are not a race. No special prize is awarded to the first bike in, unless it is specified in the rules as part of the game. For the most part, the winner is the person who ends the ride with the best poker hand. Some rides include a smaller prize for worst hand as well.
The ride is the main attraction, but most poker runs will have other events to keep riders entertained after the ride is over. Auctions, bike shows, raffles, door prizes, live music, dancing, games, and refreshments are some of the activities you might also see at a poker run.
Poker runs are often held to raise money for charity events or to benefit individuals. Others might be to raise money for organizations or clubs.
What Do Participants Have To Do?
To ride in a poker run, a motorcyclist needs to pay an entry fee. He or she also has to listen to the rules. Depending on the ride, there may be specific instructions, such as who is supposed to lead and whether or not bikes will leave all at once or in groups. There may be an agreed upon formation, there may be certain signals, or there may be few if any rules at all about the actual riding part.
During the ride, a participant is expected to ride safely. Doing something incredibly stupid or dangerous that puts several hundred riders at risk generally won't impress anyone. Other than that, the main rule is to have fun.
Once the ride is over, riders are expected (but not obligated) to take part in other events. For new riders, this the perfect opportunity to talk with experienced bikers.
Who Can Ride?
Unless there are specific rules, anybody can ride in most poker runs. Not all players have to ride either. You can often see people following in vehicles as well. We've never seen any rules stating that you couldn't follow on mule, bicycle or hot air balloon either, if that happens to be your transportation of choice. All you have to do is pay a fee and be careful where you land the balloon.
Don't want to ride, but still want to participate? Charity poker runs usually welcome anyone who wants to just drop by and admire the bikes and talk. It is considered good etiquette to buy something or donate, even if it is a small item such as a raffle ticket.
Interesting Poker Runs
In May 2013, Realities for Children Charities ( a non-profit organization out of Colorado) attempted to make the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest poker run ever. Realities Ride has become a Memorial Day tradition, drawing thousands of riders and spectators.
Like many rides, Realities Ride and Rally raises money for children. In this case, children who have been abused or neglected. According the the records and receipts for this year's blow-out event, Realities saw over 1,500 bikes. It took over 300 volunteers to help organize and run the two day event.
Although it has not been officially declared yet as the World's Largest Motorcycle Poker Run, Guinness has been notified. Apparently there are a lot of strict guidelines that have to be adhered to.
For instance, the only bikes counted will be those who remained in formation, made each stop, and returned to stopping point. The hosts for Realities are excited about the possibility of beating a world record, but even more excited about the positive impact the publicity will have for the children they serve.
Read More Here--Largest Motorcycle Poker Run
Other recorded blockbuster poker runs:
Largest Ever Poker Run: 2,136 bikes. Benefited the Fallen Firefighters Survivors Foundation (2009)
Largest Singe Venue Poker Run--586 bikes. Benefited Prostate Cancer research. (2012)