Seminole County Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride

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September 14!

This year marks the five year anniversary of the deaths of two of Seminole County, Oklahoma's sheriff's deputies. In July 2009, Marvin Williams and Chase Whitebird were shot and killed while serving a warrant in Seminole, Oklahoma.

That year, local citizens pulled together, along with the Sheriff's department, to host a poker run to benefit the families of the fallen heroes. Businesses donated funds for food and shirts. Local bands volunteered to play.

That first year was the most memorable, with over 300 bikes arriving in downtown Wewoka. They had barely pulled out before the rain began. Volunteers hurried to move the entire venue indoors at the civic center and the rains just kept getting heavier.

Only a few bikers made the entire circuit in the vicious thunderstorm, but all of them rode in the rain for at least awhile. Later, everyone met in the civic center, and the rest of the events went as planned. The unexpected rains had lightened the grim mood, and people were generous.

2009

2012 Bikes at Wewoka Lake

5th Annual Poker Run

Five years have seen some major progress brought about by the efforts of the Fallen Heroes Ride. A memorial park was built in town, across from the sheriff's department. Memorial markers for all local fallen heroes have been added. Today, much of the money raised goes to scholarships for local students in need of assistance.

Memorial Park in Wewoka OK 

Ride Tomorrow

First bike's are scheduled to head out tomorrow at 11 am. The last bike in should be around 4pm. Registration will be before eleven. The route is 150 miles, with five stops for poker hands and refreshments. Once the bikes have all returned there will be an auction, 50/50 tickets, door prizes, and other events.

For those who are local, we hope to see you there. For those who can't make it, we hope you will enjoy the photos soon to follow.

2012

1992 Heritage Softail Is Out The Door

Another Harley Out The Door

This one came to us needing a whole new dash rewired. We won't lie and say that was the easiest or most pleasant experience ever. But hey, when all the switches turn on the right lights, it is celebration time, right? Yeah, that's what we think too.

Check out the old-school dash assembly

While we were at it, we added new tanks and fenders. The new tanks were low-profile (different size than the stock tank) and we had to build some custom stops to prevent bumpage against  the front end.

And a few chrome covers. As well as a new taillight assembly.

Shiny!

Cool grips

This bike has some of the coolest hand grips. Tooled leather skull and crossbones! They bring the 18"ape hangers back down to earth somewhat. Did we mention the wires are inside the handlebars? It was a bit of a challenge to chase down all the bad wires.

She rolls. 

Meanwhile back in the Frankenshop...we have one on the slab.

Yes, it is aliiiiive. It is just in dire need of a transfusion.

Street Glide Raffle and Ride Against Hunger For September

Something like this...photo courtesy of  ©Harley-Davison

Fort Thunder Harley-Davidson, News 9 OK, and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma are coming together to raffle off a 2013 Street Glide in Vivid Black. Tickets are $20 and the money goes to fight childhood hunger in Oklahoma.

Entries will only be accepted until the 27th of September. 

Here are the rules. Basically, you have to have a license and insurance, and you are responsible for the cost of title, tags and transport. You can't be affiliated with any of the sponsors and if you cheat they hang you up by your thumbs. Stuff like that.

If you miss your chance at this bike, or if you tried and failed, you can try again. on September 29th you can ride in Oklahoma's Own Ride Against Hunger. This one is a bit tricky--only 200 bikes are allowed to enter, so you have to speak up pretty fast.

The ride is short, from the news station in OKC to Fort Thunder in Moore. The entry fee is $150 per bike. Just remember that money goes to a very good cause. It also covers breakfast and lunch.

There will be prizes, music and an auction after the ride. On the auction block is a Street Glide built by Covingtons Customs. The bidding is at $45,000 right now. Here is the link so you can see this amazing bike.

Thousands of kids go hungry in Oklahoma every day. Money from these events sponsor the backpack program, which ensures that OK kids have proper nutrition needed every day for their development. Here is the link to the food bank, explaining more about the program and it's benefits.

Motorcycle Poker Runs--Interesting Facts

Stopping point to draw poker hands

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)

Motorcycles At Bowlegs 5th Annual Fire Run

Just a few of the awesome bikes seen today after the Bowlegs Fire Department Poker Run. 

Must See Biker Stop--Seaba Station on Route 66 (Guest Post)

Bikers line up outside Seaba Station during a Poker Run

Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum 

Today, Seaba Station is a novelty stop for those who are out to explore Route 66, the historic roadway that cuts through Oklahoma. At one time, the station was one of the state's first full-service filling stations, doing big business as travelers used one of America's most famous highways. 

Even in the 1920's when John Seaba built his filling station, the building was anything but ordinary. At the time it was located on Highway 7, which was part of the historic Ozark Trails. (near Warwick, Oklahoma).The station would be several years old before Route 66 became an officially licensed highway. 

Unlike the usual square buildings, Seaba stations was a five-sided structure, with the gas pumps located inside the central service bay. 

Seaba specialized in rebuilding Model T Fords. To provide space for this, he added a large workshop to the back of the station. The 1930's saw an increase of traffic, and the station, with it's unique appearance, attracted plenty of business. Although the station was flourishing in it's prime, it began to lose business after gasoline rationing during and after WWII. 

Seaba converted the building from a filling station to a full time repair shop where he and his employees rebuilt engines for military vehicles. 

Seaba Station continued to be a engine repair shop until the 1990's. During the 1950's, it was owned and operated by a widow who took over it's management after the death of her husband in an airplane crash. June Briggs faced a lot of controversy at the time, since women didn't typically run businesses. Especially not engine repair shops! She must have done a fine job of holding her own, since she was recognized by "Motor Trend" and "Hot Rod" magazine. 

After Briggs, the store was purchased and restored  by a couple who used it for an antiques store for a few years. It took them over five years to restore the building enough to be used for a new business. 

In 2007, the station was purchased by it's current owners, Gerald Tims and Jerry Ries. 

Today, Seaba station is still a spectacularly unique building. Both inside and out. The current owners did more restoration and remodeling, and began moving in an eye-catching variety of motorcycles to display. Check out the 1979 Triumph Bonneville below. This bike has never been unpacked from it's original shipping crate.

You can stop buy anytime and see not only this incredible motorcycle, but a group of motorcycle enthusiasts mourning over the fact that such a beauty has never been ridden. And most likely never will be.

The museum has more than just "real" motorcycles. It has memorabilia, vintage tools and equipment, parts, art, and other novelties too. For instance, the incredible woven wicker motorcycle seen below. According to Travel OK, the museum has over 65 vintage motorcycles currently on display. You can also admire motorcycle toys, magazines, posters, gear, clothing, helmets and more from days gone by.

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop. You can't visit one of the most historic buildings on Route 66 and not buy a shirt. Or at least a postcard. And don't even think about the Triumph. It ain't for sale!

Yes...they even have a wicker motorcycle. A must see for motorcycle OR hamper enthusiasts.

Check out Seaba Station's Website. They are hosting a Motorcycle Swap Meet on September 22, 2013. 

(Guest post by blogger and freelance writer, Jayme Kinsey-writer for Write Here and Now)