Do you particiapate in dice runs, poker runs, etc.?

[Snowbird]

Yesterday I went on a dice run of about 120 miles, benefiting a local veterans' organization. This group runs one event early in the riding year and another late in the season. Both are well attended with about 80 people on 60 bikes.

Mid season, another run benefits children with cancer and sometimes attracts as many as 800 bikes. That may sound like a giant cluster fuk, but the bikes quickly spread out over the hundred plus mile route through some of the prettiest country roads in the area. I've yet to hear of anyone falling where another bike was partly to blame.

These are just two runs toward the limits of group size. Both have provided a day of fun with friends and friendly strangers, a chance to look at bikes and possibly set up over night rides with others. While these runs were once mostly cruiser style bikes, I noticed yesterday many more sport bikes and much interest in my sport-tourer.

Typically, you'll stop about five times, thirty or so miles in each leg of the run. You can ride the front or back at the start if you feel crowded, but as I said, the bikes thin out quickly.

So, do you ride these events? Why or why not?

[PirateT7]

I've done one so far. The first half was great, pretty spread out from what I could see. I was with a couple other guys riding a good pace. Partway through everyone gathered at one stop, and from that point on it became a group ride    I'll give it another go, should I see one advertised, and depart early or late to stay out of the crowd.

[Orson]

Once. I won't say never again, but I found it to be a bit dull.

Watching close for signs showing where to turn, kind of hampers the sporty aspect of riding. Poker runs are better suited for the Harley genre...not that there's anything wrong with that  

just not my cup of tea.

I prefer to go where I wanna go  

[et]

I was talked into one of these types of group rides about 20 years ago.
It was the most horrible motorcycle experience I ever had.
Riding at 40mph BELOW the speed limit, holding up other traffic, ignoring stop signs and traffic lights, not operating their vehicles properly, stopping every five to ten miles, reving their loud motors just to make noise, etc ...
These types of events are just excuses for motorcycle owning non-motorcyclists
(people who own a motorcycle only for the image it portrays and not because they actually enjoy or appreciate riding motorcycles) to showoff and get drunk.
Basically it was Woodstock on two wheels.

If you haven't figured it out; I voted "Once, never again."

[R Doug]

Just out of college, during my Sportster and Softail days, I did a few with my Dad.  Then, I discovered how much fun sportbikes are and started a whole new type of riding.  

[1000lbs]

About once a year when someone I ride with brings it up, usually a toy run around Christmas time...

[PirateT7]

it sounds like most of you ran into the sort of experience that the second-half of our ride was.

if done properly, a poker run can be more like an old sports-car TSD rally, but without the TSD measurements - out on the roads with a few checkpoints, fun riding in between and a party at the end.

[black hills]

I usually go back to my hometown every spring for their annual March of Dimes poker run. It's a good chance to see old friends and BS. As for the run itself two or three of us usually take an alternate route to each stop to avoid traffic so it ends up being an alright day of riding.
  I also do the local biker bars polar bear run on new years day, but it's only 30 miles total. I usually take the back way so the ice/snow makes it entertaining. Other than that I just rid on my own.

[Snowbird]

My group has calmed down a bit, but one dice run we did a few years back is fondly referred to as the dice race.  We knew we couldn't get away with that again.  We were the first ones back 

[chornbe]

Poll needs another option...

"Not just 'no', but 'fuck no!'" <--- my vote.

[2RR2NV]

i've only really rode 2 Poker runs. the first was on the VFR, met a lot of sportier riders and had a ton of fun. great weather too. the 2nd poker run, it was in the 40's roughly and hardly anyone showed up. i think 2 other riders. anyways, i took the Busa and finished up at the HD dealer. well, i got there at 2 and no one had showed up yet. the guy running the dealio, said that if no one else showed up, i got all the prizes. he even waited 30 mins after it was supposed to be over and no  one had still showed up. WWOOOOHJOOOO!!  made quite a haul. i don't do those Runs anymore cause it would be too much time away from family. i like to just ride and not have to follow a planned route.

[jay547]

i voted "once but never again." my g/f and i and two of our kids did our first poker run earlier this year. it was a big disappointment. it started out with a breakfast at the local gymnasium. for some reason, they had it outside even though it was about fifty degrees. there were probably 60+ people there for the breakfast but they only had seating for about thirty. we paid the lady and she said to have a seat and someone would bring us the food. we assumed that they were bringing ours because we had kids with us - everyone else was standing in line. after sitting for about twenty minutes with no food, we got up and got in line. another twenty minutes later, we got our food. it was horribly undercooked, why they had a grill that would only cook about three pancakes at a time is beyond me? we ate the sausage and threw the pancakes in the trash.

we decided to wait until it warmed up a little before starting our ride. after a couple of hours, it hadn't gotten any warmer so we headed out. within ten miles it started misting heavily. we weren't prepared for rain as the forecast was for sunshine and mid 70's (it stayed about 55 all day.) we decided to continue on. it drizzled for a good portion of the ride and we got pretty wet. on the last leg of the run, we took a turn as indicated on the map. after a few miles, i realized the map was wrong. i had spent some time in this area before and was somewhat familiar with it and it was obvious they had made a mistake on the route map. we turned around and went back the correct way. we saw several bikes continue on the wrong way, which would result in them missing the last check point. we made it to the final stop just before the deadline. we stood in line for probably fifteen minutes to draw cards. to top it off, we drew really crappy hands.

we were cold and damp but looking forward to the after-ride steak dinner - little did we know it was going to be outside too. they had hay bales set up for the riders to sit on while eating. of course the bales and the ground around them were soaked from the rain. even though we had paid in advance for the dinner, we didn't feel like sitting in the cold and wet any longer so we loaded up and went home. so much for our first and probably last poker run.

[Snowbird]

It sounds like a lot of runs are poorly thought out.

You ought not have to follow some route by looking for pink signs.

Give each entrant a list of places to roll the dice or pick a card, possibly shown on a map if not everyone knows the area. Let people take the routes they want to the locations and only be required to return by a certain time. Many will ride together, others won't.

Of course, it helps if you live near decent riding and like donating to charity.

[maddjack]

Long ago,in my sordid past, I tried poker runs twice,

[Marcster]

I did a Toys For Tots Run last November with my scootering group before they kicked me out...  It's sponsored by the local H-D and Jeep dealerships.  255 bikes and 23 Jeeps.

Some guy checking out my scooter:



Newspaper article: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=112393

I'd do it again...

[jwhite518]

For a few years I used to go to a local HD club's annual Fathers Day poker run. I liked walking around the parking lot looking at the bikes, but I hated riding slow in groups. Eventually I figured out that it just didn't float my boat. Those Harley guys just ride too slow.

[R.Markus]

I did a Toys For Tots Run last November with my scootering group before they kicked me out... 

Details please...

I went to a Toys For Tots run in Chicago with some people from ST.N. It wasn't horrible due to the company we had, but I doubt I'd do it again. Besides, both of my bigger bikes would overheat in about 3 blocks at parade speeds.

[jwhite518]

That reminds me - I tried one event with the PGR last year. It reminded me of those poker runs, but with flags instead of beer. Great concept, believe in the cause, but just not my cuppa tea.

[Marcster]

I did a Toys For Tots Run last November with my scootering group before they kicked me out... 

Details please...

I had a thread about it when it actually happened so I'll just throw out the short version.

In addition to the club logoed t-shirt for riding events requirement, this year they added a club logoed emboidered back patch to be sewn or glued on all riding jackets (or you could wear it on a vest over top of your riding jacket).  Though it wouldn't affect me, all scooters with windscreens also had to be emblazoned with the club logo.  None of these things were free, of course.  There was also talk about logoed sashes for scooters that lack windscreens (similar to the Royal Bastards Scooter Club sashes if you've ever seen those).

Individuality is one of the reasons I ride.  I don't want to wear a uniform to ride with a group.  Besides, I'm really quite fond of my themed jacket and really have no interest in covering it up, even temporarily, with an ugly logo.

Through a series of e-mails, I politely and quietly told the president of the club that I'd much rather pay dues vs. wearing all of this garb.  I was told that it was a requirement for full fledged membership with voting rights but that I could still ride with them as an associate (the same way that new non-"official" members ride).

As the deadline for the bulk order on embroidered patches drew near, I told the president not to hold up the order on my account.  I was then told in no uncertain terms that my presence would be unwelcome at any future club events.



Just one of the many reasons that I am switching from a scooter to a motorcycle.  Too much damn elitism in the scooter clubs.

[R.Markus]

In addition to the club logoed t-shirt for riding events requirement, this year they added a club logoed emboidered back patch to be sewn or glued on all riding jackets (or you could wear it on a vest over top of your riding jacket).  Though it wouldn't affect me, all scooters with windscreens also had to be emblazoned with the club logo.  None of these things were free, of course.  There was also talk about logoed sashes for scooters that lack windscreens (similar to the Royal Bastards Scooter Club sashes if you've ever seen those).
 

Yeah, that's kind of screwy and probably wouldn't do it either.

Believe it or not I actually belong to a "three patch" motorcycle club. Those guys all have those stupid vests with the patches and all the other BS garb. They don't bug me about wearing any of that crap. I actually don't ever ride with them either, so there really isn't any reason to bother me about it.

[Tony T]

I did the Chicago toys for tots run a few years ago. As R.Markus said, if it wasn't for my fellow ST.ners that where there, it would of sucked bad. We where trapped in the lot for something like 3hrs. When the line started moving some people decided to bail on the ride and tried to exit and go elsewhere. The ride officials would have non of that and directed those riders to rejoin the parade. So essentially once you where in the parking lot you where committed to riding in the parade regardless of how long to took to start moving.  


I did the local "Midnight run" 4 -5 times. It worked great as a date night or to being a noob into the fold. After awhile it got bigger and bigger. Louder pipes, more squids, more drunks on two wheels. Now it averages one accident a year taking out 3 -4 bikes. Usually the cars get inpatient and just plow into some bikes in order to make an exit off the tollway. Everyone follows in one big line making it like a 10 mile long truck and not giving the right of way to anyone. It always ends at a bar somewhere, then the real stupidity starts.  

I used to do Rolling Thunder in DC every year. It's a cool ride to have DC turn into a bike town for a day. everywhere you looked there are bikes, no cars. After a while I realized that if I wanted to sit in stop and go traffic I can just ride in downtown Chicago.   Though since I have family in SE PA (free hotel) I'd do that one again.

[Snowbird]

Wow. More stories of rides that sucked. I wouldn't put up with any of that crap either. It's really too bad the control freaks take over stuff that can be a lot of fun. Locally, one guy suggested organizing ourselves into a club and the result was that he got clubbed for suggesting it.    Marcster, why did it take you more than a minute to walk away?    

When the line started moving some people decided to bail on the ride and tried to exit and go elsewhere. The ride officials would have non of that and directed those riders to rejoin the parade. So essentially once you where in the parking lot you where committed to riding in the parade regardless of how long to took to start moving.

Nope, I won't attend anything where the pace starts slow or if I'm trapped. We get a police escort out of town, which is less than two miles. From there, things start moving. I did not realize just how good I have it here where I live.  

[PirateT7]

I haven't participated in either, but from what I hear the Toys for Tots ride and Rolling Thunder certainly wouldn't fall into the category of Dice/Poker Run. I abhor parades or group rides, but will give the Poker thing another chance.

[Tony T]

I haven't participated in either, but from what I hear the Toys for Tots ride and Rolling Thunder certainly wouldn't fall into the category of Dice/Poker Run. I abhor parades or group rides, but will give the Poker thing another chance.

I did a local poker run too, it was Partly due to the weather, partly due to everyone getting lost at the last check-point on account of bad directions and maps. I would probably do it again but riding around in the Chicago-land area is something I try to avoid as much as possible.  

[Snowbird]

I'd suggest looking for runs that are in more rural areas. Bring along a map and ask them to help you pinpoint where the stops are. Ask if they all ride in a big group and decline to enter if they do. I've actually seen runs where the bikes ride in formation. 

To find runs in rural areas, go to rural areas and look at bulletin boards in grocery stores, taverns, bike shops, etc. If there is a contact number, call it to get a feel for the type of event it is.

The 800 bike event I attend winds through town in a parade and that takes forever. I go out a back gate and join them where it's rural. If anyone hassles me about it, I ignore them, just like I ignore people here.... just like some ignore me.   

[Orson]

I'd suggest looking for runs that are in more rural areas.

The poll results indicate that yer in the wrong forum  

 

[Snowbird]

The poll results indicate that yer in the wrong forum  

 

Why so?

[Orson]

49% answered "geddafuggouttahere"  

the rest answered with "meh"

 

 

[Tony T]

49% answered "geddafuggouttahere"  

the rest answered with "meh"

 

 

I'd have to agree with that. Runs that Snowbird is talking about are mostly geared to the HD crowd. They don't go far and they don't go fast. My bike as with most others here are the exact opposite, most will ride 200 miles at a spirited pace before morning coffee. Then it's off for more riding before the day is done. Standing around looking at bikes and talking gets old quick, nice for a while, but lets ride and save the chit-chat for the web on days when we can't ride.

[tigertim955]

"Ride For Dad" prostate cancer research fundraiser is this Saturday in Ottawa. Well attended ( 1700 bikes last year ) . Parade through town is followed by a poker run in the Calibogie hills west of Ottawa. A lot of bikes on the road and welcomed by the towns we ride through, making for a fun day with the bike. Definitely an "all brand " event - we're taking the Scrambler this year.
This and a couple of other charity events later in the season make up my good deeds for society annually. Almost all include a riding event of some sort.

Trish and I enjoy the mayhem.

[FizDog74]

I did a poker run once for a charity. NEVER again! While everyone was friendly with me, I was the only non H-D there. That's not usually a problem for me, but their riding was just friggin' awful. During the trip, one guy got hit by an F-150 (his fault) and another guy had a mild heart attack. WAY slow on any kind of turns   and slugging beer down between stops.   I got to hear all the usual stories about not needing any kind of rider training, yet talking about having to lay-er-down several times in their illustrious years of expert riding. .  

[cworley5150]

Did a couple.  Never again.  They sucked.  Big Time.  

[Snowbird]

49% answered "geddafuggouttahere"  

the rest answered with "meh"

 

 

And so?

[Leanintree]

Myself, the Mrs. and a buddy did a 'Photo Scavenger Hunt' thingy a couple of years ago. Certain landmarks, EVERY firehouse in the area, interspersed with some 'wherever you find it' items. It was kind of fun, because it was a 'choose your own route' deal. Cause was for a downed fire-fighter, thus the fire brigade theme.

We lost. Not horribly, but bad enough. The guy who won (fastest return to end point with all the required pics) was on an old clapped out Seca 600 (not the Seca2) that looked like ass and seemed to spend most of it's time flying under the po-po's radar due to a deep personal ugliness. It was loud, and quick, but it looked like ass, and blended right into the background. And he rode like there were no speed limits.

It was for a good cause, but the ride itself was better than the destination eatery afterwards. Too many pirates pounding beers and acting like asses. But the ride gave an excuse to circle the valley a few times!

Pics just for fun

Leanintree

[Orson]

And so?

you enjoy watching Lawrence Welk reruns?

[Snowbird]

you enjoy watching Lawrence Welk reruns?

Umm.. I assume you must.  

Quite a few have checked in with comments. Judging by some of the comments, it must be cathartic for some.  

[Orson]

hey...from whut I've read, there wuz some real hanky panky going on backstage at the Lawrence Welk show.

[Zerosum]

I've done two poker runs... one was horribly lame... my Dad dragged me to it.  We were the only guys on Japanesse bikes in the whole ride, him on his W650, me on my V-Strom, surrounded by Harleys.  Lame.  

The other was a "Nostalgia Run" put on by a group out in Western MD.  I rode my Hawk and got a discount for having a 20+ year old bike!    That was a fun ride.

[Snowbird]

I've done two poker runs... one was horribly lame... my Dad dragged me to it.  We were the only guys on Japanesse bikes in the whole ride, him on his W650, me on my V-Strom, surrounded by Harleys.  Lame.  

The other was a "Nostalgia Run" put on by a group out in Western MD.  I rode my Hawk and got a discount for having a 20+ year old bike!    That was a fun ride.

My most recent dice run had a lot of Harleys, some newer, some older, some V-Rods, Sportsters, etc. Also, sportbikes, metric cruisers, sport-tourers (the Harley guys love the FJR's electric windshield), a Big Dog chopper, many older UJMs a couple of home-built trikes, a Polaris 3-wheeler, one scooter. We have a funny attitude here where I live, I guess: you ride what you want to ride. 

A couple of years ago, the local outlaw mc club hosted a ride, ending at their clubhouse. I noticed in the parking lot that among a sea of black Harleys was one little bright red Italian sport-tourer... my Futura.

What made it interesting was that it was right there in the parking lot that the infamous plastic gas line disconnect decided to break and left my bike unrideable. So I waited there drinking with the outlaws for about four hours, unable to leave while a friend gave my passenger a ride to bring back a trailer.

All went well until they lit the bonfire not far from the leaking Aprilia. I had to wend my way pushing the Futura through the sea of Harleys just as the trailer arrived. I thanked them for their hospitality and left. 

[Cablebandit]

Poll needs another option...

"Not just 'no', but 'fuck no!'" <--- my vote.

Winner!

[Snowbird]

Winner!

It's not like pouty faces with surly attitudes will be missed by those out to enjoy a day with friendly riders.     

[cultureslayer]

There's enough harleys to get in my way without trying to find them.  

[2Pokey]

I used to do the charity runs regularly when I was 25 years younger and riding the old HD. It was always more about showing off the bike than riding. Now I volunteer once a year at the local Ride for the Red (Cross). I volunteer as part of a Christian MC ministry. The one day event raises a boatload of money and working at the event is preferable to the 50 mile - 30 MPH parade.

[Uncle Leo]

I used to do a lot but have scaled way back to 2 per year. One is the Florida C2C, http://www.flc2c.com/  really nice ride across central Florida, the other is a local Paws for Patriots veterans day ride to support a seeing eye dogs for blind veterans foundation in Tampa.




Just can't say no to that one.

[Snowbird]

What's behind that white circle, Uncle Leo? If it's what I think, then when's that run? 

Doh! It must be on Veterans' Day.

"Paws for Patriots veterans day"

[FizDog74]

What's behind that white circle, Uncle Leo?

Pretty sure that's a balloon.

[Snowbird]

Pretty sure that's a balloon.

Damn.  

[Corbeau]

I did one, long time ago, when I was still on my EX500 -- one of two non-cruisers in a sea of 80 Harleys and clones. (There were clowns too, but that's another story.)

I kinda didn't have a choice but to participate, as I was sitting on the organizing committee: the ride was a local hospital's foundation.

Needless to say, despite mynewbiness back then, I was nicknamed the safety nut because of most of my comments were on that topic. I was amazed at how paramount the 'parade' aspect of the ride was important to the other members of the board. My skill set was public and media relations, and I had to explain to them that a story about a motorcycle charity ride that ends with multiple crashes and mishaps would look quite sexy, in the eyes of an editor looking for something quirky and ironic. (insert the 'morons' emoticon here.)

Never again.

[Marcster]

Pretty sure that's a balloon.

Probably two silicone balloons behind that white balloon too.

[Uncle Leo]

Paws for Patriots ... http://www.guidedogs.org/index.php?page=Paws-for-Patriots-01


Is this better? ........

[Tony T]

Yes! Much better.  

[Uncle Leo]

Here's one more to keep your interest...

[Tony T]

Ok now you're just trying to recruit riders for your Paws for Patriots ride.  

Those pictures need to be posted in the Babes & Bikes thread.  

[Snowbird]

Paws for Patriots ... http://www.guidedogs.org/index.php?page=Paws-for-Patriots-01


Is this better? ........

Way better, you perv.  

 

[Snowbird]

Here's one more to keep your interest...

The one on the back right looks a lot like one of my favorite bartendresses.

[jwhite518]

I like the direction this thread is taking.

[Tar Snake]

I never heard of a dice run so that's what I voted.

I've been on a few Poker Runs while attending BMW Rallies. All have been fun, and a great way (if you're not from the area) to ride fun roads you normally wouldn't find. The poker and triva elements are fun, although I've only won once, came in 2nd won $200, paid for my weekend Normally the club hosting the rally gets 1/2 the money to help with rally expenses.

I think the smaller nature of these rides, ~100 riders well spread out into small groups, makes them more pleasant than the huge charity rides. However, I've never done a big Poker Run so maybe I'm missing something?

[Snowbird]

I never heard of a dice run so that's what I voted.

I've been on a few Poker Runs while attending BMW Rallies. All have been fun, and a great way (if you're not from the area) to ride fun roads you normally wouldn't find. The poker and triva elements are fun, although I've only won once, came in 2nd won $200, paid for my weekend Normally the club hosting the rally gets 1/2 the money to help with rally expenses.

I think the smaller nature of these rides, ~100 riders well spread out into small groups, makes them more pleasant than the huge charity rides. However, I've never done a big Poker Run so maybe I'm missing something?

Yeah, no rides for me that leave me sitting astride my bike.

Finding new roads, etc. is a benefit. If not on the ride itself, then from the people you meet.

[pops66]

It's not like pouty faces with surly attitudes will be missed by those out to enjoy a day with friendly riders.   

  +100

[rosejay0918]

I'm really agree that the  poker and triva elements are fun because of the running games to participate.


_________________
Aprilaire humidifier

[Wide Track]

Here in South Florida the Fun In The Sun Toy Run at Christmas is a big thing, this usually attracts about 30 thousand riders. It starts at a local horse race track and costs 10 bucks and a new un wrapped toy, bikes are stacked in the parking lot waiting for the go signal. The privileged who paid I believe 300 bucks get to ride in front, the Sheriff closes two interstates for the entire morning while the riders travel about 15 miles to a county park. Once at the park you will find a sea of motorcycles, food entertainment and goodies for sale.

The escorted ride on the two interstates just plain sucks, simply jump on your bike with your toy and 10 bucks, ride to the park on your own before the crowd gets there pay the dollar entrance fee and have a great day........................

[3Bird]

Last year my wife was invited on a Poker run by a co-worker who rides on the back of her husbands chopper.  The wife asked if I wanted to join them but I declined, and told her she should go since she was curious.  She was less than impressed when she got home.  The first thing was that the group they were riding with didn't like that they had to wait for her to put a helmet on when the left each stop.  She told them not to worry she would catch up,  guess that didn't go over to well.  They suggested that she put her helmet on the lock and not wear it.  The part she was most impressed with was that they were serving beer at the last three stops and the final stop was at you guessed it a bar.

[sleazy rider]

Poll needs another option...

"Not just 'no', but 'fuck no!'" <--- my vote.

Add me to that category too.  I did one, never again.  Feckin' mouthbreathing, unable to pilot motorcycle owners.

[jackfrost]

ive done a few, and plainly not impressed with drive, stop, drink.  and repeat the whole thing, im out to ride and not watch everyone else drink. im not  drinker, im a motorcyclist  

[Marcster]

ive done a few, and plainly not impressed with drive, stop, drink.  and repeat the whole thing, im out to ride and not watch everyone else drink. im not  drinker, im a motorcyclist  

Not all "runs" are like that...  

The Toys For Tots Run I did last November was free coffee and donuts at the morning's starting point (a H-D dealer) and free hot dogs, soda, and hot chocolate at the end (the local AA-level baseball park).  

The charity cause and time of day might play a roll in alcohol's involvement too.  

[Snowbird]

Not all "runs" are like that...  

The Toys For Tots Run I did last November was free coffee and donuts at the morning's starting point (a H-D dealer) and free hot dogs, soda, and hot chocolate at the end (the local AA-level baseball park).  

The charity cause and time of day might play a roll in alcohol's involvement too.  

Yeah, but fortunately, some of them are like that.  

[black hills]

Maybe some coast to coast multi day poker run woud be fun? Maybe a stop every 500mi. or something?? Yea, that would be way more interesting

[Snowbird]

Maybe some coast to coast multi day poker run woud be fun? Maybe a stop every 500mi. or something?? Yea, that would be way more interesting

That's a great idea.  

Perhaps with a $100 entry fee, winner splits with a selected charity. Organize on-line. Now if I could come up with a way to keep certain riders I know from cheating honest.  

[Busy Little Whiner]

In 2000 I joined in the Kelowna all Sport Bike Poker run up in Canada... a 300 mile 500 bike melee... We
were briefed by the organizers that this is NOT a race... RIGHT!!! but why did just about everyone let loose
with a collective giggle???

My host during the Kelowna all Sport Bike Poker run... we never collected a playing card all day...

[Snowbird]

Why are these men laughing?  

[Snowbird]

I went on a nice 150 mile dice run last weekend with 800 or so bikes, all on two-lane roads through a forested area, some of it along a large lake.

I took a short cut to the first stop, rolled and rode out with my friend who also participated. Excepting the stops, the most bikes I had ahead of me blocking progress was only two.    I got away from them by stopping at an overlook at the lake where I took a short nap in the shade of a tree. My friend spent the time inside chatting up the female ranger handing out information. We left there after the bulk of the leading bikes went past.

Next stop was an Elk's Lodge where you could get lunch. We had only a beer and opted to eat at a restaurant down the street. While we were eating, a fawn ran through the parking lot next to the restaurant and disappeared in residential shrubbery across the street. Kids who were riding with their parents really were thrilled by the sight.

A later stop was a Harley-Davidson shop where I reacquainted with the owners. Even though I had not been in the shop in about ten years, they still remembered me by name. Wow.

Next stop was a small fire department's clubhouse where I enjoyed a beverage and chatted with them about the problems facing their department and small talk.

The run ended at the company headquarters of a famous manufacturer.

http://www.zippo.com/ZippoCaseMuseum/index.aspx?bhcp=1

I didn't even come close to winning the dice run, nor did I win the fifty-fifty raffle, nor the Harley, nor drive the Zippo Car.... but I did win a nifty stainless steel 2 1/2 ounce pocket flask. I also reconnected with about a dozen people I haven't seen in a long time.

It was a day well spent for a good cause... Kids and Cancer.

[denydog]

I have done poker runs, less so now than in the distant past.   Never done any that feature a lot of H-D's.

[Mr.Black]

Where's the "Fuck that" option?

[Orson]

I voted "Once, never again"