So I went on a poker run...

[6pak]

I went on a poker run Saturday. It started out to be a very pretty day, left the house about 8am to run up to Rincon to pick up Donna. Got back here about 11, but the ride had left out about 30 minutes before we got signed up. Knowing how these things work, I figured we could take our time and catch the group by the 2nd or 3rd stop.

So Heading for the first stop, a GSP goes flying by us. Then an ambulance. Started wondering. We come around a curve, and theres about 50 bikes, a couple firetrucks, 2 deputy cruisers, the GSP, and the ambulance.

It turns out that one of the road guards, figured that he needed to get back to the front to play road guard again, instead of falling in at the back of the group. So he goes flying past the group, gets around half of them, and loses it. hit a tight curve around 80 mph on his Road King. Thank god the curve was a right hand curve or he would have taken out a half dozen other bikes with him. He went off the road, through about a 100 feet of tall grass before finding the trees. He did manage to get it slowed down to the point that he crushed his right leg, Now has a steel rod. And a severe concussion. Needless to say, his bike is toast. But he'll live to tell his story.

So Anyways, after an hour delay, we did finish the ride, But this kinda took the fun element out of it for most of us.

Roger is gonna be ok, If his wife Julie has her say, he'll never ride again.

Anyhow about a 250 mile day. mid 80s, very nice day. Didn't even bother to stick around to see who won. Gave 50/50 tickets to one of the organizers and asked them to give the cash to Roger if I won. Liability only on his bike, he may be able to piece it back together. Depending on frame and forks.

[muaymendez1]

Hey man. I was out riding in november on a beautiful 60 degree day.

4 guys ouit . We met up with th epolar bear grand tour and then decided to enjoy the day and ride to the piers in NJ. teh jersey shore and watch the boats go by.

Well tail gunner right behind me dropped it and 4 hours later having to tell his family he was gone was tough.

What is tougher is getting the images outta my head.

Each tough turns brings on a thought of that day.

What takes teh fun out is knowing that whether it be driver inattention(error) or those who share the road with us. The danger exist. Trying to find that place where you forget about the danger and yet ride carefully is an art which i have not yet mastered.

[Reddog170]

This is a sad reminder of what happens when you just ride and do not think. I think if we do not think about the dangers and just ride it will become more dangerous. I have fun every time I ride, and think about what "Might" happen in every turn, maybe just to keep myself on my toes. Shaun

[midnightventure]

How much drinking had been done?

[Hummingbird]

I've never been on a poker run where every bike left the starting gate at the same time, that takes some of the fun out of it.

I always enjoyed figuring out the route and having a nice leisurely ride.

 

Sorry to hear about your friend -

[muaymendez1]

I have never been on a poker run nor do I know how to play poker.

Im curious besides the mishap.

Are poker runs usually enjoyable.

[Phoneman1981]

Hello: I do not play cards either and have not gone on a poker run for many years. However we recently went on a Polar Bear run (first ride of the season) and really enjoyed ourselves. Met some old friends, made some new ones. Raised some much needed funds for charity. Poker runs are usually just a way to get people together. Take care.

[Carbon_One]

I've been on 2 poker runs in the past and both were nothing more then an organized bar hopping run, IMHO. At least the groups I rode with were doing that. To be fair one could of went solo on either one but for me I found that in most cases people used the runs as an excuse to bar hop.

Sorry to hear your friend went down 6pak and hope he'll heal well.

Larry

[Kirby]

Each spring and summer there are a good many poker runs, charity rides, friendships rides here in middle Ga to raise money for a worthy cause. Most of them are escorted by sheriff departments. Keeps the competition to a minimum and usually don't involve a lot of mishaps.

[6pak]

The question about beer is a good point. Since I rode up after the fact, all I know is what I was told. Roger had one beer about 30 minutes before the ride started. This came from his riding partner. I've known Roger for quite a while, and can vouch that he can hold a lot!

So I think that he just made a very stupid mistake.

As for bar hopping, the first stop was at a bike shop, the second was at a convenience store, third was at a bar, the fourth was at the local wingmans clubhouse, and the ride finished at the American Legion.

Normally, these things are a lot of fun. You draw a card at each stop. and normally draw the last card where the ride started at. Prizes for best, second and third best hands, 50/50 drawing and door prizes.

Personally, I drink a lot of water on these things. Save my 6pak for when the bike is parked.

Y'all keep safe.

[Hulign]

For me I have a different take on the local "biker" scene. My ex thought that was her family so I got to witness a lot of poker runs from behind the scene. Every other one it seems has a rider go down. It seems to be a mixture of alcohol and stupidity. Funny how the crash stories all seem to start with leaving the bar? Don't get me wrong I have more than my fair share of stupid but I try to leave the alcohol behind.

 

I didn't drink a lot but since I am now paid to install breathalyzers when people get them court ordered after a DUI I drink even less. The stories and the anger these people have is mind blowing. For most of them it's everyone's fault but their own. Now don't get the wrong idea. Some people make an honest mistake. They address it and get thru it.

 

So for me I will steer clear of the poker runs. At least in my area. Even if I don't drink there are enough that do to ruin it.

 

Glad the person who went down will be ok and that nobody else was involved.

 

Frank

[Trader]

I didin't pay attention to where this incident took place...but in the northern areas we have to be REALLY CAREFUL because at this time of the year there is still a lot of sand on the roads from the winter. We need a few more heavy rains to wash them down.

 

A combination of being out of practice after a long winter, along with the adrenaline rush of finally enjoying riding and the special problems spring riding brings up can end up causing problems.

 

It seems worse at intersections but for some reason, corners seem to have a fair bit also.

Remember, it's like a million ball bearings under your wheels AND feet.

 

I've had the front end wash out on me already this year on a soft shoulder (donation made) ...and almost lost it again when my foot started sliding out from under me due to the sand when I stopped a bit off balance .

[BoomerCPO]

I have done countless Poker Runs over the years. Just 2 hard Rules I always personally adhere to:

1) NO drinking of any alcoholic beverage.

2) I'm always the tail-gunner (Last bike in the formation) and I leave plenty of room between myself and the riders ahead-especially if I know those riders have popped a few drinks/beers.

Poker Runs are a great way to raise funds, ride with friends,meet new friends, etc.....But I'm very cautious when it comes to being on the road with those who imbibe during the Run.

Boomer....who has enuff trouble with the pygmies without adding alcohol to the situation.

[etcswjoe]

I have never done a poker run, never really understood the draw one of these days I may try one. I have only been riding with groups for little less than a year now and I am still worried I will do something stupid and hurt someone always looking for input to improve.

[Panjandrum]

Group riding can be fun, but the group should be 4 to 6 bikes MAX. So, if there are 18 bikes, that's three groups. To my mind, those huge groups are a danger to all riders in the group, and a bloody nuisance to other road users.

 

Preferably, ride only with people you know. It's much more fun when all in the group share a similar need for speed or what's that other thing... oh going sedately!

 

My Club has a few Poker Runs, and sometimes attends others. I think on all of them, we ride individually or in small groups, rather than one big train.

 

Coast Riders also have "Scavenger Hunts" from time to time. On these, we have changed the format that clues are found at selected locations on the route while the bikes are parked. There have been a few close calls while riders look for clues while riding. Even on quiet roads, it is easy to forget the mirror when you suddenly spot a clue and jam on the brakes. All the focus need to be on the road and traffic. You cannot do that while searching for some cryptic clue on a house or in a field.

 

I have decided for myself that I will ride alone rather than in a group which includes someone who drinks (even one beer). My Club had a discussion a while ago... which I brought to this arena. In both places, the fur flew! So, I will make my choice on drinking and riding, and stay away from a lubricated rider.

 

At then end of the day... let's hoist a few! Cheers!

[muaymendez1]

Hello: I do not play cards either and have not gone on a poker run for many years. However we recently went on a Polar Bear run (first ride of the season) and really enjoyed ourselves. Met some old friends, made some new ones. Raised some much needed funds for charity. Poker runs are usually just a way to get people together. Take care.

I am also a member of the Polar bear Grand Tour. Where are you located.?