A great ride, help a charity, set a World’s Record; what more could a soul ask for on a beautiful spring day? How about you add good friends, great music, good BBQ, cold beer and the Colorado Front Range as a backdrop. Yeah, that sounds like a good day, and a hell of a great weekend.
This years Realities for Children added a twist to their annual poker run, an attempt to break a Guinness World Record. Talking with Jennifer Varner from the Charity, they were not looking to just break the record they wanted to blow it out. With nearly 3000 riders at the start and 1,531 completing all the record requirements it looks like the goal was met. So now Jennifer and her team are finishing the paper work, dotting the i’s, crossing the t’s and making sure everything is just the way the Guinness World Record offices in London, England wants to see it. They hold the Record for the largest attended Poker Run in the World.
This was a great event and it highlights a big part of what the biker community is all about. When bikers hear about a good cause and they can throw in a comfortable ride, they will show up. Any weekend that a bike can hit the road you will find a charity event somewhere. All across the United States bikers are throwing their bucks, giving of their own time, and helping their communities. Everything from coordinating events, administration, traffic control, security, food services… You name it, the bikers are helping out and joining in.
This event was no different, it is estimated that over the two-day event nearly 15,000 members of the Northern Colorado community came out and supported the rally in downtown Fort Collins. Over the two days, they raised more than $120,000 for the children.
Old Town – Fort Collins was closed off for the two-day event. A special section of road 2 blocks long was set up just for motorcycle parking.
Over 30 bands played at various venues between the downtown event and the poker run. Each stop on the poker run had live music food, and refreshments. It was great to see folks hanging around, catching up, listening to music and just having a general good time. The poker run made stops in downtown Berthoud, Masonville, and Laport. A scenic ride route guided riders from the start at Thunder Mountain Harley and traveled through the small town of Johnsonville and then made its way across the Horsetooth Reservoir dam. What a great run through some scenic territory.
The event was well conceived, and there was something for everyone, with activities like Budweiser’s Beer Gardens, Law Tiger’s VIP Tent, Monster Energy’s Motorcycle Stunt Show by SL Stunt Team, Cycle Central’s Fireworks Show, Freakshow Tattoo’s Burnout Pits, Battle In The Fort 5: Strongman Competition and the Mustache & Monocle Photo Booth. Vendors provided food and merchandise options, but the most coveted items could only be won.
During the course of the weekend approximately $10,000 in giveaways were distributed, including: 3- 50-inch Flat Screen TVs courtesy of Walmart; the Tri-City Cycle $1500 Best Hand Cash Prize; the Newstalgia Customs $3500 Paint Job Giveaway and more.
So come out next year, and join in the fun, or if you are not in Colorado go find a poker run this weekend and help support a worthy cause.
–Until next time, David Campbell
