Archive for Sunday, July 23, 2006

Archive for Sunday, July 23, 2006

Organizers: 10th Annual Poker Run a success

July 23, 2006

The O.P. Bar and Grill has hosted a poker-run for 10 years and motorcycle riders have thrown their support behind the event with enthusiasm.

Black T-shirts and leather were the uniform of choice Saturday morning, as a couple hundred Harley Davidson's joined a handful of cars and other motorcycles to ride 130 miles while supporting a local anti-methamphetamine organization.

A slight delay while the Hayden Colorado Days parade worked it's way down Jefferson Avenue proved no problem for the riders, who became part of the parade and waved to residents lining the streets.

Ron Golden has lived in Craig for 34 years, and he has only missed one of the poker runs.

"I couldn't go one year cause my bike was broken-down," Golden said. "That was about in 2000 when I was still riding my '95 Harley."

On Saturday, Goldens '06 Harley Deluxe had no problem motoring up Hahn's Peak, where he was claiming his second card for his poker hand.

"It's fun. You get to see all these people, most of them locals," Golden said. "I've been riding Harley's since 1963."

New to the trip this year, Jake Kruse made the ride up to Steamboat Lake on a 1976 Shovel-Head Harley.

"This is a most enjoyable trip. The wind in your face, it's wonderful," Kruse said. "The turns in the road were a lot of fun, and the scenery, yeah."

The next stop for a card was down at the Glen Eden resort in Clark, where Linda Heier of Craig parked her '92 Low-Rider Custom.

"We've been on this three or four times, but this is my first solo trip," Heier said. "It's going just fine. This is a gorgeous trip and it's fun."

Heier has a husband, son, daughter-in-law, and many friends who participated in Saturday's ride. Her son is the owner of Black Dog Motorcycles in Craig.

Fifty percent of the money obtained during the poker run will go to help COMA, or Communities Overcoming Meth Abuse. Neil Folks, the friendship-outreach coordinator for COMA, said every little bit of money helps the organization. He also said he was thrilled with Saturday's turnout.

"There was a bigger crowd this year," Folks said. "This event has become quite popular."

After the poker run, which cost $7 per entry, and $1 to draw cards, players were invited to a barbeque at the O.P. where organizer Delbert Knez said the event ran smoothly.

"Everything went well, we all did the speed limits," said a smiling Knez. "This is the most relaxing one I've had. I'm very happy."

When asked about the 10-year anniversary milestone, Knez said, "I think we'll do it again next year. Someone's got to."

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