Search and rescue holds 1st poker run

The Mineral County Search and Rescue Summer Solstice Poker Ride took place Saturday, offering ATV riders from Mineral County and elsewhere a chance to get out and enjoy the area’s backcountry.

“We had a nice turnout, everybody just raved and they loved the routes. They all said they’d be back next year and they’d be bringing friends,” said head of Mineral County Search and Rescue Mike Byrnes.

Over 60 riders came to the event, which took place on back roads between Superior and St. Regis. The ride was shortened from 70 miles to 50 miles because there was snow blocking the originally planned route.

The event started between the Four Aces and Montana Bars in Superior at 9 a.m. Riders registered and took off on the preset course to three check points. They drew a card at the start of the event, at each check point and at the end of the ride.

“It went really really smoothly. There were no problems and no complaints,” Byrnes said.

Byrnes would not release how much money the event raised, but said that they were pleased with the overall turnout.

To provide safety for the riders, there was a sweep rider who came along behind everyone else to make sure no one was hurt. Byrnes said that there were emergency medical personnel on hand in case of an accident but everyone made it through the event safely.

Riders, by Montana State Law, did not have to wear helmets if they were over the age of 18. Kids who rode along with their parents were not allowed to draw cards, but did wear helmets and participate in the event.

There was food and water at each checkpoint so people could keep hydrated.

“It was great for the kid,” said Dean Desilva, a rider from Deer Lodge.

Desilva said that the ride was an easy one, which made it very family friendly and laid back. He said he really enjoyed the scenery and plans to come back next year for the event.

Byrnes said that they had many sponsors for the event, from local restaurants and businesses to ATV gear shops. He said that they have nearly 100 prizes to give away.

The overall winner of the ride, Kenny Miller of St. Regis got $78. Byrnes said that several winners of raffle items gave their winnings back and auctioned them off, giving the proceeds to Mineral County Search and Rescue.

Near the end of the event, the Search and Rescue personnel almost had to abandon their fundraiser because a raft flipped while rafting the Alberton Gorge section of the Clark Fork River. Byrnes said that they got ready to head out to the scene and then heard that the raft had self rescued so they stood down.

Mineral County Search and Rescue responds to emergencies in western Montana and Idaho and deals with anything from swift water rescue to backcountry rescue and snow and avalanche rescue.

Byrnes said that the organization relies heavily on donations and fundraisers to help them operate and that this event will be a big help to them. Their event permit is a permanent one and they plan to carry on with the ride next year.

Much of the money raised from the event will go to help build a structure to house all of their equipment. They do not have a building right now and are in the process of finding a location and money for the project.

Byrnes and several other members of the Mineral County Search and rescue have presented a plot near the Mineral County Hospital to the Mineral County Commissioners that they hope will be used for their new building.

Byrnes said that they are in the process of filing out paperwork for a grant that will bring in $222 thousand for the Mineral County Search and Rescue. He said that $100 thousand of the money will go to buying communications equipment and the rest will be put towards building a facility.

For more information on the Mineral County Search and Rescue contact Byrnes at 822-2727.