Poker Run riders raise funds

More than 250 riders completed the 56-mile course during the 20th Annual Cabinet Ridge Riders’ Poker Run last Saturday in Trout Creek.

“It was a great day for a Poker Run,” CRR secretary Alexis Dean said. “No one was hurt and everyone had a great time.”

Local riders joined winter sports enthusiasts from as far away as Missoula to the East, Spokane, WA to the West and Colville, WA to the North. The groomed course went up Huckleberry Mountain and back down Martin Creek.

Snowmobilers from CRR, Montana Night Riders, Snow Goers and other clubs both near and far participated in the ride.

According to the event’s activities chairman John Harris, the run began two decades ago when the original members of the CRR organized the event as an excuse to get together, have a good time and give back to the community.

Proceeds from the event will go to benefit local causes. The Trout Creek Community Improvement Association, the Huckleberry Festival, the senior center, and a scholarship fund for Noxon, Thompson Falls and Plains will all receive funds.

Participants took a break at the halfway-point at the warming station on Jim Peak. Weary riders were served chili, hot dogs, and soft drinks that would fuel them during the second half of their marathon ride.

At the conclusion of the race, riders turned in their hands, collected one card at a time at each of the five card stations along the route. 643 hands were turned in, and 14 players received a combined $2,000.

The Highest payout, $300, went to Roxanna Lyle of Newman Lake, WA for her five queens.

In addition to the poker game, riders were enticed with raffle items ranging from table items like jewelry, candy, flowers, helmets or jackets to the big-ticket items.

Dave Anderson took home a 42-inch flat screen TV, Jimmy Arnold won some log furniture, Dorthia Gallaher won a scoped .50 caliber rifle, and Bruce Clark won a wheelbarrow full of adult beverages.