Cabinet Ridge Riders embark on annual poker run

Snowmobiles and poker dominated the Trout Creek area over the weekend as riders from all over the region as far away as the states of Washington and Idaho competed for money and prizes during the Poker Run on Saturday February 12.

It’s an annual race that was set up by the Cabinet Ridge Riders to raise money for local benefits. This year they raised $10,700. That money will go toward Trout Creek Community Improvement Association, the Huckleberry Festival, the local Senior Center and a scholarship fund for Noxon School.

The race started at Martin Creek, stretched up to Huckleberry Mountain, and then descended back down to Martin Creek for the finish. There were warming stations set up at each checkpoint so the snowmobile drivers would be able to maintain a safe temperature.

In total there were 216 riders that ranged from all ages. The oldest rider was 90 years old while there were three participants who were seven years old.

In total there were 640 poker hands given out to the riders. The biggest winner was Bonnie Chambers of Sandpoint, ID. She took home a cash prize of  $300.

Not only did participants get cash prizes in the poker run, there were also some lucky recipients at the evening raffle. Mike Davenport of Thompson Falls took home the grand prize of weekend getaway to Coeur d’ Alene. Other riders like Mike Lilly and Ed Peters were just a few of the other winners who took home prizes that evening.

Despite the success of the Poker Run and the money it raised, the number of riders competing was slightly down from last year. Cabinet Ridge Riders president Mike Nolen attributed that to the down economy and the less than perfect weather conditions on the day of the run.

This won’t be the only Poker Run this year as the Cabnet Riders are planning another event this up coming June.

The Cabinet Ridge Riders would like to thank Sanders County Search and Rescue for the EMTs they sent for the day’s event.