Cabinet Ridge Riders hit the snow

TROUT CREEK- The 24th Annual Cabinet Ridge Riders Poker Run was held last weekend on Valentine’s Day in Trout Creek.

Snowmobilers from across western Montana, Idaho and Washington made their way to Trout Creek over the weekend and despite the warm temperatures, which have come to characterize the last few weeks of winter, there was plenty of snow to make this year’s poker run a success.

The outdoor motorsports enthusiasts hit the groomed trails and stopped at points along the trail to play a hand of poker, drawing a card at each spot, until they complete their hand at the end of the snowmobiling route.

In total, 134 riders took part in this year’s event and 431 poker hands were sold earning $1,475 for the community fundraiser.

The ridge riders paid out eight winning places, with the first place spot going to Carol Barsha of Trout Creek, with $300 with a full house (9’s w/queens).

The second place prizewinner, Leanna Pardee of Thompson Falls, with $275 used a hand of (9’s w/sevens) to take the runner up spot.    

In third place with $250 was Clayton Kyriss who also had a full house.

There were also several raffle items given away at the conclusion of the Poker Run, Leon Helstead won an avalanche survival bag and Dennis Wilhelmsen took home the wheelbarrow of joy.

Keven Robins of Washington took home the .300 Winchester, Liane Keane of Trout Creek won the Henry .44 magnum and Dean Erwin took home the .380 pink Tauras.

According to John Harris of Trout Creek who helps run the event from the Lakeside Hotel, the money raised from the event goes towards three scholarships for local high school students.

Harris added the event was started by a group of ten who completed the first snowmobile trek and poker hand 24 years ago.

“It has raised a lot of money through donations over the years,” Harris said.

The Noxon Volunteer Ambulance Service was on hand to ensure the safety of the event and there were no incidents throughout.

There are three card stations throughout the course which consists of over 30 miles of trails.

Each player plays a five card hand during the extent of the poker ride.

In addition, to going towards scholarships, money raised by the event can also be used to support families in need throughout the area.

“The poker ride is a big social event for Sanders County,” Harris said.

The course was ready to go at 8 a.m, at which point snowmobilers could hit the trails.

Those taking part in the competition had to be back at the Lakeside and checked in by 5 p.m.