WHAT IS A POKER RUN??This is a desert event for all types of off road vehicles, motorcycles, ATV'S, dune buggies, trucks and even such exotic vehicles as converted golf carts, motorcycles with side cars and even off road Lincoln's are o.k.. Each vehicle travels a track of about 20 - 25 miles stopping 5 times at checkpoints where the driver/rider receives a poker card. Five cards are drawn and the best poker hand wins. The driver/rider turns in the poker hand and then goes a second time free of charge. The entry fee for the event is now $25.00.
The poker run concludes at 2:00 P.M. each day and prizes are awarded to the ten best 12 poker hands of the day.
This is a two-day event, the last full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each April and October. Drivers/riders can enter either or both days and go as often as time (8:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.) permits.
Volunteers who enjoy the desert and the sport of 'off -roading' conduct the poker runs. The medical team is the work of The Newberry Fire Dept. Free radio support is supplied by the Hi-Desert React, which has radio operators from all walks of life.
Checkpoint and registration personnel are all volunteers. No one receives any compensation. Hamburgers/Hot Dogs have been provided by Boy/Girl Scouts since 1984.
A retired CHP officer who lives adjacent to Stoddard Valley furnishes the course layout. He knows the desert like "The Back of His Hand". Family and friends, who give their time for the love of children, make up the rest of the volunteers. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been with us from the start. They offer medical assistance if necessary. BLM rangers furnish law enforcement when needed. Our relationship with this agency has been quite rewarding.
