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 (T.V., camping gear, microwave, etc.) are awarded to the ten best 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.

WHO'S IN CHARGE???

Volunteers who enjoy the desert and the sport of 'off -roading' conduct the poker runs. The medical team is the work of Rescue 3, a group that regularly supplies medical service to numerous off road events throughout the High Desert. Free radio support is supplied by the Hi-Desert React, which has radio operators from all walks of life.

The checkpoint personnel are volunteers from the Bureau of Land Management who work year long assisting the BLM with projects such as clean up, building fences, pounding posts and public information. Volunteers from Toys For Tots, and the handicap center, handle registration with other service clubs as needed. Hot dogs and hamburgers have been provided at each event since 1984 by Barstow, CA. Boy Scout Troop #62.

A retired CHP officer who lives adjacent to Stoddard Valley furnishes the course layout, set up and clean up. 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. BLM personnel man the check points, assist in set up and lay out of the course. They offer medical assistance if necessary. BLM rangers furnish law enforcement when needed. Our relationship with this agency has been quite rewarding.

WHERE IS IT???

The Poker Run site is in Stoddard Valley just south of Barstow, CA. Barstow is located on IS/15 between Los Angeles, CA. and Las Vegas, Nevada. Start/Finish can be reached by going south from IS/15 on highway 247 (Barstow Road) 12 miles to the Slash X Cafe. Follow the poker run signs to the registration area. Port-a-potties, a large trash dumpster and hundreds of desert acres are available for camping. The road into the start/finish area from highway 247 is well maintained and can be used by the largest of trailers and motor homes. Bring your own water and firewood. CLICK HERE FOR MAP

WHERE'S THE GRUB???

The Slash X Cafe is a famous desert off road location. This is a family establishment that specializes in everything from hamburgers to steaks. Refreshments include soda pop, beer and wine.

BBQ, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and refreshments at the event site from 10:00 a.m.. Rolls & Coffee Saturday morning 7a.m. to 9:00a.m.. Breakfast Sunday Morning 7:00 a.m..