Event Article

Veterans Day Poker Run

by Todd Leedy

Popularized by our motorized & leather-clad cousins, a poker "run" is actually a ride that incorporates at least five stops at which each rider draws a card. Our first four card draws on will take place at various local veterans monuments/memorials (Gainesville, Newberry, High Springs, Alachua). After the finish line draw, each rider has a complete hand and best straight poker draw wins the run. Podium prizes for the top three hands generously provided by Bikes and More, plus a special prize for the lanterne rouge (worst hand).

Registration: Pre-reg is $15 for current Gainesville Cycling Club members in the GCC members area. Morning of the ride will be $20 cash or check only. Non-members must sign waiver/release form.

Your donation will go entirely to VETSPACE, a facility provide assistance to homeless veterans in Alachua County. The donation provides your eligibility for podium prizes. No tax receipts will be issued (if you need to write off this amount, you are in the wrong sport).

Meet in the Bikes & More parking lot (see parking instructions below).
Rider sign-in: 08:00
Pre-ride briefing: 08:20
Roll out: 08:30 sharp (of course!)

Route/Format: Ride format will again resemble the checkpoint system used in brevets. There will be four card draws on the route - each individual or group must reach the card checkpoints within the time periods specified below. The official route (Full Tour) will be 80 miles.

Riders and/or other GCC group leaders may also design any route of their choosing provided that they reach the checkpoints within the specified time windows. Riders or group leaders may even elect to skip a checkpoint (except for start & finish) - however, a missed draw cannot be substituted with an extra card from a different checkpoint (e.g. - if you only manage to hit three checkpoints, your hand will contain only 3 cards. But you could still win!). And remember, if you draw the same card at a subsequent checkpoint, you must redraw - no poker hand can contain two of the exact same card.

Full Tour route - 80 miles
Start: Bikes and More (2133 NW 6th St): 8:30 rollout
Checkpoint 1: mile 11 - Alachua County Veterans Memorial (7400 SW 41st Pl): 9:15-9:45
Checkpoint 2: mile 28 - Newberry Veterans Memorial (25440 W. Newberry Rd): 10:15-10:45
Checkpoint 3: mile 51 - High Springs Veterans Monument (110 NW 1st Ave): 11:30-12:00
Checkpoint 4 : mile 62 - Alachua Monument to Veterans (1500 NW 142nd Terr): 12:15-1:00
Finish/Final Card: mile 80 - Curia on the Drag (next to Bikes & More). Final card draw closes at 3:00.

Map (Full Tour): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3338980

Checkpoints: Please take a few moments to fully appreciate the various veterans monuments/memorials while others in your group are drawing cards.

Support: Riders must be self-sufficient as there is no sag support or provisions provided (i.e. 100% of your donation goes to VETSPACE). This charity event occurs on open public roads. There are multiple service stations stops available along the full route (miles 19, 27, 52, 63). The frequency and duration of feeding zone stops are at riders' discretion but be mindful of the time you need to reach next checkpoint.

Rain Date: We will ride rain or shine, warm or cold - so kit yourself accordingly. GCC rules apply: helmets are mandatory...leave the aero bars and ear buds at home.