Eagle Riders poker run to benefit Wounded Warriors

Memorial Day weekend kicks off with the sixth annual Eagle Riders Poker Run Saturday, May 26, followed by the first Bike Rodeo Sunday, May 27, for the Montana Wounded Warriors.

All proceeds will go toward the Montana Wounded Warriors project, providing hunting and fishing trips for combat veterans with councilors and nurses available to provide aid.

It is to "serve those that have served us," said Heather Sinclair, the president of the Eagles Riders Club.

The entire Havre community has shown its support for the Poker Run over the years, with even Havre Mayor Tim Solomon riding with the Poker Run in support.

The entire ride spans roughly 170 miles before returning to Havre. In the past, the Poker Run has seen close to 100 registrations and around 80 bikes going through town and with the addition of the Bike Rodeo numbers are expected to be higher, Sinclair said.

Registration for the event opens May 26 at 8:30 a.m. at Tip It Bar, 1315 Third St. N, and ends at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $25. A free-will donation breakfast will be available before "kick stands up" at 10 a.m. and the participants begin the ride. Participation and registration is available to the entire community.

People who are not capable to ride are free to use other vehicles, and Sinclair and the other Eagles Riders are working on finding transportation for disabled veterans who still want to go on the ride.

The ride will stop at Spencer's Hi-Way Bar in Hingham and K-Lines in Rudyard. A lunch break is offered at the Inverness Bar and Supperclub at 110 Main in Inverness and sold for $8.

After lunch the riders will stop at The Grand in Chester, The Club in Fort Benton and Diamond 4 U Club in Big Sandy before arriving at The Eagles in Havre.

At the start of the run, the riders will be given an envelope with the start of their poker hand. At every stop riders will receive a punch in the envelope saying what card was received at that stop and will be used to build the rider's final hand. Once the riders return, cash prizes will be given up to the highest hand, the second highest hand and the lowest hand.

After the ride, live and silent auctions will be held and a dinner served, free for registered riders and $9 for others. The Milk River Band will perform live that night.

The following day will be the Bike Rodeo at the Tip It Bar, where all ages of local residents are welcome to watch seven events for the rodeo.

Admittance will cost $10, with participants paying $5 to register for each event.

The Bike Rodeo is a cooperative between the Eagle Riders Club and the Kindred Spirits out of Shelby. The family-friendly events include a slowest race, a barrel push, a water-balloon toss, a plank run, a dart throw, slalom egg toss and a weenie bite competition all preformed while riding motorcycles. Liquor Down will also be playing live at the rodeo.

"The whole club, the riders, would like to thank all the community for the contributions and donation to make this (weekend) a success," Sinclair said, "all the commissioners we would like to thank them for giving us the road."

It takes many hands, a lot of heart as well as a supportive community to make this all possible, she said.

"Come and enjoy," added Lyle Bender, head trustee for the riders.