How to Sponsor a Motorcycle Poker Run

The Origin and Evolution of Poker Runs

The concept of a poker run originated with motorcyclists but has since been adopted by various groups, including boaters, runners, cyclists, and car enthusiasts. The basic idea is to travel a predetermined route, collecting poker cards at designated checkpoints. The participant with the best five-card poker hand at the end wins a prize.

A Personal Journey

My first motorcycle was a 1943 Knucklehead Harley Davidson. When I found it for sale, I had no money but was determined to own this dream machine. I devised a plan to raise funds and throw a fantastic party simultaneously by organizing a poker run. The event was a success, allowing me to purchase the Harley and have some money left over.

Planning the Route and Checkpoints

The first step in organizing a poker run is to plan the travel route and the positioning of the checkpoints. The route should be designed so that the final checkpoint is at the event's final destination, where the post-poker run party will be held.

Legal Considerations

You may need to obtain approval from the cities you plan to travel through, which could involve paperwork and fees. Always check with local municipalities to ensure compliance with local laws.

Financial Planning

Financial planning is crucial for the success of your poker run. Calculate the total costs, including prize money and post-run party expenses, to determine the number of riders needed and the entrance fee.

Budgeting Tips

• Entrance Fees: Keep them as low as possible to attract more participants.
• Cost Estimation: Ensure accurate cost estimation to avoid turning a profit into a loss.

Registration and Ticket Sales

Registering riders can be done through a dedicated website where participants can sign up and pay online. Alternatively, you can use traditional methods like mail-in or phone-in registration.

Ticketing Strategy

• Rider and Passenger Fees: Charge a certain amount for the bike and its rider and a lower fee for passengers.
• Party Tickets: Sell tickets to friends and others who may want to attend the post-run party.

Marketing and Promotion

Effective marketing is essential to attract participants. Use a combination of flyers, posters, and online advertising to spread the word.

Advertising Channels

• Local Radio Stations: Running an ad can reach a large audience but will require upfront costs.
• Internet Ads: Banner ads on relevant websites can also be effective.
• Localized Marketing: Focus your efforts locally, as most bikers prefer day events and won't travel far.

Planning the Post-Run Party

Once you have an estimate of the number of participants, you can plan the post-run party. Depending on the size of the event, you can either handle the food yourself or hire local catering services.

Party Activities

• Prize Award Ceremony: Make it engaging and memorable.
• Safety Measures: If alcohol is served, ensure proper safety measures are in place.

Interesting Stats

• Motorcycle Ownership: As of 2021, there are over 8.6 million motorcycles registered in the United States (source: Statista).
• Charity Events: Motorcycle poker runs are often used for charity events, raising millions of dollars annually for various causes (source: Motorcycle Legal Foundation).

Conclusion

With careful planning and execution, sponsoring a motorcycle poker run can be a rewarding experience. You'll cover costs, ensure everyone has a great time, and maybe even make a little extra to help buy that next Harley. Best of luck and enjoy the ride!

By following these steps, you can organize a successful motorcycle poker run that participants will remember for years to come.