A poker or observation run normally serves as a fundraiser for the Chapter, District or Region, as there is usually a small registration fee to participate. There are many formats but these basically are conducted as follows:
You sign in and receive a set of directions for a scenic ride. For a "poker run" you may be required to stop at certain checkpoints and draw a card. At some events, you may draw all your cards at the end of the ride when you check in. As in poker, the best hand wins normally some pre-announced percentage of the proceeds, or a plaque, trophy, or fixed cash prize. An "observation run" is similar but requires that you answer questions about sites along the route. The person who answers the most questions correctly wins.
Other Chance
Opportunities
Chapter U Ride
Pot
For each ride we do as a group, buy one ticket for $1.00 (or as many tickets as you want for $1.00 a piece). All those dollars go into a pot and at each monthly meeting (third Sunday of each month), one ticket will be drawn. If your ticket is drawn, you win the pot and take home the cash! BUT, you must be present to win! If you are not present, the pot rolls over to the next month. So this pot will grow and grow until the owner of the winning ticket drawn is present to collect. So c'mon and RIDE! and start contributing to the pot!
50/50
To help fund expenses, tickets are sold (where legal) and later, ticket stubs are drawn. Half of the money (50%) is given away, typically in increments of 25%, 15% and 10%, to the persons holding the drawn ticket numbers, and the other half (50%) is deposited into the treasury. At Chapter meetings, rallies and other events, 50/50 tickets are sold. Partake if you like, but you are under no obligation.
Chapter Challenge
This can be on or off the bike. It is an event that allows us to act like the kids we usually think we are! Normally there is a timed event in which a team of 4-6 Members representing a Chapter plays a game or takes some sort of a harmless and fun challenge.
Charity or Toy Run
You will find people in this Association to be a lot like you – they have big hearts and like to help the less fortunate. Many times a "Charity" or "Toy Run” is held where you will meet at a pre-arranged point with a new stuffed toy. With the assistance of local law enforcement, you will be "escorted" to a children’s hospital or ward to deliver your toys to children with critical and even terminal illness. Visits are also made to nursing homes, homeless shelters, etc., to share some joy and happiness.
Bug Run
Same as a "Poker Run" or "Observation Run" except you have a target on your windshield. The bike that returns with the bug closest to the bull’s-eye or with the most bugs on the target wins.
