| On Saturday April 18, 2009 the Red Knights motorcycle club set out to attempt to break the Guinness Book of world records, World's Largest Poker Run. The current record was held by Winter Haven Florida the record number was only 323. Red knights Pennsylvania Chapter 2 joined 42 other chapters across the country to attempt to break this record.
This event started at Smaltz's Harley Davidson in Chester Spring Pa. Registration started at 8am and was closed at 9:45am. A quick ride meeting was held at 9:50, at this meeting rules and directions were given. The club also thanked Smaltz's for allowing us to use their facility on this one year anniversary of the passing of William J. Smaltz "Stretch" . The club then held a moment of silence in his memory in addition to that all 115 rides were given black ribbon to tie on their bikes.
At 10am sharp all rides pulled out of Smaltz's lead by a Brush truck from the Modena Fire Company and started the 62 mile poker run through four counties. The first stop was Gear Jammers Saloon then onto the Valley forge Fire Company. From there the next stop was Valley Forge beef and Ale and then onto Hooters in King of Prussia. Then finishing the run at the Swedeland Fire Company around 1:30pm.
At Swedeland participants were able to purchase poker run shirts as well as Red knight merchandise. A 50/50 was also being held. Participants were able to enter a bike show for $5. Music was played throughout the day and food and beverages were available for all.
At 3:30 the winners of the poker run were announced. Best hand received $100.00 and the worst hand received $50.00. The first, second and third place winners of the bike show and 50/50 were also announced at this time.
On top of trying to break the world record all registration proceeds were going to the Fallen Firefighter Survivor Foundation this foundation helps the families of fallen firefighter. At the end of the day 115 motorcyclists registered making our donation given to the Fallen Firefighters Survivor Foundation $2,300.
An E-mail was received around 12-noon Sunday advising that the Red Knights now hold the world record for the World Largest Poker Run. The new record now stands at 2,090 motorcyclists.
The Red Knights Pa. Chapter 2 would like to send a big Thank You out to all that made this day happen and most of importantly the participants, obviously without you this would not be possible Thanks Again.
Poker run tee shirts are still available through the Quarter Master Ronald Scott however there are only 2 Large and 18 Medium shirts left if you are interested please contact R.P. at rscottrps@aol.com |
