Published: October 01, 2009 01:17 pm      

Cycle run to help Red Cross

A road trip, packed with the local scenic beauty, meant to help Garvin County’s chapter of the American Red Cross, hits the starting line this weekend.

Set for Sunday, Oct. 4, the Cruisin’ for a Cause motorcycle poker run will take participating riders through parts of two neighboring counties while benefiting the Heart of Oklahoma chapter.

In fact, all proceeds raised from the event will go to benefit the Red Cross chapter in Garvin County, according to county manager Angielee Wright.

“All the money raised from this will be used for disaster response in Garvin County,” Wright said. “All the money raised will be spent in Garvin County for disaster relief and other Red Cross programs.”

Riders may register in advance by calling (405) 321-0591 or going online to www.redcrossheart.org. Riders can also register at the ride’s start — the Cash-N-Carry store in Elmore City from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday. The last bike is to depart Elmore City by 1:30 p.m.

Riders will take a scenic tour of Garvin and Murray counties, heading into the Arbuckle Mountains and Turner Falls area with a stop at Arbuckle Wilderness before following the banks of the Washita River on a winding, tree-canopied road through the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur

“It’s a beautiful drive,” Wright said.

Stops at the park’s Nature Center and another in Davis are followed by a trip to Pauls Valley’s Wacker Park for the finale.

At the stops riders get cards with each having a point value established in advance.

“We’ll add up their points when they’re done, and that’s how we determine the winners,” she said.

Entry fee is $25 with an additional $10 for extra riders. Prizes include $500 for the best poker hand followed by $250 for the worst.

“The fundraiser portion is we have several businesses in Garvin and McClain counties that established this event who are sponsoring it,” she said.