Phil Peterson's Key West Poker Run
September 15 - 18, 2011
Thirty-nine years ago, Phil Peterson came up with the idea of a poker run to boost the motorcycle business and the Key West tourist trade during the slow September season. What started with 46 riders has grown to become South Florida's biggest motorcycle party weekend of the year. Today, more than 10,000 riders from all over the U.S. enjoy this event. They rumble from Miami to Key West, enjoying the sunshine, ocean breezes, and riding on the many bridges that cross over the beautiful, turquoise water. Along the way, they make five stops and draw a card at each stop. The winner is the lucky rider who draws the best hand.
The City of Key West blocks off an eight-block area of Duval Street. A bike show is held in front of Rick’s/ Durty Harry’s and Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Saturday. Locals, tourists, and bikers all enjoy the sights and sounds of this mini-Mardi Gras with its carnival atmosphere, music, food, cold Budweiser, and Pepsi.
In addition to the cash prizes this year, if you drew one of the top ten hands, you got a chance to play one round of Texas Hold’em for the grand prize. Beginning Saturday Night at 11:00 p.m., the round featured a winner take all prize - a brand new Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Iron!
(l-r) DRIF's Brian Huether, Drew Peterson,
Poker Run bike winner Joy Rohrer, Sunrise
Rotary Club member