Editor, The Times:
The ATV-BC organizes a poker ride every year at different places in B.C. This year it is coming to Clearwater.
The local club, Clearwater ATV, is assisting in the event, which will take place on July 18. With special permission from Canfor Forest Products, it will be held at the old airport next to Camp 2 Road, where camping will be available.
The poker ride will begin at the airport and follow a marked trail up into Canfor's timber management area, stopping at some lakes before returning to the airport. Riders will stop at checkpoints to draw a card to see who has the best poker hand.
Prizes will be $3,000 for first, a utility trailer for second, and a full year's insurance for an ATV as third. But that is not all – riders will have a chance at a draw for several random prizes.
Also, anyone who buys a five-card pack will be entered for the hidden hand draw for a new Can-Am Commander four-wheeler. Your hand must match the pre-drawn numbers to win this special prize.
We expect people to come and camp ahead of time to partake in some other activities and look around the town. There is lots to see in Wells Gray Park, “the waterfall park.” River rafting will be in full swing at that time of year; there are plenty of great restaurants in to check out; and there are some local quad trails at hand right by the camping area.
The Clearwater club will guide two rides on the Thursday and Friday for those coming early as well as any local riders interested.
The Elks Lodge will put on a special pancake breakfast on Friday morning for all quad riders.
The poker ride will be on the Saturday. After the winners are announced and the prizes drawn, those who have purchased supper tickets will ride to the Legion Hall for a full sit down roast beef supper with all the trimmings. There is a limit to the number they can serve, so be sure to get your tickets early.
Raffle tickets are being sold for a $14,000 ATV. The second prize is a 2,000 Watt generator, withe third prize being a pressure washer. Tickets are available from Aspen Auto Parts.
New regulations require licensing of all off-road vehicles. When applying for insurance, a discount is allowed if you have a membership in a local ATV club. So it is to your advantage to have a membership, which is available at Aspen Auto Parts in Clearwater.
Clearwater ATV Riders