I agree with Chuck,this yrs Poker run was even better than last yrs.Alot of it had to do with Rich actually being there for this event[he missed last yrs run].He was a great host and I especially enjoyed when he took a group of about 40 ATVers to the TEQ Falls.That was a total RUSH seeing all them ATVs in ONE place.That Artesian Well and Rich's hunting Mansion[HUGE]were great places that I'll never forget either.

I also liked the breakfast buffet that Brian put on this yr.When I get up north,I eat like a Horse,and the breakfast was great.I hope they have NO plans to change that for future runs?Also,I discussed moving breakfast back to 7pm instead of 8pm,it gives us riders a earlier start on the Poker run.I ran this over with Brian,it looks like its a go for next yr.His buffet at the closing of this event was delicious as well.

We had a group of 10 riders.Everything went well and Chuck was also a great navigator,he lead most of the way.No break downs, no injuries,and no tickets in our group.

I meant most every rider up there.What I'd like to see happen is another Poker Run in early May and move this one to Fall [color season]maybe in October sometime?The dust wont be nearly as bad on the riders and I think it would draw more ATVers in.What do you riders think of that?

Now lets not forget about joining MATVA either!I spent ALOT of time with most riders on discussing the importance of supporting and joining associations that support the interests of ATVers in our State.Those of you that are members,I also need you folks to assist in getting the word out about MATVA to.Every little bit assists in reaching the goals we ATVers need in supporting our sport.Special thanks to,

Rich,for hosting this event,you did a nice job!
Brian the cook,for the GREAT meals
Gale the waitress,for putting up with us guys
Chuck,for being our navigator
AND all the rest of the riders that rode in a safe and responsable manner!

Thanks,
I look even MORE forward to the next Poker Run.

SAY WHAT???

There's rumors about a run this coming October????

 

Believe it or not, we were talking about a color tour. I don't know if we would do a poker run because we really need to watch where you ride at hunting season. Bear hunting and bow hunting will be in during the time we were talking about.

Color time is normally the last weekend of September. If we went on a color tour, we would have to split up. We had 38 bikes go to the falls and even though it was a great sight, keeping track of everybody was a chore.

Had a great weekend. We had a few little gliches (DNR, small crashes, a few break downs and few idiots), but I heard lots of compliments. Thanks. There were a lot more smiles than frowns.

Bill, I'm really interested in your next meeting. I would like to have some input to the ORV/ATV guide (through the MATVA) next printing. As we found out, it is quite confusing unless you read everything very carefully. The Hiawatha National Forest rule was a blind spot.

I have no doubt that the county ordinance will be in effect in the next couple months. The MATVA could have a little input on these county meetings also.

I talked to my cousin today. He is an attorney in the Soo and he is going to call the commissioners and see the status of the ATV ordinance. He is very concerned about the reintroduction of the Lynx to the area. He said that he has received many calls on this and he is spearheading a group to stop it quick. He is a big hunter and fisherman. He told me that he would like the names of the clubs and other places that I work with to get some numbers together to head that proposal off.

Again, great weekend. I didn't think I would have to work that hard. Never saw bed before 2:00 am. Really enjoyed meeting Bill, Chuck, Anthony, Joe and John and his gang. Next year, lets go for more bikes and less hot rods.

If anybody wants to go for a fall color ride, I'm open. The UP colors are beautiful. I would even let Chuck lead (Unless it's dusty).

Rich

 

Rich,
the fall color tour is an excellant idea.You pointed out something I over looked about hunting season being in October.I would be interested in the fall color tour.

Now as for our next MATVA members meeting?I'll check with our President and keep you informed.If you are not a member yet,I suggest you join soon,the meetings are open to members and all interested parties on a ONE time basis.

I discussed the DNR problems we had with MATVA's President.This guy is VERY sharp and he sorta told me like it is.He said that special provisions can be made in respect to these types of wk end ATV events and that should of ALL been completed PROIR to the Poker Run.I for one am GLAD it happened,it should CLOSE the door on any other future problems that could occur from the DNR at future ATV events in Hulburt Mi.

Now the ORV guide did certainly have that ''blind spot'' you mentioned about the Hiawatha National Forest.I hate to say this,but im not a real fan of the DNR,it seems like everytime you hear a story about them,its NOT good.I even heard a guy once had his ATV impounded for being a half decible OVER the sound limit,REDICULES at best!

Bill

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Fall ride,count me and the boys in. May Poker Run, we're in.

I expect several more of us will also be there also. Had a great time

the boys were sorry to see it end,{me too}.

Thanks Rich for your efforts putting this ride together.

Glad we rode with you Bill, great group of guys and I won't forget

Chuck, our Lead Dog, great job runnin' the pack, the boys and I totaled

184 miles and I know you guys rode more than that. My oldest daughter

wants to ride the next one, oh oh, time to buy another bike or rent one

from Margie. Thanks again, had a great weekend.

Regards, Frank

 

Frank,
it was a pleasure riding with you and the boys.I had to deflate Chucks head the other day.He seemed to really like the fact that he lead us most of the way in the Poker Run,however,I explained to him that the only reason we let him lead was because he had the slowest quad and none of us wanted to loose him![lol, im just kiddin!]

I forgot to give you the MATVA pamplets did'nt I?If so,let me know when your going to be up near Flint,I'll make arrangements to get some to you,We need to get this membership FLYING!

Bill

 

Fall run sounds good to me but can we make it the last weekend in September? That way, colors should be changing and the hunters won't be out yet...
As for my big head about leading, Mr. Bill, it's true! I did have the slowest quad. Even Rich gave me lip service on that issue. But I never get over confident when it comes to riding. I've seen too many mishaps and being stung by a bee is'nt one of them. Being slow ain't so bad when you come back in one piece, with the quad...
Oh, you're welcome and I'll lead again unless Dean, shows up as we all hope he does next time... Get well, 'ol buddy...
Chuck

 

what dose the MATVA have to say about getting behind an event such as the ORV poker run, when the event sent 51 people out through the U.P. breaking state laws. The maps handed out took every rider there down county roads to get to the destinations. This was illegal ( total blast though ) I hope before next years event all the problems are worked out before everyone on the internet goes up there breaking state laws. this alone will not send a good message to the government officals who are aginst ORV,s. As stated the whole event was avery good time everyone was great i met some really super people. The service at the Tahquamenon was wonderfull. The best waitress i've ever seen, very clean rooms.I probably gained 5 pounds. PLEASE make sure this is with in the law next year. I do not want to post bond again for following a map.Be cool and ride safe

 

Thunderdaddy,
MATVA does not encourage ANYBODY to break ANY ATV laws.I talked to the President of MATVA in depth about what happened to you, your brother from Indiana,and other riders.That was very unfortunate and I hope you guys get your $$ back.However,there are certain provisions that SHOULD of been made WELL IN ADVANCE by Rich G. for this Poker run and the roads we ATVers ran.That appearantly did not happen.To Rich's defense,I know that he figured everything went well for lasts yrs Poker run[NO DNR problems] and probably did not expect ANY problems this yr either.MATVA has nothing to do with what happened to you and your brother.All riders should try and make sure that the ground rules for next yrs Poker run are in ORDER BEFORE that event starts.I can allmost gaureentee that after what happened this year,Rich G will see to that! UTIMATELY,ALL responsibility of ANY ATV rules/ordinances is on the RIDERS shoulders.

Chuck,
Your the lead navigator and you made an EXCELLANT ONE!I was only teasing you about the speed of your ATV.

Bill

 

Thunderdaddy, you have every right to be angry about the incident you had on Friday with the DNR but you're wrong when you make statments like the complete mapped trail was illegal. Mistakes were made and Rich, did his best to correct or allaviate the problems before the next day. Which in my opinion, he did! Not anybody got a ticket the very next day... Give the guy a chance, he's trying to make good on his word to you.
As Bill, said, the MATVA has nothing to do with this Poker Run and we'd all like to see a time when harrasment is not what the DNR reflects on any trails but rather compassion and respect for the riders and the residents. Come on back next year, we'll all have fun riding again.
Bill, I don't joke about my quad...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Chuck

 

ecorman 1 talked to Lt. Polzien today about the poker run situation. the tickets we got will stand.Oh well. he also agree's that shortly all these laws on ORV's will be worked out to where we will be able to run the side of the roads.I just hope ALL counties adopt the same laws. even if the laws are not in affect for the fall run you guys are talking about Lt Polzien said something to the affect of some sort of permit that would allow this.I have no idea if there would be acharge for this. but it could make it 100% more fun to do it the right way. We hope to see you all next year at the TAHQUAMENON if you know of any other ORV runs that might be fun please let me know. look for my membership application for the MATVA soon as i know money is the only way to get things done. Ross