Pot ‘O’ Gold Run
March 6, 2021
This was the first run Roberta and I had organized for the club. I thought I would describe what it was like for us to create and lead a run. First, after going on many runs with the club we wanted to create a run that was more interactive for the members. Thinking of things like a scavenger hunt, Poker Run, Etc. we decided on a guided poker run. Again, interaction and fun were the goal. So, with some brainstorming we designed a run that utilized our local casinos as rally points. One of the things we noticed on other runs was because of traffic, lights, and turns some members got left behind. we wanted to create a solution that allowed everyone a chance to regroup easily. So, the 5 casinos, 5 decks and 5 card stud run evolved with a goal of a $500 pot (we achieved $360). With the run imagined now onto the creation. We went old school with a paper map and pins, we chose our casinos. Then we started to map out the run trying to find some fun roads along the way. We chose what looked like the best route for a fun run. So, time to test it. While I drove, Roberta took notes on distance and time. Turns out it was a fantastic Saturday trip for us as well. We test drove one more time the week prior to the run to iron out the kinks and directions for the group.
Run Day – Even with all the prep work it was a bit nerve wracking at the drivers meeting. However, it was a beautiful day, and everyone was supportive as I worked my way through the instructions to the group. I was concerned because the first leg of the run had two of the best roads of the run and a few blind turns. If anyone was going to get lost this was it. The first leg was to Pala Casino and took us on Lilac Rd. and Courser Canyon Dr. Two beautiful back country roads without a straight stretch of tarmac to be had. Even with careful planning and trying to keep everyone together we did lose three drivers along the way. They did however meet right back up with the group as we drew our first card of the day. After that, the nerves had settled, and the run was on. Four more casinos and four cards later we had a winner of the day. The only professional poker player in the group won the pot, and apparently enhanced his car with a shiny new spoiler with the winnings.
So, in conclusion it was an enormously fun experience, and we are already planning our next run. The “Barbie and Ken” run that will soon hit the calendar for May, so ladies get your driving shoes shined up.
Your Fellow Club Members
Chris, Roberta and the Red ZO6