Probably the best way to understand how a poker ride works is to describe what happens at the Fish Trap Lake poker ride on Saturday May 11 sponsored by the Inland Empire Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen. Fish Trap is located on 5,000 acres of land administered by the BLM just off Interstate 90 about 20 miles west of Spokane. The poker ride trail is about 7-1/2 miles long with an optional 4-1/2 miles which can take the rider to the waterfall at Hog Canyon Lake. The trail meanders through wooded pockets and over open prairie. Early riders are likely to see deer and there are always plenty of birds.

At station one riders select the first "card" of a five-card poker hand by tossing a chip into one of 52 cups, which represent cards. At other stations, cards are selected by throwing a dart, rolling a marble and spinning a dial. The winning hand is judged at day's end. Last year's winning hand was five kings which won $150 cash. The second best hand won $100 and the loball hand took home $50. Numerous door prizes are also awarded.

Organizing a poker ride requires considerable effort. Fifty volunteers work the IEBCH ride. Half of them work at the stations and half are "outriders" stationed along the trail to assist anyone in distress. A doctor is on site during the ride and the Lilac City Amateur Radio Club provides a communications grid covering the entire ride area.

Cost of the ride is a modest $9 per rider for those who pre-register by May 7 which includes one poker hand. Those who feel lucky can purchase additional hands for $4 each. Registration on May 11, the day of the ride, will cost $14. Since family participation is encouraged, riders 17 and younger ride free. You can pick up a registration form at one of several feed and tack stores in Spokane, call Ken at 509/466-2225 or download from our website at www.iebch.com.

Proceeds from this poker ride are used by the IEBCH to further their mission to "...preserve and enhance the right to use horses and mules for recreation on public lands." They also support training in "leave no trace" camping technique.

Good luck!