Barring a full-blown fire restriction on campfires and off-highway vehicles in the backcountry, the Sundre Fire Rescue Society's 25th annual ATV Poker Run is ready to proceed as scheduled.
"That's the only thing that would shut it down," fire Chief Marty Butts said about a total fire ban, adding the last thing the fire department wants is to inadvertently start a wildfire in dry conditions.
However, provided all goes according to plan, the fundraiser ó one of the fire department's biggest of the year ó is set to go this Sunday with registrations running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 60-kilometre course, which can get technical and might not be suitable for novice riders, is located in Sundre's West Country with signage leading the way, he said.
Random camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone who wants to arrive before the event and perhaps even stay for a night afterwards, he said.
Although technically not a race, participants must along the way reach at their own pace all five checkpoints, where they draw for a card to in the end form a poker hand. While some people "scoot right along" through the course in a matter of hours, others are welcome to take a more leisurely approach and enjoy a break at the checkpoints, which have available water and firepits for roasting some food, conditions permitting, he said.
The top-three combinations earn a cash prize determined by a percentage of the overall amount raised. There will also be additional giveaways including a kid's dirt bike, he said.
"At the end of the day, someone's going to have a cool little bike," he told the Round Up.
"We have some fairly big prizes to be won. It makes the rally a bit more appealing."
