The 10th annual Seven Summits Poker Ride took place on Sunday, August 31.
A total of a 100 riders showed up ready for the beloved event. About 60 per cent of the riders came from out of town while the remaining 40 per cent came from Rossland.
The day started with blue skies but the bikers ended up getting showered by rain.
At Granite, on top of Rino’s Run, tents were put up for the participants to dry off. Mountain Nugget Chocolate Co provided hot chocolate fondue to warm the riders up.
Ryan Taylor from Penticton ended up with the best poker hand. He decided to join the ride as he works for one of the sponsors, Outdoor Gear Canada, and he’s happy that he did so. Taylor has attended to similar events before but this was his first time at the Seven Summits Poker Ride.
“I’m definitely coming back. If not next year, the year after,” says Taylor.
The after party was held at Lions Campground where Rossland Beer Company donated beer to quench the thirst of the riders.
Organizer Tyler Merringer says that the event went “extremely well.” 10 years of practice had them set up for a very successful ride.
Many of the volunteers who helped out were returnees from previous years, which made for smooth running.
Merringer is looking forward to next year and another Seven Summits Poker Ride. It will be held at the same time, during the Sunday of the long weekend.
Merringer summarizes this year’s event, “It was another great day in the mountains.”