Drivers taking part in the IAM Midwest Territory’s 9th Annual “Rides for Guides” Motorcycle Poker Run in South Dakota took off during the early morning hours from the historic city of Deadwood, through the scenic byways of Spearfish Canyon, down through the infamous motorcycle rally town of Sturgis, and stood in the shadows of the four U.S. presidents of Mt. Rushmore.
The IAM Midwest Territory’s 9th Annual “Rides for Guides” Motorcycle Poker Run raised nearly $12k to benefit Guide Dogs of America.
The event, held this year in the beautiful rolling Black Hills and thousand-foot high limestone canyons of South Dakota, drew more than 70 participants from across the Midwest Territory – the most in the event’s history. This year’s run included bikes and ATV Razors.
“Thank you to all the participants, Midwest Territory Districts, Locals, residents, businesses and sponsors for your continued support of the ‘Rides for Guides’ Motorcycle Run,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber. “The IAM Midwest Territory is committed to helping Guide Dogs of America give the gift of sight to as many visually-impaired men and women as possible. It’s because of your generosity that these charity events continue to be a success and we are able to accomplish that goal each year.”
Guide Dogs of America provides guide dogs free of charge to blind and visually-impaired men and women across the U.S. and Canada. The school was founded in 1948 after a blind IAM member was rejected for a guide dog due to his age of 57.
Drivers taking part in the annual motorcycle run took off during the early morning hours from the historic city of Deadwood, through the scenic byways of Spearfish Canyon (famous for its beauty, Spearfish Canyon was the location for several scenes in the movie Dances with Wolves), down through the infamous motorcycle rally town of Sturgis, and stood in the shadows of the four U.S. presidents of Mt. Rushmore.
Awards were given to the poker hand winners, the individual who brought in the most pledges, drove the farthest distance and had the oldest bike, as well as the oldest and youngest drivers. Click here for a complete list of winners and photos from the bike run.
Other activities included raffle ticket and basket giveaways and a slot tournament.
For more information on these and other IAM Midwest Territory events to benefit Guide Dogs of America, visit the Spirit of the Midwest website at www.SpiritoftheMidwest.org.
For more information on Guide Dogs of America, visit www.guidedogsofamerica.com.
