By Lulu

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Over the past 40 years Phil Peterson’s Harley Davidson, with the help of Key West Sunshine Rotary Club, has sponsored the Miami to Key West Poker Run. This event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. Children benefit from the monies raised in the form of scholarships and the event also helps fund Diabetes Research. Of course the influx of thousands of motorcycles also benefits the local economy. Beyond the good works of the run is the FUN! This is one of my favorite events in Florida partially because the police, businesses and locals seem to genuinely enjoy the bikers coming into town. Of course the ride down is scenic and beautiful…even with the never ending road construction. The party once you arrive on Duval is constant beginning on Thursday with the “Upper Duval Crawl” and ending Sunday with Biker Bloody Mary Brunch at Southernmost if you must leave to be back to work on Monday. The poker stops along the way included Gilbert’s Resort in Key Largo, Postcard Inn in Islamorada, The Island Fish Co. in Marathon, Boondocks in Little Torch Key and the final stop Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West. Once you arrive there are parties, contests such as the tattoo contest hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar and live music (my favorite party spot is Irish Kevin’s), the beautiful sunset at Mallory Square, vendors and of course the bike show hosted by Rick’s/Durty Harry’s and The Big Bike Rider’s Association. The main event was the Harley giveaway hosted at Cowboy Bill’s Saloon/The Rose Tattoo Bar on Saturday night.

This year Yuengling and Y100 gave two additional bikes or cash away at events at the Peterson’s dealerships and the winners were Bob Pastorello and Ethuko Rodriguez who both plan to upgrade their current Harleys. The winner of the final Texas Hold em hand was Chuck Heck of Venice.

Needless to say you can’t possibly make it to everything, but we gave it our best shot and even made it to our friend, Mike Rudicel’s (South Florida Bike Event’s) Jager party at Tattoos & Scars Saloon for a great time and a taste or two of Jager!

Sherry Fletcher from the Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach and I decided to stay an extra day to take a sunset boat ride and choose the great guys and girls from Sebago Watersports to ride with. Free champagne and the prettiest sunset I have seen since Negril was our reward for one extra night in the Keys. I also have to send out a thank you to the guys from Pirate’s Rentals which hooked us up with matching green “bad ass” rides while we cruised the streets of Key West on scooters! This is directly across from the Green Parrot on Southard St. if you find yourself in need of a ride other than your Harley!

Put this on your list of places to hit next year it is always the 3rd weekend in September!