Okay since I brought it up and I think it would be pretty kick butt to have a bunch of fsbs out in force doing this here is the info below. I am planning on going again in October as long as my ship is in port. My family and i have been doing these for a couple of years now and they are alot of fun. WE usually do not attend the dinner but we do the raffle as they always have some great prizes. Last one in april I got a set of darts and goggles while my dad won a new cooler and some other little stuff. We have an area off of hw 247 we camp off of that is just north of the slash x and about a mile from the main hub of activity. Last year the ATV crowd was pretty thick so we try to camp a little bit away from the main cluster. I copied the info below from the website for you all to check out this is a charity event but a great time nonetheless. Post your thoughts and maybe we can get this made up as a sticky so everyone can mark their calenders. As i get info on the next desert cleanup I will post that as well, or if anyone is interested we may be able to put one together ourselves if you know an area that needs it. Enjoy:beer
History of this Classic Desert Poker Run

The original Barstow Poker Run was held in October 1983 as a Toys For Tot's fund raiser. The event was run 'on road' from the Slash X Cafe in Barstow, California to Big Bear Lake and back. The Poker Run was something new to Barstow and proved to be very popular with bikers who loved to ride and also raise funds for toys for children in need.

Because of the enthusiasm generated by the poker run, the organizers realized an event open to both two and four wheel vehicles would be even more popular. In April 1984 the first desert poker run was held in the Stoddard Valley off road area behind the Slash X Cafe. This initial desert event drew well over 100 entries. The rest is history.....from the 39 bikers who started it all with that small on road ride to Big Bear Lake to hundreds of participants from all over the country!! The Poker Runs have grown over the years and now draw an average of 800 riders and drivers each April and October.

The two Poker Runs are conducted by four individuals who comprise Hi-Desert Charities, a 501 C 3 charitable organization approved by both the State of California and the I.R.S. Monies raised in the April poker run go to benefit the physically and mentally challenged who are centered at B.E.S.T. Opportunities (Barstow Employment Specialized Training).

Monies raised in the October poker run go toward the Toys For Tots campaign in the high desert. The Poker Run for years has been the biggest source of funds for the Toys ForTots. Toys For Tots furnishes toys at Christmas time and throughout the year to needy children. There are no salaries taken by anyone! All monies raised go the needy and deserving!

Information can be obtained throughout the year by calling Connie or Mal Wessel at (760) 252-3093 or by contacting the Slash X Cafe at (760) 252-1197. A mailing list has been maintained and previous participants are notified by a flyer at least a month in advance of each of the two poker runs. Anyone who desires to be on the mailing list can add their name by calling Connie Wessel at the above number. Participants who sign up and ride in the poker run are automatically added to the mailing list.

SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER...........5:00 p.m. -Slash X Cafe. All you can eat BBQ/Dinner. $12.00+tax.............................. RAFFLES....................Lots of GREAT Prizes to be given away each day at 2:00 p.m.............................................. AWARDS................12 best hands form the Poker Run will win Prizes each day at 2:00 p.m.


Where ?????? 12 miles south of Barstow, CA. on Hwy 247 (Barstow Rd. to Slash X Cafe) or call(760) 252-1197 or (760)252-3093 for more info or Click on the menu below.


When????????? The last full weekends of April & October (Saturday and Sunday)
http://www.barstowpokerrun.com/index%20menu.html

I'd be in for this! It would be cool to get our own group camp spot.

The courses are alot of fun and usually plenty of spots to stretch your legs, and the other nice thing is it is doable for the rock crawling crowd as well. I still believe Barstow is one of the most brutal areas around, my brother lost a tire last run. The loops are usually laid out a bit different every run the orginizers are usually pretty creative as well. You also get to see a variety of other vehicles out there everything from full on race to weekend playtoys. We usually try to get out fri early as the event draws a large crowd. Hope we can get it to work out.

Sounds fun, Ill mark my calander.

Polar Cub, are these family friendly events?

Yes these events are very family friendly. With that being said we usually camp on the outskirts of the main area since as with any area on a big weekend you do get your share of yahoos and I personally prefer to have a a bit of privacy camping. Other than that you have probably as many kids if not more than adults. I hope it works for you to get down this way I would love to get a peak at your bronco firsthand and pick your brain a little bit more on the 2 link your running.