Redbank Valley Park 2nd Annual Poker Run... Sept 8, 2001
New Bethlehem, Pa.
Managing Editor
Steve Small

The
Redbank Valley Parks
Department kicked off their second annual event just north of New Bethlehem, Pa.

The community park is located along route 28, just north of town. This year's event totaled 484 riders, compared to 195 for last year's debut. After having a successful run in 2000, the crowd more than doubled for the second event. Friday night was filled with 150 early arrivals, which camped on the premises.

The park has a swimming pool, shower facilities and playgrounds for the family to use during the ride. A local band was also scheduled to perform after the dust had cleared on Saturday evening.

The 35-mile trail system started and finished at the park grounds. Man-made bridges covered several creek crossings.

There were plenty of opportunities to get sucked into some major mud holes and creek bottoms. Several spots required that little extra "oomph" to get through!


Large portions of the trails were old strip areas that were grass covered...while still holding rock surprises underneath!

Most of the open trails were carved around re-planted patches of woods. Several uphill and downhill climbs were spread throughout the trails. None of these were too difficult for novice riders, although some areas might have needed a helping hand to be on the safe side.


The best part of the ride was the woodsy sections. These areas proved to be some of the toughest trails for man and machine.

Each area had it's own set of hairpin curves, jumps, dips, mud holes, log crossings, off-camber hills, and plenty of close-knit trees. These areas were a GNC racers paradise!
Five-card draw started with registration, went to checkpoints 1, 2, 3, then back to the registration barn for the final pick.

Plenty of helpers were spread out along the way to point the way.
The day went smoothly with no major accidents. Next year's event will be, once again, the Saturday following Labor Day weekend. Two thumbs up!!
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