Event Benefits Marshfield School’s Mountain Bike Club
Explore the south side of Marshfield and win big by joining the Sports Den for “A Crazy Game of Poker” bike event on May 5 from 10-4 p.m.
Bikers will gather a poker hand by visiting participating businesses, who have each contributed to the pot. There is no minimum age to participate in this family-friendly event, which benefits the Mountain Bike Club for grades 6-12 at Marshfield schools.
“It’s really focusing getting people out on bikes and getting them to visit some of our area businesses that maybe that they haven’t experienced or been to,” said Breanna VanDehey, Sales Manager.
Riders will check in at the store and receive a wristband and a map of participating businesses. They can then strategize their route. “At each business there will be a deck of playing cards,” said VanDehey. “Riders will select a playing card, and they need to be back at the Sports Den no later than 4 o’clock with a poker hand. The rider with the best poker hand will win the pot.”
Each business has donated a $50 gift card at minimum for a total jackpot value of at least $600 for one lucky winner. Participants are: The Sports Den, Bullseye, Baltus Oil Company, Hub City Ice Cream, Hotel Marshfield, Power Pac, Hewitt’s Meats, Riveredge Country Club, Shalow’s Nursery, Scotty’s Pizza, Southway Pub & Grub, Mitten’s Home Appliance, Advance Auto Parts, Hiller’s True Value Hardware, Rogers Cinema and Blue Heron Brew Pub.
Some businesses will have special promotions and there will be a lot of discussion on the Facebook page to update participants on how many cards are left. Store hours are also a consideration, given that some may close before 4 p.m.
“It’s definitely a game of strategy to look at the map, plan out your ride, and take the business hours into consideration or some of the incentives that the businesses may be offering,” said VanDehey.
Precautions have been taken to ensure a fair experience for all participants. “Each rider will get a numbered wristband and get a number on the card, so there’s no swapping of cards,” she said. “Each business will have a uniquely marked card as well, so we know where each card came from.”
Back at the Sports Den, try out demo bikes and chat with a representative from the brand Specialized, who will also be demonstrating Como and Vado electric assist bikes. A food stand will be available, and proceeds benefit the Mountain Bike Club. Pre-registration is $5 until April 30 and then $10 afterwards, also benefiting the club. Helmets are required.
Participants can pre-register at this link and pay on the day of the event, or stop by The Sports Den. In order to get playing cards, each member of the family should register for a wristband, or else just tag along for the fun.
Directions on How to Play
- Each participant must register and receive a numbered wristband, only riders with wristbands will receive playing cards at each participating business.
- Riders will meet at The Sports Den between 10AM and 3PM on Saturday May 5th, this event is not a race.
- Helmets are required for all participants and lights are strongly recommended.
- Each rider will receive a map of Marshfield that includes all participating businesses, their addresses, store hours and location of their deck of cards (service counter, hostess desk…)
- Participants then use the map to bicycle to the various businesses, taking note of their store hours (not all businesses are open for the full duration of the event)
- When you collect a card from a business they will write your participant number from your wristband onto your card. Cards without participant numbers on them do not count.
- Each rider can only get one card per participating business.
- Once a business is out of their 52 cards they are out, no additional cards will be provided.
- Businesses will be making posts on the Facebook Event page throughout the day offering in-store deals to participants as well as various incentives in regards to their playing cards. They may also post on the event page once they are out of cards so be sure to “follow” the event for these announcements.
- This is a game of strategy. There are over 15 participating businesses. Riders may choose to ride to all the businesses or to only go to 5, it is up to you. If you collect more than 5 cards you may ONLY TURN IN 5 cards.
- All participants must return their poker hand no later than 4PM at The Sports Den.
- After 4 PM The Sports Den staff will assess the poker hands and pick the winning hand. The participant with the highest ranking hand wins the full pot of prizes. In the event that multiple hands receive equal ranking, the pot will be divided between those participants. Winners will be announced on Facebook and contacted by May 7th.
- Riders should follow all bike safety rules regarding flow of traffic, stopping at lights and stop signs, and signaling.
- This ride is on an open course and riders must ride with caution.
- The Sports Den and Specialized Bicycle will host electric assist bike demos throughout the day. These bikes can be used for a maximum of 30 minutes and separate liability forms will need to be completed before riders can take the bikes. Demo bike riders must be over 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and credit card that can be kept on file during their ride.
- This event will take place rain or shine.
- Have fun!
