1000 Islands Poker Run Report?
 

My Bros were up there, but I didn't get to go this year. As usual they said it was a great one! Anyone got any pics? The real depressing thing I see when I go to it is how A'bay gets to be a ghost town the Sunday you leave there because it is the end of summer and the cold is just around the corner. Oh well, I'm going to the "BIG GUNS" this weekend at Texoma! :cool:

Can anyone tell me what weekend it will be in 2004?
I think I will make an attempt next year to go.....

If next years dates follow past years, it should be Aug. 27, 28, and 29.

Anyone know why the post-poker run radar run on Sunday was canceled? Really looked forward to watching those guys air 'em out. Got all ready, a few ran then, just like that, canceled.:(

this year was great as always everyone raved how good it was the lunch was broken into 2 locations and the v boats had a nice sit down lunch well the cats had to rough it and grab a rock or on the lawn somewhere the hotel screwed up. but folks don't make an plans for next year it looks like it is not going to be Gan but possibly in Kingston check poker runs America for info.

The run this year was a quite a debacle to say the least. The Radar Run was canceled due to lack of entrants. After lunch on Saturday the run continued with many, if not most boats, either running out opf fuel or coming EXTREMELY close to doing so. The fuel stop was an absolute mess. Some boats waited up to 4 1/2 HOURS for fuel! Subsequently the return leg was less than exciting as boats returned not in a group but spread out over a 6 hour time frame. In speaking with the owner of the Best Western where we stayed, he said that he was asked to go out after 10:15 PM to escort several boats back to Gananoque after they were lost in the darkness due to the extremely lengthy fuel stop. Additionally, he was telling us that he was riding one of the larger Outerlimits entries and as instructed during the drivers meeting, they made a high speed fly by the park in Gananoque to give the thousands of spectators a show. Well, the OPP or Ontario Provincial police decided that this was not appropriate and gave them several tickets, including but not limited to reckless driving, speeding, (I thought speed was part of the event?:rolleyes: ) among other things. But to back up a bit, upon crossing the border at Hill Island, Canadian Customs/Immigration, decided they would have some fun of their own with all poker run participants and provided us all with FREE COLONOSCOPY'S!:crazy: :eek: Apparently, last year, there were several participants that had outstanding warrants for their arrest, DWI convictions in the U.S. and did not declare such, (you are not allowed into Canada with a DWI conviction without applying for a pardon and paying a substantial fee), others crossed into the U.S. or Canada by boat without clearing customs etc. etc. So at the border we were all thoroughly examined. There was a guy in front of us at Immigration with a 23 year old unpaid parking ticket that had to pay a fine and or fee to be allowed into Canada. We got there at 9:00pm and did not leave until 10:30pm.

However, the weather was SPECTACULAR and the water beautiful as ALWAYS! I had heard that next year it will be in Kingston and hopefully crossing the border will be easier. All in all, though we had a fantastic time, great boating, gorgeous boats, and super people!:)

I beleive in the rock and roll world they call the location we had for lunch at Kingston Festival Seating :D

We did have a beautiful view of the river though.

1) Yes - I let Shane drive the Cigarette Gladiator
2) The sights were beautiful as usual
3) Jay and all the volunteers at Gan were absolutely the best hosts we could have asked for
4) Alot of Canadians are still pissed at the US for throwing them under the bus for the power outage
5) The layout of the run was rediculous - next year's run will be 10000% better based on the route I was told.
6) Next year's evening activities will be better in Kingston because there are over 100 pubs and 1 great nudie bar call the PLAZA HOTEL
7) Alot of Canadians are still pissed at the US for throwing them under the bus for the power outage
8) The Friday night party was an embarrassment & a bust
9) The boats that ran in the event were awesome
10) Next year's evening activities will be better in Kingston because there are over 100 pubs and 1 great nudie bar call the PLAZA HOTEL

Canadian Customs
 

Shane is right. The boarder patrol came on board our bus and as soon as he heard we were going on the poker run, he told those of us that were going on the run needed to get checked by immigration. He said they were checking all Poker runners. I asked why they were checking all Poker runners and a lady responded with an attitude "we're allowed to check whoever we want". Next year I'm going to make sure to bring a Passport or Birth certificate"

Man, sounds like some of it was a damned nightmare! I'll have to find out what my Bros have to say to. Glad everyone had a great time and hope there weren't any mishaps on the water and that everyone had a safe return to home base!!

Shane, I always like reading your posts because they are so detailed and interesting to me. This was no exception. Thanks man!

What The Hell ?
 

Everytime we start thinking about making the trip I hear about the logistically nightmare it turns into, not to mention how fed up I am with Canada. Why are they suprised that boats need fuel and yea,ya gotta feed the people after you take their money :rolleyes: What am I missing ?

JD

info
 

First of all do not assume canadians are pissed at the U.S about anything! Canadians don't get pissed. Second - entrants can thank Bill Taylor and Poker Runs America for the high cost and poor organization not the host towns. Next year is already planned and will have no part of Bill Taylor and the gang. It will be consistant with the success of past years with the old route as well (or close to it). Poker Runs America will also TRY to host one on the same date out of Kingston. Granted the location will be better with regards to night life but the route and disorganization will remain. Gan will most likely be less expensive and will probably give you more bang for your buck without Power Boat Mag.

As for Customs & Immigration - I hate to break it to you but it is the same going both ways. I am not bitter but will be clearer and more informative when I have more time.

I'm glad that most entrants and spectators had a positive time and will return to one or the other next year.

I think that the 1000 Islands Powerboat Club could host an event in their hometown without Bill Taylor and his crew and do a better job of it. For what he charges and what you get in return, only puts a TON of cash in his pocket. Do the math and you'll realize he is fleecing the poker runners. I am not surprised at any of the disappointments. It has been a downhill slide for a couple years now.
Of course, if you like to support Bill Taylor, have at it!
On the other hand, you can't blame Taylor for keeping his cash cow still mooing, can you?

BORDERLINE,

I seem to like the smaller poker run organizers better myself. Kind of like mom and pop shops instead of big box stores. They seem to really appreciate the business much more and give you more in return. I look forward to hearing more about this exciting upcoming event. Two questions that may be premature:

1.) Will 24 Skaters be allowed to officially enter? Unfortunately, PRA will not allow us to enter this particular run.:(

2.) If The 1000 Islands Poker Run Club hosts such an event, what safety precautions have been taken to prevent one "event" running WFO head on in to the other? Could be very dangerous! Keep up the great work and positive attitude. You guys by FAR have the NICEST and BEST location for poker runs anywhere!



DaveP,

U.S. or Canada man, you know where to find and support the ladies with the entrprenuerial spirit! Gotta love it!:D Thanks again for the ride!:)

THANKS!:)

1000 Island Pics
 

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Thanks M2!:)

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Wonder how much it cost for this decal ?!?!

:D :D :D Pace Boat !!!

Hey there guys I'm glad to see people had somewhat of a good time. I heard the fuel stop was horendous. What can you do ? I would like to thank My friend Dave P and Bob Christie,Steve and the rest of the crew from Typhoon Marine,You couldn't ask for a better bunch of guys to be around. Thanks for coming guys and I am glad thT could make your stay here that much better,Along with my crew. I look forward to seeing you all back here in Gan next year as we are already planing for the run . I should also say thanks to the Extreme Exhibit crew for being a good bunch of guys as well and thanks for the new lid. You guys rock too. John,Your Outerlimit's looked sweet as usual. You never disapoint. Shane ???? Where were you hiding dude ? I'm surprised Dave let you drive the Cig... I hope to hear back from more of you and get more feed back. Next year is gonna be good as well. The trial with the tent at the waterfront went well and was a success and now we can grow on it and make it better for next year.Any feed back would be greatly appreciated. Anyone need more info or want to stay in touch please feel free to email me any questions you may have. I look forward to seeing you all again next year Aug 27,28,29 2004....!!! Thanks for the good time guys.Always a blast.

Shane
 

Looked for you this weekend but didn't see you .Sorry.
as for safety next year my sources tell me that all arrangements with Coast Guard and Police as well as all other organizations have already been made. With this in place it MAY make it virtually impossible for power boat to even have one because of limited resources of the enforcement community. As far as size goes I don't know. I can remember it's humble beginning when it was 24' and up. I think this can only be done with a smaller field.


P.S. My Way( Wm. Tomlinson) unfortunately hit the shoal in front of our island at a very slow speed(thank god)but still sustained hull damage.To what extent I have not heard.:( :(

Shane it was great to meet you. i went up to Canada with Dave and i didn't even get a ride lol. thats ok i can get one next time. joe:)

Borderline,
Is this one in the same?

This weeks feature...
 

Dave, I just talked to the owner of Shakers Lounge, at the Plaza Hotel, (open at 2:00 Pm on Saturdays), and she confirmed that they have already booked Rick Driver - Porno Star as the feature for Poker Run weekend next year.

A huge thanks to Bob, Chuck, SteveO, and Don for a fantastic weekend as part of the Perfect Storm crew, and to FrankC and Melissa, and all of the Typhoon/NJPBC crew , it was a great time, and we are already making plans to be in NJ for the Atlantic City Poker Run next June.

Boxy
....have compass, will travel....

Llama - it was great to see you once again!

The Plaza Hotel next year should be the "UN-OFFICIAL" Poker Run HQ for the weekend.

Borderline - As for the Canadian comment about being pissed.....let me clarify..........

Llama, Jay_98, Peter Speigel our navigator and hundreds if not 1000's of others were FANTASTIC Hosts, drinking buddies, sources of great info etc.....

But at the bars (Gan Inn & West Sides) the anti-american sentiment was prevelent in quite a few of the patrons. This was something we never felt in the past when we attended the run. So I just took a guess.

I for one, love my Canadian friends, love the Canadian scenery, and will love Shakers Lounge next year!

:D :D

hay boxy i was driving through kingston and saw a billboard for boxy with the joe boxer shorts and it said appairing boxy takes it all off bazooka joe

Hi Shane, nice meeting you in Gan. This years event was good but it was different. Like mentioned before anyone crossing the border to the run was held at customs for questioning. One of our crew had to pay a fine for a ten year old DWI he had in the States in order to enter Canada. Our boat even managed to get a ticket from the OPP for LOUD EXHAUST !!!. Like poker run boats aren't loud. We were the only ones that did. Maybe we were suppuse to be the example. Also one poker runner managed to have their new Ford dually stolen while another had their boat, trailer, and truck stolen. The gas stop in Belliville was bad. We manage to find gas at a small marnia from Belliville and were able to make it to Kingston. Still we didn't get back to Gan till 8:340 pm.

About the 1000 Isle Power boat Club I am one of its members. We have a Poker Fun Run each July. It is very safe. We even register with the Coast Guard for the event. Dave aka Hustler 26