Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

First, I will say that we had a blast on this Poker run. But with the crew we had it could have rained, we would have had a good time. Those who had problems, I feel your pain. We all have been their before. What surprised me was the number of boats. Each year the number has gone down. The first year, that we ran was 135 boats. Powerboat Mag. had something to do with that no doubt. When Kevin Burell(sp) was doing it, their was 50-60 boats. Some people though Kevin was making too much money from the poker run, and refused to participate in it. Have you ever tried to organize an event that big by your self. He earned every dollar he made. Ask Brian, about putting on the OSO Winter Chill out. Its a good time but its alot of work. Tims Rivershore stepped in to continue the event. This year I think their were 35 boats. Their couldnt be a more perfect location. Plenty of places to stop, protected water for those running in smaller, might I add faster boats, why do you think the event is shrinking? Talking to Art, the owner of Gilligans Pier, who had the lunch stop, he said that the Hot Boat poker run is in jepordy of not running for lack of participation. They need at least 35 boats for them to put it on. Gilligans Pier is taking applications, and you can apply on line at Hot Boat magazine.

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

BeakBoater,
I dont know whats up. ALL I know is i had such a blast on saturday. I sure hope this one doesnt get cancelled next year.

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

My thoughts also....Just wondering why fewer and fewer boats, money? card stops? Food?....couldn't have been for lack of entertainment!!!

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

One of those small fast Boats....very fast.

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

I think part of the problem is the variety. I think there will be three Poker Run events on the Potomac River this year. Tim's, Hot Boat & Gilligans, and the National Capitol Poker Run. I wish everyone could combine there efforts down to maybe two, spring, and fall, and maybe attendance would pick up. Couple that with normally 2 Chesapeake Bay runs, Choptank River, Richmond, VA Beach, Smith Mountain Lake, that makes around 8-9 runs a season in the 'local' area, and people just can't afford that.

Keep in mind, DC is also full of cheap bastards. They piss and moan over every nickel in this area. Money has something to do with it. Had I not been up to my elbows with other work and projects, I would have been out.

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

We didn't know that Art was taking applications. I have been watching the Tim's Rivershore site (www.timsrivershore.com) and the link to the Hot Boat Poker Run (http://www.performanceproductionsllc.com/) says "Resistration Not Open Yet."

Please tell us where the application is? On Gilligan's or Prirate's Den website?

We have been thinking about doing this one but it didn't seem very organized last year. Anyone do it last year and can comment on that?

We will probably do the Choptank run this year again, the National Capital Run and are thinking about the HRPA run. With the work on the house keeping us busy, that may be it for us this year.

P&B

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

Beakboater,

Tim's isn't advertising enough. I have been there 4 or 5 time this year and never seen a flier or otherwise. You would think that everytime some gets on the water taxi or sits at a table, they would get a flier. I also didn't see anyone from Richmond! He needs to get on their calendar. As much as DC people dominate the Richmond run, RPBA and HRPBA would probably be interested in coming up. Point in fact, Bill and Patti didn't know Gilligan's is taking entry forms for the Hot Boat run.

Agree with Brian that there's too much going on in the area. There are three or four poker runs on the Potomac and then 2 or 3 more on the Bay. Unless you're pulling boats from NJ and southern VA the turnouts would likely be small on the Potomac.

The Virginia side is hurting for ramps too. Leesylvania is the only reasonably nice ramp. Pohick is too shallow at low tide and Aquia doesn't have the parking.

It sounds like you had a good run and now that Tim's has improved it, we are interested in running them. We were still trying to get the engines broken in. I really don't want to void the warranties on those 525s.

As far as cheap bastards in DC, if Brian paid someone to put up his drywall, then he could have run in the poker run. I guess that second engine in Monsoon is hurting his wallet. :D

Bill

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

In regards to the Hotboat/Gilligans run later this year. I have heard many people complaining about it being unorganized last year. The 10 stops and choose 5 to stop at doesnt seem right. Everyone should be together. I am sure this year will be much better if they get the amount of boats they need.

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

How many hours so far Bill?

LMAO on the drywall comment!!!!! :D :D ...I know it's killin' me at the pump!!! :drool: :drool:

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

I didn't hear about the Tim's run until after it happened. Sometimes these threads get swallowed up in the noise. I would have loved to participate.

I ended up doing a poker run supporting the Great Bay Swim on Saturday and was a sweep boat on Sunday for the swimmers.

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

DOH!! That was harsh! But it was a good one!! :D :D :D
Truth be known, it was my Sister and Brother-in-law's house, and they do so much for me, I felt returning the favor was more important than boating, even though they told me to go out boating.

I have been using Occoquan this year. I used Leesylvania once with the Sonic, and the docks are so short and crappy, (until they rebuild/extend them), that I think it would be very difficult to launch Monsoon basically on my own, (ah, the perils of being single and having a different chick every weekend... yeah right. :D :rolleyes: :crazy: ). Couple that with how shallow it is there ever since the hurricane; its a lousy place right now. I know they are dredging, and hope it is done very soon, as well as the docks. The no wake zone going into/out of Occoquan sucks; however the ramp is very nice, and not as many ramp antics like at Leesylvania. I am quick at the docks, but most others are not.

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

Want to try that with triples???? :eek: :eek: :eek:

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

One of the problems is the disorganization associated with these runs. Not everyone was ready for the way this last run started. Changes to schedule and stops. Me being one. While I personally don't want to take on the responsibility to organize one of these runs it would be nice to be included with the set up and participate in the planning of it. If we are to have a real good run on the Potomac we need to all put our heads together and figure out how to do it.

While a lot of the people participating in the runs are from our area and usually run these same waters every weekend, other are not familiar with the Potomac and seem to believe it is shallow and full of rocks (ie: above Key Bridge, Great Falls). We all know that is not true (unless way off course).

One of the discussions Patti and I have had is an overnight run like the Richmond run. Incorporate most of the length of the Potomac and have a free day (Sunday) to go back and revisit some of the stops. Start in DC, either Georgetown or Ft Washington with stops at say Tim's, Gilligans, Cobb Island, and ending at Tall Timbers for the evening festivities.

We have a great body of water with a lot of good people with great equipment using it. Let's get together and put it on the map.

I agree that advertising and promotions would be the best way to spread the word. Just like we are doing here

Bill

P.S. Thanks to Tim and his crew (Tim's Rivershore's 1 & 2) as well as Art and his staff at Gilligan's Pier and Pirate's Den, Harolly and his marina (Goose Bay), and the staff at Dockside Restaurant, Colonial Beach.

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I wonder if Tim and crew isn't trying to expand it much more. If you think about it, Saturday's crowd wasn't too small or too big from a organizers point of view. (Drivers and crew totaled around 180 I think) Think about 100 boats and 350 people to serve, they would need 3 times the staff at the card stops.

The weather forecast may have had something to do with it as well. It turned out to be a beautiful day, glad the weather man was wrong

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You know, I wonder if all you guys adding 5 and 10 feet to your boat lenght during the winters, switching to twins or trips, and the high cost of fuel has anything to do with it? :D

All of you would have a sh*t if I told you how much gas my boat took to make that run.

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Come on spill the beans.

We did not do TOO bad. Probably somewhere around $400-500 ???

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

Around 50 gallons, and that included the ride to Tims in the morning from Fairview.

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I like 43Thunder's stop suggestions with an overnight stay, I vote for them to organize a Poker Run. :D

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

I can attest from first hand experience, to organize a poker run it takes months of planning and a whole lot of time. Some people want to help, and normally disappear unless you "pay" them.
The larger poker runs takes a staff of individuals working together to pull that off with no or minor glitches. Add kickoff party, breakfast, lunch, dinner (all catered), registration, shirts and giveaways, event insurance, helicopter shots, advertisers and card stops.....and your only part through the game.
For $175.00 for the run....that's what you get...... a $175.00 worth of fun.
As your entry fee increases, so does the prize money, level of "quality" and fun associated, and proceeds to local charities from tickets sold.
Proper Thought, Card Stop Locations, Advertising, and Money Squabbles have always plagued the Potomac River Run over the years.
I think the Hot Boat/Gilligan's is a step in the right direction. You need a major advertiser to help bring the boaters in. Maybe next year we can get the first OSO/Potomac River Poker Run started. Thoughts??

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Beak boater, how have you been runnin'?? Whats the best GPS you have gotten so far? How are the KE 1000's holding up? Post some pics of that bad boy on the Potomac:D:D

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105, where you been? Tried to p/m you but you are not accepting them. Motors are running well, had some questions about the boat that you may be able to help me with. The speed isnt as fast as National said, best is 109 on GPS, do you know what props Oliver ran on the boat? Not sure if these are the right ones or not. Talked to Paul and Mike Fiore, they said they were. But slip is real high. Around 18%. Something is different, this boat wont see the numbers that I was quoted the way its set up now.

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

Art, owner of Gilligans, told us that Darrin from Hot Boat mag. made Gilligans the poker run headquarters this year. I guess because Art showed them a good time when the boat they were riding in broke down during last years run. Not to mention a full page picture of his boat in the mag. Art said you can register on line, but this months Hot Boat, doesn't even have a date for the run in this area in it. I will talk to Art, any information I get I will pass along.

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Randy,send me an email [email protected]

Been working day and night(literally 14+ hours a day)...I just spoke with Oliver the other day about a fund raiser, I will call him back and find out anything you need. You should be going alot faster than 109:confused:

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Thanks for the vote of confidence, Wayne! :eek:

We would love to host a brainstorming session at our Cobb Island house.

Adam, you are right about the amount of work goes into it and, if we try to do this, we would love to have some of your insight since you have done this before. I can't imagine anyone wanting to get "paid" to help out with this kind of thing. This is our passion (and obsession :D ), so Bill and I would do it for the love of the sport and to see our friends have a blast. We have offered our help to Andy to help with the Nation's Capital Run last year and this year but our experience is limited.

So (God I can't believe I am going to say this), we will be glad to lead the coordination for an overnight poker run on the Potomac for next year. Anyone interested in attending the brainstorming session, please call Bill or myself or let us know when we see you on the water. Bill's number is below. My cell is 703-407-9106. The Cobb Island house number is 301-259-4531 and it has an answering machine.

Patti and Bill :woohoo:

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Man, I was half joking. You went ahead and took it to the next level! :D

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Way cool Patti & Bill.

Let me know what I can do.

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Bill and Patti-

you better watch what you wish for....... I'm telling you, it is ALOT of work and time.

Now that this year's over, how about discussing and planning at Brian's Winter Blast in January. If you start in February, you may be ready by May/June for the run.
Keep in touch....the way I see it we need the following people:
1. Treasurer ( to keep track of money)
2. Shirt Designs ( to contract shirt design/ and shop for costs)
3. Helicopter ( person to arrrange and coordinate)
4. Enrollment ( person to distribute/take registration fees- to work w/ Treasurer)
5. Food ( coordinate caterer and card stop locations)
6. Card Stop Coodinator ( locates and coordinates stops w/ businesses and checks in all boaters at each stop)
7. Entertainment ( coordinates band/ DJ at appropoate card stop)
8. Advertiser ( coodinates advertising efforts with local businesses/ signage for advertisers and works with shirt designer)
9. Pace Boat ( leads boats to card stops- can be (2) boats for various classes)
10. Event Coordinator ( works with all above people to ensure all aspects covered)

That's a minimum of (10) people needed. Ray and I did this ourselves a couple of years ago, and it is a " interesting" process to go through. I've probably missed some stuff, I would have to check all my previous notes and contacts.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Re: Potomac Poker run declining popularity?
 

GREAT stuff, Adam! Thanks. I took some notes and gave me a lot to think about.

We are going to need help so get your thinking caps on. I am going to approach Rick at Tall Timbers next time we are there about this idea. If you have never been there, this is a fabulous place for a last stop!

I think this could be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to it. What a challenge.

Thanks. Patti