Ride the River Poker Run

As Reno’s activity scene and small business offerings continue to rise in tandem, the Riverwalk District is putting downtown on the map with beautiful scenery and cultural diversity enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. And, while poker still races through our blood, Reno is embracing a fresh outlook on the infamous pastime.

Visit the Riverwalk District for the Ride the River Poker Run on July 20, 2014, from 3 to 6 p.m. and help support the Nevada Museum of Art’s summer youth art camps.

WHAT: Ride the River Poker Run
WHEN: July 20, 2014, 3 to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Starts at Aces Ballpark and continues through Reno’s Riverwalk District
COST: $35 registration fee includes Ride the River Poker Run, t-shirt and entrance into Reno Aces baseball game; Must be 21-years-old or over to participate
REGISTER: www.renoriver.org

Tyler Lunt, owner of Triumph Tattoo with the Riverwalk District merchants, created a 21-and-over bicycle poker run giving participants the chance to get a two-wheeled view of the cool things Reno has to offer. Registration for the event is $35 and includes the Ride the River Poker Run with route map and bike valet courtesy of Reno Bike Project, a co-branded t-shirt from Reno eNVy, and entrance to the Tacoma Rainiers vs. Reno Aces game after the ride with a voucher for a hot dog, chips and a beer.

Everyone from the cycle enthusiast to the occasional beach cruiser will begin their journey at the Aces Ballpark and have three hours to enjoy a self-paced ride along Reno’s Riverwalk. As they journey through downtown, participants will visit five-to-six of the 15 bike-friendly businesses. At each location the rider will receive one custom painted poker card by the artists at Triumph Tattoo.

Participating businesses will also offer deals for cyclists at each stop. Once they have a full hand of cards, riders will return to the Aces Ballpark and submit their best poker hand for a chance to win a Riverwalk District-themed gift basket.

We caught up with Lunt to learn how art, baseball and bicycles go together.

“Our goal is to have Triumph sponsor a year-round scholarship for the Nevada Museum of Art summer youth art camps. We thought Aces Ballpark was a perfect start and finish to the ride because it's a place where families, first dates and friends have an excuse to eat too many hot dogs and drink delicious craft beer. We wanted to support businesses in the Riverwalk District and bring attention to the great bicycle-friendly atmosphere this area embodies. When you bike, you're forced to take a look at what's around you and we hope people will gain a greater appreciation. It's all for good cause and a good time,” Lunt says.

Registration fees for the Ride the River Poker Run are $35 for adults 21 and over. Sign up at www.renoriver.org.

Proceeds from the event help fund scholarships for the Nevada Museum of Art summer youth art camps, the Reno Bike Project and the Riverwalk District’s beautification program overseeing
maintenance of landscaping and streets, installation of public art, support of public events and promoting Downtown Reno as a cultural, safe and family friendly area. More information at http://renoriver.org/about-us/beautification.

The Riverwalk District is a coalition of more than 53 businesses located along Reno’s Riverwalk and neighboring streets. In addition to the Ride the River Poker Run, the Riverwalk is home to the ever-popular monthly Wine Walk occurring the third Saturday of each month and Dine the District seasonal food tours.
For information on the Reno Riverwalk, or to see how you can help, visit www.renoriver.org, email info@renoriver.org, or call 775-825-WALK (9255).