May 26 started off as a beautiful day. It was 60 degrees and pure sunshine. So how could a day like this get any better? I'll tell you how! My oldest daughter Katlynn and I participated in our first poker run with the Realities for Children Jokers Wild Poker Run.

I didn't know whether to be proud of my 10 yr old or jealous of her. It took me 34 years to ride in my first poker run and her only 10. Anyhow, we missed the early registration where we would have gotten the free Qdoba breakfast burrito. So we stopped by Qdoba so we could stil feel like we got the full experience. Afterward, Katlynn and I rode up to Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson and the sight before us was breathtaking.

Danny Joe, TSM
Danny Joe, TSM
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There were over 1000 motorcycles already there. It honestly looked lke a sea of chrome or as Katlynn put it "They look so sparkly!". We got registered and got our cards to start the poker run and wouldn't you know it, Katlynn pulled a 9 and Jack of diamonds. If you Texas hold'em, that's a pretty good start especially when the first card revealed at Thunder Mountain was a 10 of diamonds. Guiness was also on hand to witness an attempt at Realities for Children to break the world record for the world's largest poker run. After the presentation of colors, the national anthem, and official rules, it was time to saddle up.

Danny Joe, TSM
Danny Joe, TSM
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We had stops in Berthoud, Masonville and Larporte before ending up in Old Town Fort Collins. As the ride started, half the group headed for Berthoud and the other half for Laporte. Then EVERYONE converged on Masonville for lunch. It was pure craziness! I had never seen so much leather in one place. Katlynn was a trooper handling her first ride like a champ. As we stood on the porch of the Masonville Mercantile, Katlynn simply said at the sight of all the people and motorcycles, "This is beautiful." That's my girl.

After rolling into the last stop in Old Town, I said to Katlynn those three words that every girl wants to hear..."Want a milkshake?"  and she said "YES!" While sipping on the shakes, we had a couple of hours to kill so we checked out all of the amazing vendors and sights at the rally. There were motorcycle and bmx stunt riders, bands performing and even a quick draw contest. We made our way over to the car show where a friend of mine, Rebel Jay Tamlin, let Katlynn sit in his rat rod and pose for a picture.

Danny Joe, TSM
Danny Joe, TSM
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Before Realities for children gave out the prizes for best hand and the raffles, I thought it would be a good idea to take a picture from the top of the parking deck on Mountain Ave of all the motorcycles lining the street.

Danny Joe, TSM
Danny Joe, TSM
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We got to the top and I started snapping pictures then, Katlynn utter the words " This is the best day ever Daddy. Thank you for bringing me along." I think I did a good job holding back the tears. When the prizes were annouced, we weren't among the winners. Of course Katlynn was diappointed so I pulled her to the side and asked her "Do you know what the best part of today was for me? It was sharing the whole day with you." With a smile on her face, we saddled up and headed home. And in case you were wondering, Realities for Children didn't beat the world record....they SMASHED it! They more than tripled the previous record holder. What a great and well organized event this was and the fact that all the money raised helps abused children makes it even better. A big thank you to all the organizers, volunteers and sponsors that made this day happen!

Danny Joe, TSM
Danny Joe, TSM
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