KEY WEST, Fla. – Motorcyclists are traveling the Florida Keys Overseas Highway from mainland Florida to Key West this weekend to raise money for charity during the annual Key West Poker Run.
The Florida Keys News Bureau reports the trek features a unique route down the 127-mile Florida Keys Overseas Highway. The road features 42 bridges and long vistas of Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico waters.
Bikers who participate in the event, now in its 43rd year, draw poker cards at stops along the route through the Keys. The Florida Keys News Bureau reports holders of the 10 best poker hands are eligible to play Saturday night in a winner-take-all round of Texas Hold 'Em, competing for a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle or $6,000 in cash.
The Poker Run raises funds for the Diabetes Research Institute and charities of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club, according to the Florida Keys News Bureau. Events conclude Sunday.
Other attractions include a bike merchandise market, "Biker Bash" and street party, custom bike show, blessing of the bikes and parties at Key West watering holes, the Florida Keys News Bureau said.
A section of Key West's lower Duval and Greene streets will be closed to car traffic during much of the Poker Run, so bikers with weekend parking passes can park on the street to display their bikes.
The event is organized by Peterson's Harley-Davidson of Miami.