About the Big O Poker Run

Orting City Councilman and avid motorcyclist Dick Ford had a wild idea one day as he enjoyed what has become a special part to any given day...hopping on his ride and heading out onto the roads of his backyard, Orting, Washington. Known to cyclists all over the region as the 'perfect location' to begin or end any ride that meanders down lazy country roads, riverside S curves, wooded hills, clear mountain vistas, limited traffic, maximum scenery, and plenty of places to pull over and enjoy what the surrounding miles serve up like extra helpings at Thanksgiving...the idea to capture this unique position in an organized and rewarding Annual Ride was born.

At a Orting Chamber of Commerce meeting, Ford announced his idea to the businesses of Orting and it just so happened that Harley-Davidson owner, editor of the Orting News, and owner operator of Carr Knowledge Interactive Marketing & Promotion, Rich Carr was in attendance. The two got together over coffee, Hobo Hash, and a collection of notes taken on napkins and notebooks and constructed an event that was not only instantly accepted by the surrounding community, but by more than 125 cyclists from all over the region who took part in The Big O Ride & Poker Run its first year, 2008.

Each year the proceeds from The Big O Ride are donated to a local charity, and each year the ride is staffed 100% voluntarily by community sponsor The Orting Eagles, the Orting Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers from throughout the beautiful Orting Valley. From Orting motorcyclists traveled a 75-mile route through the foothills of Mt. Rainier, touching on several small towns, and riding some of the greatest ‘bike roads’ the state of Washington has to offer. Beginning in 2009, The Big O Ride has added an alternative Big O for the more adventurous...a total navigation around Mt. Rainier beginning and concluding in Orting.

As always, the exact routes of The Big O Ride are not released until 'Big O Day': July 18th, 2009