Maupin Madness Poker Run & Rally
Maupin Madness Poker Run & Rally Celebrates 10th Anniversary, June 9-11
Proceeds to benefit the Maupin Legion Hall & Veterans Back 40 Adventure
* SLOW RACES on Friday evening.
* BIKE SHOW :: Foreign Stock, Foreign Custom, American Stock, American Custom, Dirtiest ADV.
* RAFFLE :: We will have a variety of fun merch, including t-shirts, whiskey, growlers, gear and a Lifeflight membership.
* SUPER RAFFLE :: Last year we gave away two Harley Davidson all weather suits, helmet, boots & gloves – what will we have this year?!
Maupin, Oregon is a magnet for fun. In addition to its reputation as a mecca for white water rafting and fishing, Maupin has put itself on that map as a motorcycle destination, thanks in part to the Maupin Madness Poker Run & Rally. To celebrate 10 years of riding some of “the best in the west” Maupin Madness 2023 is expanding from a single day to a weekend-long event hosted at the Oasis Riverview Campground.
Riders are invited to arrive as early as Thursday evening to get settled at camp before a full day of riding on Friday. Suggested routes will be provided, but this is a day for riders to go where they please, whether that is exploring something new or revisiting an old favorite. Slow races will take place Friday evening where contenders will attempt to be the slowest to the finish line vying for a prize. Dinner service will be available on-site at the campground from a food truck, in addition to three restaurants all within easy walking distance.
Saturday June 10th is the name-sake Poker Run and will feature both an off-road option and the popular Klickitat route – boasting 185 miles of dramatic vistas in Oregon & Washington. Riders will begin by going east through the Deschutes canyon to Grass Valley, turning north to Biggs and over the Columbia River to snap a selfie at Stonehenge. Continuing up to Goldendale & across the ridge to Klickitat and then down through the Klickitat Gorge to White Salmon, across the bridge to Hood River and east to The Dalles, via the Rowena Curves along the historic highway 30, offering a birds-eye-view of the Columbia River Gorge. The final leg of the journey is from The Dalles back to Maupin along Highway 197, riding along the route of the old Barlow Road & the Great Southern Railroad.
The gravel route will head southeast from Maupin through territory near Big Muddy Ranch, the sprawling eastern Oregon property dubbed Rancho Rajneesh in the 1980’s, when it was purchased by the Rajneeshpuram movement. If you haven’t heard, just look up the series “Wild Wild Country”. Its another fascinating part of Wasco County’s history. There’s a water crossing at the John Day River and lots of off-road fun before heading back to Maupin.
After their ride of choice, exhausted and exhilarated participants will be welcomed back to camp to play their poker hand, enter the bike show and raffle, listen to live music from the Got Your 6 all-veteran band, and enjoy good food and beer on tap. Camping at the Oasis Riverview Campground is just $30 for three nights, or choose to stay at one of Maupin’s lodging providers for additional comfort. There are a range of ticket options available, from a single Saturday ticket, to a full weekend for two. Visit maupinmadness.com to learn more and register.
Maupin Madness is a fundraiser event organized by the Maupin Area Chamber of Commerce and this years event will benefit the Maupin Legion Hall and Veterans Back 40 Adventures. Thanks to our sponsors Cascade Moto, Paradise Harley Davidson and SW-Motech.
