Julia on a bike

As luck would have it, I arrived in time for the fourth edition of Rally in the Rockies, an event organized by Calgary Harley Davidson from August 23 to 27. Charlotte takes part as a brand ambassador and helps with the demo rides, while I meet up with Elaine and Marc for my first poker run. « But what’s a poker run? »


Poker run for dummies, explanations.


You know the rules of poker: whoever has the strongest hand wins. Here, the principle is similar: when you sign up, you’re given a sealed envelope, framed by numbers ranging from 1 to 54. Each number corresponds to a card, but no two envelopes are alike. Hidden under number 10 of yours may be the queen of hearts, but on your neighbor’s envelope, a three of spades. Do you follow? Then, at each stage, you randomly draw a poker chip with a number on the back. This number is then punched into your envelope, assigning you a card. That’s it, you’ve made your hand! No one knows it until the final finish. At the end of this race with no time limit, the best and worst hands will determine the winners.

This year’s itinerary takes riders to Kananaskis County, at the foot of the Canadian Rockies. I set off with Elaine and Marc for Elbow Falls for the first stage, where we joined the first group. Departure was announced at 10:00 am sharp, but I take my time to enjoy a breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup offered by the concession. Turning down a Canadian breakfast is sacrilege! I’d visited the falls the day before. Less impressive than Niagara Falls, they’re still a fine example of what unspoilt nature has to offer. Once this first stage had been completed, we hit the road for a suggested stop at Sheep River Provincial Park. The 30-minute ride there and back, with no traffic at all, is a real pleasure for our group, which has been joined by three new riders. For Harley Davidson Calgary, the challenge of showing off the area was a success. None of us, especially the locals, have ridden this road before. This promises future expeditions for many of them!

After two more stops at Diamond Valley and Okotoks, we return to headquarters for the announcement of the winners. The atmosphere is in full swing, the participants are back from their poker runs or trials, and the veterans’ group is putting on a show. Unfortunately, neither Elaine, Marc nor I take home any prizes. No « beginner’s luck » this time, but an opportunity to discover Canada’s largest Harley Davidson dealership, try out several models like the Sportster, while discovering Calgary’s hinterland on a sunny Friday with little traffic. It’s also an opportunity to meet the city’s various biker groups, from the Calgary Harley Chapter to the Vets, as well as other MC’s. With its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Alberta’s capital is home to a large biker community, involved in many events: toy runs, charity races, anti-discrimination awareness. And all in collaboration with the various branches of brands such as Harley Davidson.

Although the American brand has often suffered from prejudice, it is once again proving its openness to all types of bikers, thanks to its members, who are above all passionate about two-wheelers!