KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Motorcyclists from throughout the United States are to travel one of America’s most scenic highways to raise money for charity during the 39th annual Key West Poker Run, set for Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 15-18.

Traditionally drawing riders on up to 10,000 bikes, the popular ride features a unique route down the 113-mile Overseas Highway from mainland Florida to Key West. Offering long vistas of breathtaking sea and sky, the roadway incorporates 42 bridges spanning the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico.

Beginning Sept. 1, bikers can register to ride at Peterson’s Harley-Davidson of Miami, 19400 N.W. 2nd Ave., and Peterson’s Harley-Davidson South, 19825 S. Dixie Highway. Online registration is accepted before that date at www.petersonsharley.com.

Participating bikers receive poker sheets when they register, and draw cards at designated stops along the route to Key West. Entrants who draw the 10 best poker hands are eligible to play in a winner-take-all round of Texas Hold ‘Em, competing for a new Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle.

A section of lower Duval Street, Key West’s famed main thoroughfare, is to 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. Other attractions include a Thursday night “Duval Crawl” for early arrivals, bike merchandise market, “Biker Bash” street party, custom bike show and parties at Key West resorts and watering holes.

The Poker Run is a fundraiser for the Diabetes Research Institute and charities of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club.

Events conclude Sunday, Sept. 18, with a brunch and “survivors’ party.”

Event information: www.petersonskeywestpokerrun.com

Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • www.twitter.com/thefloridakeys • www.YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

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