K-River Poker Run Adventure

A Dallas Harley Owners Group (DHOG) Travel Blog

There’s something special about rolling out before sunrise with good friends, motorcycles rumbling in the dark, and no idea what stories are waiting down the road. That’s exactly how the K-River Poker Run adventure began for the crew from the Dallas Harley Owners Group — Brett “Iron Man” Moore, Michelle “Turtle” Moore, Greg “Doc,” Winters, Theresa “Iron Maiden” Winters, and Kevin “Music Man” Emory.

The alarm clocks rang painfully early, but by 6:00 a.m. the bikes were loaded, rain gear packed, and everyone was ready to chase Oklahoma roads and poker run memories.

The group left Dallas under the glow of highway lights before breaking off onto scenic backroads. The first mission of the trip? Knock out a few DHOG Scavenger Hunt stops along the way. Naturally, that meant a stop at Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant and another at Reba’s Place — both worthy stops for road-weary bikers looking for photos, laughs, and a little roadside adventure.

From there, the road opened up toward the beautiful K-River Campground nestled in the Oklahoma hills. The accommodations fit the personalities perfectly: Doc and the Iron Maiden claimed a treehouse tucked among the trees, while Iron Man and Turtle settled into a glamping tent with all the comforts a road warrior could ask for.

After checking in, Brett “Iron Man” Moore did exactly what his nickname suggests — he blazed the trail. Leading the pack through winding Oklahoma hill country roads, he guided the group through sweeping curves, rolling hills, and stretches of pavement that seemed purpose-built for Harley-Davidsons.

Lunch brought another unexpected adventure at the legendary Circus Diner. What began as a simple meal stop quickly turned into a history lesson when the crew discovered nearby Mount Olivet Cemetery contained a remarkable section dedicated to circus performers.

Towering monuments, unique headstones, and colorful stories filled the cemetery grounds. Even more meaningful for the riders were the graves of rodeo legends Lane Frost and Freckles Brown. Reading about the memorials, the group immediately agreed — they’d definitely be there the next morning for a proper visit.

Back at camp, the evening slowed down. Michelle and Theresa joined in one of the campground traditions: hunting tiny hidden rubber duckies that could be exchanged for prizes. Theresa found one… and promptly gave it away.

That act of kindness quickly became comedy material for the rest of the evening as everyone relentlessly teased the Iron Maiden for giving up her treasure. But karma has a funny way of working. One of the Poker Run organizers overheard the story and rewarded Theresa with a gift card for her kindness — proving once again that generosity tends to come back around.

After nearly 400 miles in the saddle, the crew turned in early. Then came the storms.

Thunder rolled through the Oklahoma hills while rain hammered the campground. For Doc and Theresa, sleeping high in a treehouse while lightning flashed through the woods became one of those unforgettable travel moments you can’t plan if you tried.

The next morning, the fearless adventurers suited up in rain gear and headed back toward the Circus Diner for breakfast before making their way to Mount Olivet Cemetery. Walking among the circus memorials in the misty rain gave the place an almost surreal atmosphere. They paid their respects to Lane Frost and Freckles Brown before turning south toward Texas.

Unfortunately, Oklahoma had one more challenge planned.

The rain intensified.

The riders pushed south hoping to outrun the weather, and by the time they reached Paris the skies finally eased enough for a few stops at Tour of Honor locations. They also visited the grave of legendary cattleman, John Chisum, tucked quietly beside train tracks on an unassuming street — another hidden piece of Texas history discovered thanks to motorcycles and curiosity.

But near Greenville, Mother Nature delivered one final ambush.

The bottom dropped out.

Heavy rain and fierce winds forced the riders to seek shelter in the most ironic location possible — a car wash. Harley riders huddled inside a car wash while rain poured outside became yet another story destined to grow better every time it’s retold.

When the storm finally eased enough to ride, the group made the final push home tired, soaked, and smiling.

Because that’s what rides like this are really about.

Not just poker runs.
Not just scavenger hunts.
Not just miles.

It’s about treehouses in thunderstorms. Hidden cemeteries. Circus history. Duckie hunts. Rain-soaked highways. Good-hearted teasing. Legendary roads. And most importantly — great friends sharing unforgettable miles together.