More than 200 motorcycle riders shrugged off some early morning rain on August 4 to roll through Central Kentucky during the annual Ride to Win poker run for Special Olympics Kentucky.

The nearly 100-mile ride covered another new route this year, with bikers going from Man O' War Harley-Davidson in Lexington to The Kickstand in Burgin, followed by stops at Walmarts in Lawrenceburg and Georgetown before returning to Man O' War Harley. Walmart became the Ride's newest sponsor this year.

Following the scenic ride through the Central Kentucky bluegrass, riders one again enjoyed a great day at Man O' Mar Harley when they made their final stop. Walmart provided lunch for all of the riders and volunteers, and Special Olympics Kentucky athletes judged the annual Bike Show.

Motorcycles roll out of Man O' War Harley-Davidson for the 2012 Ride to Win.

During the post-ride award announcements, David Ratcliff was announced as the event's top fundraiser this year with $270 raised. The Bluegrass Man O War HOG Chapter once again defended their Chapter Challenge Award for the largest bike group in the event. The Bluegrass HOGs had 25 riders take part this year.

Post-Ride festivities also included the presentation of the prizes for the winning poker hands. This year's prize cash was upped significantly to a total of $1000. David Freshier took the top prize with a three's over queens full house to claim the $500 prize. Second place and $300 went to John Quarles who had an ace-high flush. The $100 third prize went to Bill Shell's king-high flush. Worst hand went Kim Abney's eight high. She also received $100. All poker prizes were provided by the Randolph Scott Insurance Agency, which has been a Ride sponsor for all 12 years the event has been held.

David Ratcliff was the Top Fundraiser for the 2012 Ride to Win.

The highlight of the Post-Ride events, though was when Special Olympics Kentucky athlete Levi Collins drew the winning ticket in the 2012 Special Olympics Harley Raffle. This year's winner was Louisville Metro Corrections officer Nick Angelini. Angelini purchased his ticket from Kentucky Law Enforcement for Special Olympics volunteer Jami Benner. He was the second Louisville law enforcement officer ever to win the Harley Raffle, joining Bill Unseld who won in 2007.

Combined, the 2012 Ride to Win and Harley Raffle raised more than $31,000 for Special Olympics. Our sincere thanks to everyone who made the effort to make these two events such a success.

Thank you also to our 2012 Ride to Win Sponsors — Man O' War Harley-Davidson, Walmart, 98.1 The Bull, Thunder Roads Magazine, The Kickstand and Randolph Scott Insurance.