135 join in poker, snowmobile ride

MEEKER I Roughly 135 sleds, several with more than one rider, took part in the third annual “I Ride with James” Poker and Snowmobile Ride on Sunday, raising funds for the James Sizemore Memorial Scholarships and for Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue.
Riders came from all parts of Northwest Colorado and from as far away as Vernal, Utah, for the event, held in memory of James Sizemore of Meeker who was killed in an avalanche on Feb. 11, 2011, on Sand Peak, near where the event was held, roughly 30 miles up County Road 8 at Lost Creek Trailhead.
The riders each paid an entry fee for the poker run and ride as well as a shot at the special prizes that were given away. The grand prize of a new Polaris 120 kid’s snowmobile was won by Clinton and Kirstie Kilduff; first place of $1,000 went to Jason Steiner; second place and $500 was won by Jan Nye; and third place and $250 was won by Jessica Berthelson. All children who attended also received a prize.

Those who participated and spectated at the event were treated to hamburgers, hot dogs, brisket, sausage and chili as well as cookies, rolls and other treats.
Kathy Sizemore, James’s mother, said the five-stop poker run helps fund two $1,000 scholarships for Meeker High School seniors — one for a male student; the other for a female student. Other funds go to assist Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue.
“It was really a great time for a couple of great causes,” Sizemore said. “It’s a lot of fun to take part in and to watch.”
She explained that the event registration building was James’ old school bus which he used to take a bunch of his friends dirt biking.
“So, each year since his death on President’s Weekend in 2011, we have held this memorial in memory of James and his bus,” Sizemore said. “The family welcomes anyone who wishes to take part or just stop in and watch to join us next year.”