Time is winding down to pre-register and participate in the inaugural "From Hell to Paradise American Legion Riders PTSD Awareness Ride."
This charity ride will start at 6:30 a.m. Friday, July 26 from Hell Mi to Paradise Mi and end in Sault Ste Marie MI. Saturday, July 27 around 5 p.m. There is an overnight stop in Gaylord, MI on July 26.
The interest was so high, that a second route was added to the event running from Ironwood to Paradise. Both routes will meet in Newberry and arrive in Paradise as one group. Then from Paradise, they will travel to Sault Ste Marie ending at American Legion Post 3 on Saturday late afternoon.
Scott Igo, a Sault Ste. Marie Navy veteran organized this fundraiser to help former servicemen who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
He served for five years in the U.S. Navy on board the Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from 1993 to 1998.
Igo is excited about the high interest in the event. As of July 5, around 300 bikes with around 420 riders have registered. However, he would love to reach that 500 mark.
"I made the comment awhile back that I would cut off my mohawk if we reach 500. Let them cut it off. Honestly, it would be well worth it. I have had it for six years now. But with the amount of people we will help reaching 500 riders, it's not a problem letting go of it," Igo said.
American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work.
"I love what the American Legion Riders stand for. We are not a club. We are not a riding club. It is all about giving back. We are here to support the community. It just takes a bunch of veterans that are like-minded that love to ride motorcycles. We do our charity rides and our benefit rides. Everything we do gives back somehow," Igo said.
There will be a huge gathering at the American Legion Post 3 in Sault Ste. Marie with all the riders parking their bikes around the Brady Park area. Several vendors will be on site as well as live music.
100 per cent of all funds raised will be going to Bikes and Battle Buddies, Zero Duck 30 and Mission Six Service Dogs.
Cost for a rider is $35. The passenger is $25.
For more information or to register, click here.
