The American Legion Riders were formed three decades ago in Garden City, MI by Chuck Dare and Bill Kaledas.
The two longtime riders wanted to create an environment where Legion family members could come together for a common love of motorcycles.
Twelve years later, American Legion Riders Post 3 Sault Ste Marie Mi was formed in 2005 by Larry and Bev Harris, Hal and Sharon Woodgate and Frank and Deb King.
This chapter was formed to continue on the legacy that was started by Dare and Kaledas.
Currently there are over 110,000 American Legion Riders in all states and at least 3 foreign countries. There are just over three dozen members at the local American Legion Post #3.
Scott Igo, Road Captain and Sergeant at Arms, of the American Legion Riders Post #3, is spear-heading the effort to gain more membership outside of Sault Ste Marie into southern Mackinac and Chippewa Counties.
"Any member of an American Legion that is a legal operator of a motorcycle of at least 350cc can join the riders. This includes Legionaries Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion," Igo said.
The Riders are just not a group that likes to hit the highways.
"You are not joining a Motorcycle Club, you are joining like minded people wanting to serve our veterans and local community. It allows our veterans to be around like minded people and serve our communities," Igo continued.
Serving means helping others through fundraisers and events.
"Locally our biggest fundraiser is our annual Toy Run. Along with our Legions Auxiliary we raise money and collect toys for our local children that otherwise would not have a Christmas’s present to open. Along with fundraising our risers attend as many rides in the area as possible to show support for our local organizations. The American Legion Riders are also considered a mounted color guard. When asked we can lead parades, funeral processions etc. Escorting our fallen heroes is a tremendous honor that the riders do when asked," Igo explained.
In order to be more successful, the Igo says having a strong membership is key.
"I feel the need to expand is necessary for the growth of any organization. The beliefs of the riders are true to its traditions. Each Chapter manages its programs at a post level. This is where our best ideas come from. All communities are different in their needs and expectations. Expanding to areas such as Detour Cedarville and St. Ignace can create awareness for ideas and events that the riders could participate in," added Igo.
One major fundraiser Igo is working on is the Hell to Paradise Rider PTSD Awareness Ride for summer 2024.
It is a two day bike ride from Hell, MI (located NW of Ann Arbor) to Paradise, MI (in NW Chippewa County)....with an overnight stay in Gaylord.
It is slated for July 26-28, 2024. The group would leave Hell on the morning of the 26th, with that overnight stay in Gaylord on the 26th and head to Paradise on the 27th.
For more information about joining the Riders and the Hell to Paradise PTSD Ride, please contact Scott "Hawk" Igo at [email protected]. Please use subject line ALR Info:
Scott “Hawk” Igo
American Legion Riders
Post 3 Sault Ste Marie
Road Captain / Sergeant at Arms
