Riders Expo: Fun for entire family

Riders Expo: Fun for entire family

On Aug. 21, a contingent of nearly 400 American Legion Riders and their passengers will depart from Niagara Falls, N.Y., to begin the National Commander’s Ride. They’ll make stops in Ohio and Michigan before finishing up in Indianapolis, site of the 2012 American Legion National Convention. Along the way, the group will raise thousands of dollars for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

But that’s only half of it.

On Aug. 23, when the National Commander’s Ride rolls into Indianapolis, The American Legion Riders Expo will be getting under way. The second part of the 2012 Legacy Run Home, the expo will offer Legion Riders, their families and other members of The American Legion family three full days of motorcycle education, recreation and fellowship.

The expo will kick off Aug. 23 with the National Commander’s Ride contingent taking a lap around historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, followed by a dinner and social event at American Legion Post 500 in Speedway, Ind.

Aug. 24 and 25 events will consist of basic and advanced rider skills training, available for riders and observers, that will include bike bonding, advanced riding experience and military sport bike training. There also will be training on community service and managing an American Legion Riders program. The training will focus on giving back to ALR communities, as well as starting an ALR program and successful fundraising.

Other events during the two days include:

• An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Drill Team demonstration;
• Tours of National Headquarters;
• Local charity rides to benefit Roudebush VA Medical Center and Riley Hospital for Children; and
• Rider skills competitions.

On Aug. 25, a “Night Ride on Indianapolis” will take place, as well as a Legacy Scholarship memorial ceremony. Both the night ride and the candlelight celebration will honor Legacy Scholarship recipients and their families, as well as Legion Riders currently serving in the military.

On Aug. 26, donations will be delivered to Roudebush VAMC and Riley Hospital for Children. Legion Riders also will lead the 2012 national convention parade that afternoon.
To register for the National Commander’s Ride, The American Legion Riders Expo, or both, click here. Fo rinformation on transportation to American Legion Riders Expo events, click here.