Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Between 40 and 50 motorcycles pulled out from American Legion Post 132 Saturday afternoon as part the American Legion Riders Memorial Ride.

NEW ULM — Over 40 motorcycles gathered in downtown Minnesota Street near the American Legion Saturday as part of the annual Memorial Ride.

The convoy of bikers left New Ulm around noon on a 95-mile road tour of the region. The team traveled and made stops in Franklin and Sleepy Eye before returning to the New Ulm for the Legion’s Pork Chop dinner.

Each year the American Legion Riders organize this tour. It was previously called the American Legion Pork Chop Ride, but this year the event was also held to honor a fallen member. American Legion Rider Jeff Wenninger died in January.

Wenninger’s motorcycle was donated to another veteran who participated in Saturday’s ride along with Wenninger’s daughter Jamie.

American Legion Rider Director Tim Nelson said it was a great day for a ride. The weather was near perfect. He said over 40 motorcycles riding in a line down highway roads was an impressive sight.

Nelson said no better weekend to hold this event. The annual motorcycle ride always takes place the Saturday before Memorial Day and this year the organization was memorializing a veteran they all knew.

Many of the riders taking part in the Saturdays ride also participated in the ride being hosted near Faribault on Sunday.