Nagel’s Harley was one of nearly 40 motorcycles parked in front of the New Ulm American Legion ahead of the Annual Legion Riders’ Memorial Ride.

This was not the first time Nagel had participated in this annual ride. She had previously ridden in it with her veteran husband, who has since died. Nagel said she got her motorcycle endorsement last June and decided to ride herself. Nagel said in addition to being a veteran widow she is an ambassador to Mission 22, a national organization to provide outreach and support to veterans and their families. It was for this group that she continue to participate. Many of the other riders had similar stories.

Memorial Ride Director Kris Schneeberg said one of the main goals of the ride was to raise money for the Legion Legacy Fund. The money goes to directly help veterans in big and small ways.

“We do it for any veteran in need,” Schneeberg said. Usually this fund goes to help the veterans who have already gone through other aid groups. The money could help a veteran pay their utility bill for the month or even help them with gas money. It can even be used to to help with medical bills.

Laura Nagel worked to clean off her Harley-Davidson Tri Glide on Minnesota Street ahead of 2025 American Legion Memorial Rider.

Tim Nelson, Memorial Ride volunteer, said this ride was fairly popular. There are usually at least 40 bikes in the ride, with many couples participating. Many of the riders are local, but they get a fair amount of participation from the Twin Cities.

This year nearly 40 motorcycles departed from the New Ulm Legion at 11:30 a.m. on an 110 mile loop to different veteran cites in there region.

After leaving New Ulm, the riders traveled to Madelia to visit the war memorial; then traveled to the memorial in St. James. From St. James, the biker convoy visited a B-47 crash site outside of Comfrey. From Comfrey, they traveled to Sanborn Legion, then to the Sleepy Eye Servicemen’s Club before returning to New Ulm.

Schneeberg said this year it was nearly perfect conditions for a motorcycle ride. Temperatures in the morning were 62 degrees without a hint of rain on the horizon.

Anyone wishing to still donate may drop funds off at the New Ulm Legion post or mail donations to P.O. Box 471.

Motorcycle riders participating in the American Legion's annual Memorial Ride take off on a route through Madelia, St. James, Comfrey, Sanborn, Sleepy Eye and back to New Ulm.