Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm American Legion Riders Jon Gohr, left, and Kris Schneeberg are pictured with their trike and motorcycle respectively prior to the Memorial Ride Saturday.

NEW ULM — Several dozen motorcycle and trike riders rode from New Ulm to Gaylord, Le Sueur, St. Peter and back to New Ulm for the American Legion Riders Memorial Ride Saturday.

The 97-mile route followed the Highway 15 detour on Nicollet County Highway 21, continued north on CR 12 to CR 5 (The Fort Road), east to CR 10 and north to State Highway 19 to Gaylord for a half-hour stop at the American Legion.

The route continued east from Gaylord on Highway 19 to CR 13 and CR 8 to the Le Sueur American Legion Park with a memorial and shelter.

Riders travel on the “Ottawa road” and State Highway 99 to St. Peter for a stop at the American Legion club.

Riders then traveled west, stopping for a funeral at Swan Lake Lutheran Church on CR 5 before turning south on CR 12 and following CR 21 to New Ulm and Legion Post 132 for a rib dinner.

No alcoholic drinks were allowed until the ride ended in New Ulm.

Water, snacks and chips were available with a freewill donation at ride stops. Rider donations went to the Legion Riders general fund that supports veterans.

Memorial Ride Director Kris Schneeberg said 33 bikes and 43 individuals participated in the ride. He said the event takes place rain or shine.

“We do it for any veteran in need,” he said. “Our veterans fund helps veterans who have already gone through other aid groups. Funds could help a veteran play their utility bill for the month or help them with gas money or medical bills.”

The Memorial Ride route changes every year. Last year, riders traveled to Madelia and St. James where stops were made at war memorials. The biker convoy visited a B-47 crash site several miles north of Comfrey, continued to the Sanborn Legion and Sleepy Eye Servicemen’s Club before returning to New Ulm.

Anyone wishing to donate may drop funds off at New Ulm American Legion Post 132 or mail them to P.O. Box 471, New Ulm, Mn 56073.