What

Veterans Ride, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation that raises money to benefit our military veterans who live in veterans homes in Minnesota. Our primary fundraiser is an annual motorcycle ride in June of each year, traveling approximately 70-80 miles, for about 1 1/2 hours of travel time.

All of the funds collected from the motorcycle ride will be donated to the Minnesota Veterans Homes.

All of the expenses to advertise and put on the motorcycle ride are donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses located in Minnesota.

All of the people working to put on the motorcycle ride or are connected with Veterans Ride, Inc. are volunteers. There is no monetary compensation of any kind.

Why

Why the veterans homes? For whatever reason, veterans homes in Minnesota never seem to have enough money to take care of some of the little things that would add so much to the quality of the veterans lives.

These men and women who have served their country and are now living in places we call veterans homes. For whatever reason, they have to call these places their homes. Many or them have been here for years and will probably live out the rest of their days in these homes. Many also do not have any family, except for each other.

Most of you reading this may not know how motorcycles have played such an important role in the military over the years. A lot of you may know that when many of the soldiers returned after their service to our country, they found motorcycles to be a great release for them. Then, as with now, they found that when they threw a leg over the seat of a motorcycle and turned on the throttle, they could clear all of the garbage from their heads, release the pressures of everyday life, and just feel free.

Not much has changed over the years. Those of us who ride motorcycles know all too well how transforming it can be to pull our leather on and head out into the wind. Based on the above, it is logical that motorcyclists should feel a strong sense of gratitude to those who paved the way for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. There aren't many ways we can say thank you, but raising money to donate to the places these men and women call home is a start.

Motorcyclists have a long-standing tradition of raising funds for our veterans. Minnesota motorcyclists donated funds to build the Vietnam and Korean memorials in St. Paul, Minnesota. We donate every dollar that is donated on the ride to the veterans homes. They use these funds for things that may not be allowed in their budgets or are needed to improve the quality of life for the veterans.

Someone needs to remind the public that we should hold the men and women of our military in high regard. Therefore, we do a very public motorcycle ride every year. We also have police and highway patrol support which helps make the ride both visible and safe.

All motorcyclists are welcome on the ride, all brands, two wheel and three wheel. A $10.00 donation is required, but the feeling you will get knowing you are helping the veterans is free. Anyone who is not able to go on the ride can still help by sending in a donation. If you would like to get on our mailing list, please contact us.