American Legion to host benefit ride

Published 11:30 am Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Local veterans will do their part this weekend to help others in the community.

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On Saturday, the Hawkins B. Carter American Legion Post 255 in Fultondale will host a fund-raiser ride to benefit Alabama Teen Challenge. The American Legion Riders are heading up the event.

Ron Slay, vice commander of the post, said the American Legion Riders plan to make the ride an annual event. He is hoping for a big turnout for the first benefit ride.

“We could have up to 50 bikes,” he said. “We feel this is definitely a good cause. Teen Challenge is doing an unbelievably great thing.”

Alabama Teen Challenge provides year-long residency programs for men and women with life-altering problems such as drug or alcohol abuse or other issues.

There is a Teen Challenge women’s camp in Hayden.

Slay said the ride is for motorcycles as well as four-wheel vehicles.

Registration for the benefit ride starts at noon Saturday at the American Legion post, located at 1425 Stouts Rd. The fee is $10 per motorcycle or vehicle.

The riders pull out at 1 p.m., then stop at Interstate 65 Exit 284 to pick up additional riders.

From there, the riders will drive to Rickwood Caverns, where they will meet a crew from Teen Challenge and enjoy refreshments.