ADAMS, Mass. — The American Legion Riders will again be hosting the Fall Run this Saturday, Sept. 17, in Bowe Field to raise funds for military veterans in need throughout Massachusetts. 

 

Last year, a group of local volunteers revived this long-standing tradition that ceased to roar through Western Massachusetts in 2017. 

 

Originally a small group of friends, the ride quickly morphed into a 2,000-plus rider event that raised more than a half-million dollars for local charities, especially Shriners Hospital.

 

What the American Legion Riders soon came to learn last year is it is impossible to repeat what the original group did after a four-year absence so they made the event their own. 

 

The Riders collaborated with a variety of veterans associations to resurrect the popular motorcycle ride.

 

"One of the goals that I wanted to make sure that if I got involved with is that the American Legion Riders would be involved with it because that is who I am," said ride Chairman Mike Steuer. 

 

Rather than having the proceeds go to local charities, they decided to switch the beneficiaries to local veterans and veteran organizations. 

 

Its revival last year was met with open arms by thousands of people who lined the streets as 335 motorcyclists returned to Bowe Field from their 50-mile ride around the Berkshires and raised $15,000 for their cause. 

 

"There aren't that many channels directly to the Legions and the vets. I mean, there are these big large organizations, but we're really a mom-and-pop shop, to be honest with you," Steuer said.

 

"You know, we are grassroots, we gave 100 percent of what we earned back to our channels and helping vets last year." 

 

Anyone can ride with the Legion and can register their bike for $20. Riders can also choose from three  packages that range from $500 to $2,000 in donations. 

 

Steuer said they hope that the event grows and that they are able to raise more funds because of the greater need due to the economy and inflation.

 

"It's going to be harder for these vets to pay their bills, and we're proud to be able to give them something, with hardships making it difficult for them and their families," he said. 

 

"It's really so important to us as part of our mission. And that's what we do, American Legion Riders ... mission is to fundraise on behalf of the veterans organizations."

 

This year the Legion will be having the event on Saturday instead of Sunday and has become a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization so donations are tax deductible.

 

In addition to the ride there will also be games, food, vendors, raffles, and live music at Bowe Field. The gates open at 10 and the band Miss Guided Too will be performing until 2 p.m.

 

The opening ceremony will commence at 12:30; the motorcycles will take off at 1 and are expected to return around around 2:30-3 p.m.

 

Hot Shot Hillbillies will be performing from 2 to 5 followed by the Shyne until 6:30 p.m.

 

This year the four posts participating in the Fall Run are the Spencer American Legion Riders Post 138, Dalton American Legion Riders Post 155, Adams American Legion Post 160, and North Adams American Legion Post 125. 

 

Steuer said they hope to morph this event into a regional American Legion Riders ride to support everyone on the "ship."

 

"We're all on the same ship, we are trying to keep the ship afloat because veterans and veterans organizations are going down left and right throughout the county and throughout the state," said Dan Speth, Dalton American Legion's post service officer and past president.

 

More information on the Fall Run can be found here.