Sturgis, S.D., Dec. 11—Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars joined with the Buffalo Chip and Legends Riders at 2017’s 10th Anniversary Legends Ride presented by GEICO Motorcycle and together raised $32,150. The donation was split between two Black Hills charities, South Dakota Special Olympics and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Those who attended the exclusive Legends Lunch that preceded the ride raised an additional $6,625 for two veterans support organizations, the Black Hills-based Sgt. Colton Derr Foundation and famed stunt rider Carey Hart’s charity of choice, Infinite Hero Foundation. The charitable events were held on Monday, Aug. 7 on Deadwood’s Main Street and at the Silverado and Historic Franklin Hotel. To date the Buffalo Chip has donated nearly $600,000 to charity through signature events such as the Legends Ride and Lunch, with $83,375 donated in 2017 alone. Past charitable recipients have included Black Hills Children’s Home, Sky Ranch for Boys, Combat Wounded Coalition, America’s Mighty Warriors, Warrior Dog Foundation, Helping with Horsepower, Lakota Heritage and educational scholarships.
The 2017 event was supported by GEICO Motorcycle, Indian Motorcycle, Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, Deadwood Tobacco Company, Hot Leathers, Rebel Yell, Pepsi, Metzeler, Kuryakyn, Renewable Fuels Association, S&S Performance, Silverado and Historic Franklin Hotel, Twisted Tea, Universal Trailer and Wrangler Jeanswear.
The Stars Came Out
Several Hollywood stars joined the 2017 Legends Ride including Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-Winning actor Tom Berenger, who served as honorary ride captain; Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brothers; and screen writer, actor and producer Carmine Cangialosi.
Also on hand were famed freestyle motocross racer and custom bike builder Carey Hart, the first family of custom motorcycling Arlen, Cory and Zach Ness, stuntman Doug Danger, famed artist David Uhl, Moonshiner Josh Owens, and filmmaker and actress Betsy Huelskamp.
The Auction
The 10th Anniversary, 165 horsepower performance-styled Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider customized by S&S Cycle and other unique items were auctioned in support of the Legends Ride shortly before the ride departed.
The Reasons Behind the Ride and Lunch
In an effort to help create a permanent athlete training facility for Special Olympians in the Black Hills, the Buffalo Chip has pledged $100,000 in future Legends Ride fees to renovate an existing facility to meet the growing needs of the organization. The 127 Special Olympians who are members of the “Rapid City Flame” team have been training in various borrowed locations over the past few years, but they are in need of a facility that will offer team members a sense of permanence and accomplishment. For several years, Legends Ride contributions were used to purchase a van to transport participants to practices and events; now the need for a facility is a priority.
The Legends Ride will continue its mission of giving on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018. Those wishing to be part of the event may find more information at LegendsRide.com