In the beginning a group of nine riders and friends helped start an organization, the Canadian Legion of Riders, while relaxing after a motorcycle ride.
Group members were just sitting around and thought it would be a great idea to form a group of motorcycle riders. These motorcycle rides would benefit charities, while indulging in their passion to ride.
A clear goal was providing a safe and social riding atmosphere for all riders no matter what they ride, whether they were seasoned riders or new riders.
The "Original Nine" organized and called themselves the Canadian Legion Of Riders.
Bernie Levasseur, with help from friends Don Bush, Glenn Kulyk and Jim Geifer, helped organize the first "Ride For A Vet" charity run. In 2002 a donation was made to the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club. The following consecutive years, support went to the Royal Canadian Legion with the cause being the Veterans' Unmarked Graves Project. Thousands of dollars have been donated towards the cause and to date all but 16 of the nearly 100 graves have been marked.
On Dec.14 ,2006, the Original Nine officially signed as members of The Canadian Legion Of Riders No. 1.
Since 2006 membership has grown to close to 100. The riders continue to hold an annual Ride For A Vet charity poker run, meet every Wednesday night to go on group rides and try to support as many motorcycle charity events as possible throughout Saskatchewan.
This year, members had the honour of meeting a group of riders from the Royal British Legion Riders (RBLR) Branch in Waskesui, rode through the Highway Of Heros Memorial by Martinsville, attended the Portraits Of Honour in Spiritwood and participated in Belt Drive Betty's "Share The Road" awareness campaign.
In remembrance, every Nov. 11, the Canadian Legion of Riders participates in wreath ceremonies at the Battlefords Legion Branch No. 9, North Battlefords Legion Branch No. 70 and the First Nations veterans Remembrance Day ceremony at the Gold Ridge Centre.
If anyone would like to become a member of the Canadian Legion Of Riders or would like to inquire about starting their own branch you can email canadianlegionofriders@yahoo.com and can follow the group on Facebook.
The Canadian Legion of Riders expresses appreciation to Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 70, the volunteers, members and the community, who devote their time and services in all the group's fundraising efforts.
