Motorcyclists ride to raise money for veterans

MASSENA — Motorcyclists and riders from throughout the area — some from as close as Massena and Ogdensburg, some from as far away as Plattsburgh, Ticonderoga and parts of Canada — hit the road Saturday to raise money for military veterans.

Fifty-eight motorcycles were parked in the Massena Elks Lodge parking lot as the group made one of its stops during the day after starting out at the Malone Elks Lodge.

"We have a great crowd. They came out of the blue. We have a lot of money raised today," said Carol Robinson, event chairwoman and member of the Malone Lodge of Elks.

She said the money raised Saturday is likely to help purchase a new van to be used by Franklin County military veterans. The Malone American Legion will help the Elks direct the money to local veterans.

Once planning for the ride began two months ago, the word started spreading and more people came on board, saying they'd be taking part in the inaugural event.

"As soon as they found out, it was no problem," Ms. Robinson said, noting the Blue Knights international law enforcement motorcycle club also jumped on board immediately.

The bikers, most of them sporting jackets bearing patches that denoted their affiliations, took to the highway at 10 a.m., guided by the Blue Knights Chapter 13 from Laval, Quebec.

Riders and, in some cases, their passengers, traveled from Malone to the Potsdam Elks Lodge, where they took a short break before hitting the highway again for the Ogdensburg Elks Lodge.