Become a Legion Rider at Chapter 2
Eligibility Requirements
We are all members of the Legion, the Auxiliary or the Sons. If you are a member and you ride, you are likely eligible. Come join us! We meet each month at the post on the 3rd Thursday at 6:30 at the American Legion Boat & Canoe Club. Below are the specific requirements. If you have questions about your eligibility, please do not hesitate to ask.
Must hold membership in and be in good standing with The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion.
Must be legally registered motorcycle owners or be the legally registered owner’s spouse within the state of registration.
All operators must be properly licensed to operate a motorcycle and be insured per state laws.
All members must obey motor-vehicle laws in the state in which they are operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger.
Must not be a member of a 1% motorcycle club or their support clubs.
You should have a 300cc or larger motorcycle to safely keep pace on group rides.
18 and under are eligible as junior members so long as their parent(s) are riders in good standing. Junior members do not hold an office or have voting rights.
Eligible? Apply to become a member!
Option One
Download, print and fill out the application form. Bring it with you to the monthly meeting (3rd Thursday at 6:30pm).
Option Two
Show up at the the monthly meeting (3rd Thursday at 6:30pm). We have membership forms. Fill one out.
Option Three
Give us a call at 616-361-7685 during the day or email us anytime for more information.
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS AND CHAPTER 2
In 1993, in Garden City, Michigan (between Detroit and Ann Arbor), Chuck Dare and Bill Kaledas of Post 396 shared an idea to start a motorcycle enthusiasts association. After some coordination, the “American Legion Riders” was born. The original 19 founding members from Post 396 were flooded with requests for information about their organization…and there are now over 110,000 American Legion Riders that meet in over 2,000 chapters across the US and in at least three foreign countries.
Each chapter manages its programs at the post level, where the best ideas are born. The Riders strongly support projects and events for servicemembers, veterans and families in local communities and across the nation.
Chapter Two, in Grand Rapids, Michigan started their Legion Riders program in 2021. Today, the Riders at Chapter Two are very active and support many other posts and organizations in the area. Riders participate in events throughout throughout the year in western Michigan and across the country. Every year we host several fundraisers and events including the Treven Potter Memorial Ride every June.
The American Legion wants to ensure higher education is a possibility for children whose parents lost their lives while serving our country. Beginning with the 2017 award year, The American Legion expanded the scholarship to include children of VA-rated, post-9/11 veterans with a combined disability rating of 50 percent or higher. The American Legion and the Legion Riders offer support through the Legacy Scholarship Fund.
