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Greater Toledo Veteran’s Ride roars through the NW Ohio Veteran’s Community!

The First Annual GREATER TOLEDO VETERAN’S RIDE is a collaboration between the Lucas County Fair, Thunder Roads Ohio, and representatives from several Northwest Ohio Veterans Groups.  This multi-day ride involves participants stopping at various posts and points of interest in the Toledo area that relate to Veterans or are participating in support of.  Then once the cards are completed, participants will turn in their cards at the Lucas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 – which is Veteran’s Day at the Fair.

The Greater Toledo Veteran’s Ride (GTVR) is hosted by American Legion Riders Post #320 with the support of other Posts and Veterans Service Organizations throughout Northwest Ohio.  While proceeds from the ride will benefit VETERANS MATTER (VeteransMatter.org) and their homeless veterans housing program – a more immediate goal is to create more awareness of the many Veteran’s service organizations and tremendous resources that are available within the Toledo area.

“We will be contacting Veteran’s organizations throughout the area and inviting them to participate in the Ride and the Veteran’s Day activities at the Fair,” explained Dennis Clemons, American Legion Post 320 2nd Vice and ride organizer.  “Riders will have a chance to visit American Legion Posts, VFW’s, as well as businesses and stops that support local Veterans.”

The Ride uses a unique format that has riders checking in at the American Legion Post #320 in Maumee on Saturday, July 9th during the day.  They then have until Wednesday, July 13th to complete the stops and turn in their card.  Riders are able to hit the stops as their schedule and possibly the weather allows – at their own pace.

“The Ride will end at the Lucas County Fairgrounds, where we will be hosting our annual VETERAN’S DAY.  In addition to all of the regular Fair activities, we will have a special area designated for Veteran’s organizations and activities.  All riders will receive a meal – and have a chance to participate in raffles and enjoy live music,” explained Kathy Ingram, Lucas County Fair Board Member and Ride Organizer.

In addition to the Veteran’s programs and regular Fair activities, Thunder Roads Ohio will be hosting a BIKE SHOW and TRO Thunder Zone area on the fairgrounds.  In the spirit of the day, there will be special classes for Military vehicles and service themed bikes in the Bike Show.  Additional classes will include “Patriotic” themed motorcycles and even racing, high performance bikes.  Trophies and placards will be awards to participants.    

All riders are welcome to participate, and all stops will be open to the public – not just Vets.  For those that haven’t served in the military, it’s a great opportunity to gain greater insight and appreciation for the veteran community. 

Thunder Roads Ohio will be hosting pre-registration online as part of their Event Listing services powered by ReasonsToRide.com.  Riders can register online through multiple sites – including LucasCountyFair.com and ThunderRoadsOhio.comThe first 200 riders to pre-register online will get a FREE Ride T-Shirt – courtesy of the Lucas County Fair and other ride sponsors.  You can also find more general information on the day through the Lucas County Fair and Thunder Roads Ohio Facebook pages online.

Ride organizers are looking for additional veterans organizations and local businesses that would like participate or possibly help sponsor the Ride and the Veteran’s Day activities at the Fair.  For more information, please email either Info@ReasonsToRide.com or Kathy Ingram, with the Lucas County Fair at ingram.k622@yahoo.com

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