Buffalo Chip Legends Ride raises record cash for charity
News release
Riders in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s signature Legends Ride cheered Monday as the two student-built Buffalo Chip Challenge bikes were sold at auction, raising a record amount in support of the annual charity event.
The two bikes up for auction were a 2014 Indian Chieftain customized by a team under the direction of Keith Terry, John Shope and Chris Malo, and a 2014 Harley Davidson Road King customized by a team led by Randy and Nick Cramer and Paul Yaffe. Collectively the bikes brought winning bids of $120,000, with the Team Yaffe Harley going for $60,000 and the Team Shope Indian bringing in $61,000 all in support of the Legends Ride.
The Legends Ride has traditionally supported local charities, Black Hills Special Olympics and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. In addition to donations to these two causes, ride donations for this year’s event will also help students interested in a career in the motorcycle industry by providing educational scholarships. After seven consecutive sell-out years, the ride has raised more than $375,000 for charity.
Buffalo Chip President Rod Woodruff and Black Hills Special Olympics President Jack Lynass, last year burned the note on a van purchased through Legends Ride donations. 2015 donations will be used toward another van used to transport Special Olympics athletes to events and training sessions.
“The Legends Ride is one of the most popular annual Buffalo Chip events and not only gives riders a chance to meet some of the biggest celebrities at the rally, but more importantly supports some incredibly worthy local charities,” said Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO. “We are most excited about the opportunity this year to encourage students to pursue a career in the motorcycle industry. Everyone who has taken part and paid the rider fee helped to fulfill the dreams of students and special athletes.”
Some of the biggest names in television, film, music and motorcycling joined hundreds of riders from around the globe for the annual ride through the scenic Northern Black Hills that raises money for the local charities. Hundreds of Legends Riders gathered on Deadwood’s Main Street this afternoon to take part in the auction and socialize with these celebrities.
Supermodel Elle McPherson was a fan favorite at the ride today. Members of the bands performing at the Buffalo Chip this week attended, signing autographs and riding new Victory motorcycles on the ride. David Uhl, R. Lee “Gunny” Ermey, John Shope, Cory and Zach Ness, actor Zahn McClarnon, Moonshiners Bill Canny and Josh Owens with his dog Cutie Pie, and Olympic bronze medalist Lloyd Eisler also joined the ride.
The ride departed from Deadwood’s Main Street at 3 p.m. and led participants through the scenic areas north along the foothills of the fabled Black Hills. The ride culminated at the Buffalo Chip with a private catered reception and pre-concert party.
The Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride has been featured on CMT, the National Geographic Channel, the Tonight Show, FX Network, Funny or Die and the Travel Channel, as well as countless print, online and newspaper articles.
For more information visit LegendsRide.com.
Industry-leading corporations throughout the United States provide support for the Ride that Rocks! Their support allows for 100 percent of riders’ contributions to be donated directly to the Black Hills Special Olympics, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Buffalo Chip Challenge student scholarship program. Special thanks to presenting sponsors AMSOIL, Bahn, Budweiser, Deadwood Chamber, Eagle Rider. Epiphone, GEICO Motorcycle, Horsepower Financial, Hot Leathers, Küryakyn, Metzeler, Pepsi, Renewable Fuels, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, Silverado Franklin Hotel & Casino, Sky Partol, Victory Motorcycles and Wrangler for supporting the 2015 Legends Ride!
