Being an American Legion Rider provides lots of opportunities to ride throughout the US, but also opportunities arise to ride throughout the world. This past January, two American Legion Riders from the Southern Virginia Chapter of Post 284, Colonial Heights, got to take a major item off their bucket list by taking a motorcycle tour of South Africa.
Picking up Harley Davidson rentals from Capetown, they logged over 2600 kilometers, traveling the coastal roads as far east as Port Elizabeth, then returning west overland the the Karoo by way of the famous Route 62, passing through wine country of Stellenbosch before returning to Capetown twelve days later.
Every day was a new adventure, and included stops at the Knysna and Addo Elephant Parks, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, and the Cangoo Wildlife Ranch, where the travelers got to see, and in some cases, interact with many native animals, including Africa’s “Big 5”. The African summer made the vacation a nice alternate to Virginia’s snowy weather. Both riders were happy to report back that riding in South Africa was very pleasant, the people were friendly and the roads in very good condition. Food and gas were plentiful, as were numerous local cafes where local treats of all types could be found.
Being a member of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders brings lots of opportunities. We can’t say that everyone will be lucky enough to participate in Legion rides in other countries, but for these two Virginia based American Legion Riders it was an adventure of a lifetime. If you are not a member of the American Legion, contact us and we can help you with that. If you are not a member of the American Legion Riders, talk to your Post or District to find an opportunity to join.