On May 23, I, Stan Miele - a Legion Rider from Post 69 in Payson, Ariz. - started the first annual Arizona 75 Bike Challenge to raise awareness for the Be the One campaign and also for Wounded Warriors. The inaugural event was a huge success, raising close to $4,000 for both causes!
As a 61-year-old who loves cycling and anything with two wheels, I decided to start this event with my local Payson Chapter 69. The commander and the post Legionnaires were highly supportive of the event. What made this a bit different than most 75-mile bike events is that on portions of the ride I had one of the post Legion Riders escorting me through the mountainous roads of Arizona. This highlights the spirit of veterans supporting veterans, as they always made sure there was a motorcyclist insulating me from traffic.
With over 5,000 feet of climbing in the higher elevations of Arizona, it made for one epic day in the saddle for two great causes! I could not have asked for a better way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend by doing this event. I rode from Post 69 to Cottonwood Post 25. The reception at the Cottonwood post was overwhelming and made my five hours on the bike even more rewarding! As long as I can keep cycling, I intend to keep raising awareness to combat veteran suicide, and it is so meaningful to have the support of my local Post 69 standing shoulder to shoulder with me on this mission. Looking forward to increasing my donations in 2026, and once again a HUGE thanks to all my brothers from Payson Post 69 who came out to support me on their motorcycles, and to the warm reception for those at Cottonwood Post 25.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1JA_Bcooq0o