Home » News » New London News » New London to host veterans’ ride

New London to host veterans’ ride

Honoring service men and women, the 7th annual Fehlberg Memorial Veterans’ Ride will take place on Saturday, June 13 in New London.

In its seventh year, the 125-mile rain or shine motorcycle ride is expected to draw 400 to 450 participants. The ride committee has announced that World War II veterans, Mathias (Tyias) Ritchie and Frances (Percy) Platte will serve as co-Grand Marshals for the ride.

The ride was created to honor and raise funds for local veterans. There is a dedicated committee that works throughout the year planning the event. Through this group, funds are raised in three ways.

The first is a cash raffle with 1,500 tickets being sold for $20 each. The grand prize is $10,000 cash. Other prizes include one $500, $300 or $200 cash winners and five $100 cash winners.

Raffle tickets are currently for sale at Club 45 in Clintonville, Hardtails Saloon in Hortonville, the New London Area Chamber of Commerce office and The Waters Supper Club & Lounge in New London. Proceeds from the cash raffle will benefit the Old Glory Honor Flight of northeast Wisconsin. For details about the Old Glory program go to www.OldGloryHonorFlight.org.

The second way funds are raised is through registration fees paid by participating bikers. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Crystal Falls Banquets & Catering in New London. Single riders pay a $20 fee and riders with a passenger pay a $30 fee. Proceeds from the ride will be distributed to a variety of local veterans’ charities.

Shortly after 11 a.m. (approximately 11:15 a.m.), when registration is complete, the bikes will make a grand parade through downtown New London as the kick-off to their ride. Everyone is invited to come and show support for this fundraising effort and for veterans. The group encourages all veterans to wear their military uniforms and others to wear patriotic attire if possible. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to these men and women who selflessly gave of themselves for our freedom. A show of flags would also be appreciated as the riders attempt to thank our veterans for their service.

The ride will cover 125 miles of scenic countryside and will have two stops including a food and gas stop. The riders are expected to arrive at Crystal Falls Banquets & Catering at approximately 5 p.m. Spectators are again invited to join the riders as they arrive at Crystal Falls. The registration fee for the bikers includes a meal; non-riders are invited to join the meal for a cost of $10 per person at the door.

The third way funds are raised is through bucket raffles and a live auction at the Veterans Celebration benefit at Crystal Falls. The benefit, which is open to the public, will kick off with a buffet meal at 5 p.m.

Entertainment will be provided from 5–7 p.m. by local DJ Dave Switala. The popular local band “Taxi” will play 60s, 70s and 80s classic rock beginning at 7 p.m. Felker Truck and Equipment Inc. of Dale is sponsoring the band.

There is no cover charge to come and enjoy the entertainment and camaraderie. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

The cash drawing is scheduled for 9 p.m.

Andy Brigham, a member of the event planning committee said, “It’s always amazing to see hundreds of people from all over the state come together during the Fehlberg ride in support of veterans. We’re here today to honor and raise funds for the brave men and women who have, or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. We ask that you always remember what they have sacrificed so that we can enjoy our freedom. I am proud and grateful to be part of this wonderful annual tradition.”

Sponsors for this event include: The Carbon Freckle, First State Bank, Herrling Clark Law Firm, Hilby’s, Northland Electrical Services, Radtke-Rhone Insurance Agency, Tyson Foods, WDUX Radio, Wolf River Community Bank, Y100 Country Radio (WNCY) and Zander Press.

Those who want to make a financial contribution or get more information about the event can contact Brigham at 920-619-8451.

For photos and updates visit, Fehlberg Memorial Veterans Ride on Facebook.

Scroll to Top