What happens when a bunch of motorcycle riders come together? A giant convoy traveling through a 25-mile route and raising money for veterans at the same time.

The 16th annual New Year's Day ride will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 1, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. at the Walter S. Ebersole American Legion Post 185, 255 W. Main St., Mount Joy. The ride will leave from the Legion at 1 p.m., and participants will follow a route along the Susquehanna River, ending at the Elizabethtown American Legion Post 329, 240 N. Hanover St.

Members of the ladies' auxiliary will serve breakfast at the Mount Joy Legion before the ride, and a pork and sauerkraut meal will be served at the Elizabethtown Legion at the ride's conclusion.

Tyler Stumpf and his friend Jeff Andrews dreamed up the idea for the benefit ride while hanging out during the Christmas season 16 years ago.

"They started talking about how nobody does a ride in January, and they were like, 'Let's do one!'" said Mike Hehnly, who is stepping up to coordinate the event for the first time this year. "They thought, instead of making a New Year's resolution they're never going to keep, they wanted to get people together for a ride and raise some money for veterans at the same time."

Money will be raised through the entry fee as well as sales of tickets for giveaway items donated to the cause. All proceeds will benefit the Lebanon VA Medical Center.

"Last year, we raised $36,000," Hehnly shared. "All of the money we raise goes directly to the vets, to help with their needs. Over the years, we have raised more than $300,000."

Although the event raises money for a serious cause, it's filled with light-hearted moments and fellowship. Each year, a participant is chosen to be Baby New Year, and he or she must attend in a baby costume and sash. This year's honoree is Mark Harshberger.

Although the event began as a motorcycle ride, it's open to any type of vehicle, and people do not need to have a connection to the Legion to participate.

"We'd love for anyone who is interested to come out and join us," Hehnly said. "We usually have more than 450 people registered for this. It's a great way to meet and share fellowship with other riders in the community."

And for non-riders, the event has become a fun tradition as well.

"We have people stand out in their yards along the route, holding signs cheering us on," Hehnly commented. "It's fun to see people along the route."

Local businesses help to make the event possible as well, from Hummer's Meats, which donates the post-ride meal, to Love's Tree Service & Systems, which provides a video overview of the riders from a crane as they pass by.

For more information on the ride, visit https://bit.ly/3D3WAZb or call 717-629-7754. Photos of items available to win will be posted regularly on the site up until the event. Preregistration is encouraged for the ride, but same-day sign-ups will also be available.