Gridley’s American Legion Post 210, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion Riders show their cards at the Warren McCutcheon Poker Run, held Aug. 22. From left: Ray Whiteside, Nancy Panattoni, Megan Werner and Michelle Whiteside.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley’s Memorial Hall served as the launch point for motorcyclists from around the north state Saturday, Aug. 22 as the Warren McCutcheon Poker Run returned for its second year.

Brought to the public by American Legion Post 210 and the Sons of the American Legion Riders, the event’s purpose remained threefold: honor a local legend, raise funds and advocate for veteran groups and services.

When asked about the run’s namesake, Warren McCutcheon, Sons of the American Legion Rider Josh Stiefel had a lot to say.

“For me personally, the reason I push for it is that they say every person dies twice,” Stiefel said, “the day you die, and the day the last time someone says your name.”

Members of American Legion Post 210 and the Sons of the American Legion Riders band together to support veterans and have some fun at the second Warren McCutcheon Poker Run.

Warren McCutcheon, 17, of Gridley is listed as the first American casualty of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor by PearlHarbor.org.

“With his story, being the first person killed at Pearl Harbor, that’s something that people should talk about,” Stiefel said. He continued, “How many hometowns in America have a hero like that? I mean, everybody has a hero in their own way, but Gridley’s got a big one.”

Gridley’s American Legion Post 210 was joined by the Sons of the American Legion Riders in 2024 and since then, both groups have been working toward higher visibility in the public.

According to Post 210 Commander Owen Stiles, the ranks of veteran members had dwindled to concerning numbers at the time the SAL riders made the commitment to join.

Attendees had the chance to purchase tickets for prize giveaways at the Warren McCutcheon Poker Run, including a Traeger grill and Yeti cooler. Other prizes included gift certificates for wheel rotations, tattoos, restaurants and more.

“I am honored by these kids and what they’ve done for the post,” Stiles said about the SAL riders and the energy that came with the two groups’ merger. Stiles acknowledged that the riders have brought more attention to Post 210 but haven’t necessarily brought new members.

Despite that, people remain curious.

“We get a lot of people talking to us,” Stiefel said. “We’re the rolling billboard for the American Legion.”

Stiefel explained that a person does not have to be a veteran to be a SAL rider.

“They think everyone’s a veteran. Some of us are, some of us aren’t,” Stiefel explained. “We’re broken up into three different organizations. You have the American Legion, which are the veterans, you have the Women’s Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion Riders.”

To be a member of the SAL riders, a person must be a son, stepson or grandson of a male who served in the military.

Proceeds from the biker bake sale went toward veterans’ organizations while offering sweet treats to those attending the Warren McCutcheon Poker Run.

The SAL riders’ main goal, said Ray Whiteside, a rider himself, is to support veterans and the community while enjoying the camaraderie of motorcycle riding culture.

“We take care of each other,” Whiteside said.

“I think as we go on and we keep doing community functions, whether it’s a poker run or get the community involved, youth involved, whoever it may be, that they’ll realize we’re here to help; the community, help veterans and help their families, help wherever we can.”

The Warren McCutcheon Poker Run offered a more than 100-mile looping drive up Highway 70 and back into Chico, with stops along the way for riders and prizes from raffles, giveaways and a barbecue lunch.

Hundreds of dollars in gift certificates, Harley-Davidson gear and more were given away to raffle ticket holders. A Yeti cooler went to Johnathon Brew, with Alexander McFall taking home a Traeger grill.

American Legion Post 210 and the SAL riders meet the last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall, 249 Sycamore St., Gridley.