Two of Leon Clifford’s passions are riding his motorcycle and helping people. He participates or organizes charity motorcycle rides for different causes and people. He has also taken a group of bikers to Sturgis, South Dakota every year for the last 19 years.

Leon owns several buildings in Holt and one of them is Leon’s Social Club. The Club is located in a building that was constructed in the late 1800’s, and people from all walks of life are welcome. Lawyers, doctors, truckers, union workers, first responders, and a variety of other professionals stop by Leon’s Social Club every week.

The Social Club is also the home base for the charity rides he promotes. Over the years he has participated in over 30 different events, raising money for several different groups and individuals.

“Some of the rides, I’m just a stop,” Leon said. “This last Saturday we had 60 bikes come in and we collected $600.” The Social Club was one stop among several on that ride that was organized to raise money to stop sex trafficking. The riders donated to the cause, and Leon served them food and drinks. The entire event raised a total of $5,000.

Other events Leon has organized or helped raise money for include support for cancer victims, truck drivers support, veterans assistance, and even to help a friend with medical bills.

Leon also organizes rides for pleasure. This year will be his 19th year riding his motorcycle to Sturgis with new and old friends. He leads his group the 720 miles there and back and logs another 1,000 at the event.

Leon likes to show the new members of the group the fun places and hot spots before it gets too crowded. “We get there early. The first part of the week we’re taking newbies different places,” he said. “They have a good time.”

His group left early last Tuesday morning for the Black Hills, and will return this Thursday.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts and Jim Dier contributed to this story