OXFORD - An American Legion motorcycle group will kick off a fundraising effort Tuesday with a series of rides.

The American Legion Riders will hold a bike run from the Anderson-Staples Post 112 in Oxford every half hour between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The rides will end at McDonald's in Paris, where judges will award prizes for the oldest bike, furthest traveled by tar, and best paint job.

The event will raise money for the Legacy Fund Scholarships, which are awarded to the children of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks as well as the children of military personnel killed in combat.

The organization was sanctioned by the American Legion two years ago, and the Oxford chapter started last fall.

"We started out with six members and one bike," assistant director Deborah Walo said.

The organization has since increased to include 20 members and five motorcycles. Eighteen chapters of the American Legion Riders have started in Maine.

The rides are the first in a series of fundraising efforts to get $851 for the Legacy Fund by June 30. Of the money raised, 50 percent will go to the Legacy Fund, 30 percent to the activities account of the Western Maine Veterans' Home, and 20 percent to the American Legion for continued fundraising efforts.

On Tuesday, McDonald's will donate 10 percent of its sales between 5 and 7 p.m. to the Legacy Fund. The Legion will also sell light bulbs for $5 to be placed on the Christmas trees at the Veterans' Home in honor of loved ones. The group will also hold a 50-50 raffle.

"We are really very geared for a family environment," said Joe Bernard, a supporting member of the Riders.

Motorcyclists do not need to be part of the American Legion to take part in the ride, but must sign a release form with the Legion.

In addition to the ride, the Legion will hold a toll road on Skeetfield Road on Oct. 25 to collect donations. Two public breakfast fundraisers will be held between 5:30 and 8 a.m. Nov. 8 and 22. Walo said she plans on making birdbaths to sell at Maine craft fairs to benefit the Legacy Fund.

The American Legion Riders meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. For more information, contact Walo at 210-2756.