Annual event raises money to fight cancer
Ride 4 the Cure takes place Sept. 8 and 9
For one of the organizers of an upcoming event where Cape Breton bikers do their part in the fight against cancer, the bonding is as important as the cause.
“The best part of the event would be the brotherhood of the bikers,” said Benny Singler, from Mira. “It doesn’t matter what you drive or where you come from, a biker’s a biker. There’s a bond between us.”
On Sept. 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., this year’s event kicks off at the membertou Recreation Centre with registration, a steak dinner and a Show and Shine.
The Show and Shine will be similar to a meet and greet for the bikers. Singler, a committee member and biker himself is organizing this part of the event.
“In years past it’s just been register, you get together, have a drink and maybe something to eat and more or less go your separate ways. This was a way of getting more people to stay longer and get the brotherhood involved.
“It’s not just for the bikers, anyone in the area is invited to the Show and Shine.”
The ride itself will take place on Sept. 9 with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and the bikers departing at 9 a.m.. from the Membertou Recreation Centre. They’ll then proceed around the Cabot Trail.
Robert Bowins, from Coxheath and member of the Lions Club of Sydney, is the chairman for this year’s Ride 4 the Cure event, which each year raises funds in support of the Cancer Patient Care Fund.
The Lions Club, in conjunction with members of the local motorcycle community, has been organizing the event for the past four years, but the event has been in existence for the past 14 years.
Last year, approximately 150 bikers participated in the event and Bowens is hoping for as many or more this year.
“The last 14 years has raised about $200,000,” Bowins said, adding that last year’s event brought it around $40,000.
“Raising the money for the hospital,” Bowins says, when asked about his favourite part of the event.
The Ride 4 the Cure costs $30 to register, $10 for the steak dinner and $5 for a pink ribbon so when you get on the ferry in Englishtown, you don’t have to pay the ferry fee. The event runs Sept. 8 & 9. You can register online at cbride4thecure.ca or at the Membertou Recreation Centre on the days of the event.