Hop on and hit the road to raise money for prostate cancer
This month riders from across B. C. and Canada will participate in the annual Motorcycle Ride for Dad
‘ An Army of Chrome and Leather fighting Prostate Cancer” is the slogan for the popular Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
This month, more than two dozen Canadian cities from Newfoundland to the Comox Valley will be riding for the cause.
Like many charity rides, Motorcycle Ride for Dad began as a one- time- only fundraiser. The inaugural event in Ottawa back in 2000 hosted 80 riders, was supported by a couple of volunteers, and raised about $ 20,000 for prostate cancer research. Some dozen years later, 30 cities across the country are backing the cause involving more than 100,000 contributors and 300 volunteers. According to the 2010 Annual Report, $ 1.7 million raised lifted the grand total to approximately $ 9 million for the decade.
The raised funds go to The Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation — a Motorcycle Ride for Dad registered charity aimed at funding research and awareness for prostate cancer.
Dealing with a life- threatening illness on your own can be tough, but with the help of Ride for Dad, there is a Skype ( online) support group for men dealing with the illness or their loved ones needing help.
You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to take part in the festivities. Prostate cancer affects all men, so the organization offers the opportunity for everyone to become a Ride for Dad Champion.
A champion takes parts just like the riders, by gathering donations, and registering for the event, which is free for Champions. They also become eligible for all prizes and awards, including working toward entrance in the Captain’s Club — some 1,600 strong nationally.
For the riders it is a great day to get out, enjoy their motorcycle, raise some money and have a great time. For organizers, it is an entire year of planning and meetings to pull the annual event off.
Kelowna RCMP Const. Bob Charron is a member of the Ride for Dad executive and heads up traffic safety for the riders. He and his team of officers carefully plan and escort the steady flow of “chrome and leather” down the highway through the city.
One officer constantly leads the riders, who occupy one entire lane, through the city while three remaining motor officers leap frog ahead to the intersections to ensure that all traffic is stopped to maintain the flow of bikes with the assistance of traffic control volunteers.
“I have been involved since the inception of Ride for Dad in Kelowna,” says Charron.
“When we first started the ride, the route was already prepicked. We rode the course prior to mark or identify any hazards, either hard curves, construction, pot holes anything of that sort.
“From then on, we developed the ride to what it is today. We have shortened it by listening to our riders, some of their concerns, and made it a more family and pleasant ride by incorporating more fourlane roadway. We have also increased the visibility factor for the riders so that they don’t have the hidden curve or short corners.”
The Okanagan Chapter executive meets once a month starting in September, but from April on weekly meetings are necessary to ensure that the ride goes smooth.
Each ride is unique with respect to its size.
Last month, Windsor, Ont., was one of the first cities to host their 2012 ride, and offered the first 750 registered riders a complimentary lunch.
In Kelowna, that same offer is made to the first 300 registered riders — indicating the difference in attendance from East to West.
Riders can download a pledge form from the website, gather pledges, challenge one another or corporations, and for every $ 200 raised receive an entry for a draw to win either a 2012 Harley- Davidson Sportster or a trip for two to Las Vegas.
British Columbia offers three rides.
The Vancouver Island Ride takes place tomorrow starting at the Home Depot in Courtenay with registration beginning at 7 a. m. and the ride at 9 a. m. Sunday.
On Sunday, the Okanagan ride begins at Banner Recreation on Mccurdy in Kelowna. Registration at 7 a. m., ride at 10 a. m. I will be looking for you.
Then on Saturday, June 16, the Ride is up north in Prince George. Registration at the crack of 9 a. m. at the Kinsmen Hall with the ride departing at 11 a. m.
Support the Ride for Dad in your area by visiting them online at www.motorcycleridefordad.org.