Motorcycle Ride for Dad rumbles through Ottawa
Posted Jun 2, 2012 12:07:59 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, On. — About 1,700 bikers rumbled through the capital for The Motorcycle Ride for Dad on Saturday afternoon.
Sporting rain gear, the pack of bikers rode to Smiths Falls and back to raise awareness about prostate cancer.
Their jackets and helmets were dripping by the time they reached Kanata but the riders were still smiling.
Participant Steve Fash said people across Canada have approached him to talk about family members that waited to get checked until it was too late.
“Even if we reach one person, that’s one person who could have a significant change in their life,” said Fash.
“Biker Betty”, a representative of the women riders, said it’s crucial to remember women are a big part of this fight.
“Husbands and brothers and stuff can be really stubborn so it’s up to the women to really get on their case,” said Betty.
Darren Parsons is one of the co-chairs of the ride. He said there are now 30 rides across the country.
“We’re really spreading out and spreading the word that fighting prostate cancer is important and it can be a family affair as well,” said Parsons.
Organizers said they have a fundraising target of $500,000, which they hope to meet.
In Ottawa, the 2011 Ride raised a record-breaking $415,000 for prostate cancer research and had its highest number of participants at 2,350.
Motorcycle Ride For Dad events have been taking place in Canada for 12 years, and have grown to include snowmobiles and personal watercraft.
Ride For Dad events take place in 30 major cities across Canada, representing every Canadian province. To date, the Ride For Dad has donated over $9 million towards prostate cancer research and awareness in Canada.
Click here for full details on the 2012 Ride Day.
Click here to make a donation.
The Ride event will have an major impact on traffic Saturday. Click here to see the 2012 Route.
The Ottawa Motorcycle Ride For Dad and the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation are supporting research in connection with the Ottawa Hospital’s daVinci robotics program. Click here to read more.
