The call out for a fun-filled day of riding with a lunch, poker run, and prizes – all to raise money to fight prostate cancer -- had a great turn out at the 2015 Nipissing Telus Ride For Dad.
Hundreds of leather-clad bikers stood with their machines glistening in Saturday’s sun in the Canadian Tire parking lot. They were ready to ride as a group, making men aware to go see their doctor to have their prostate checked.
Local Ride For Dad Chair John Strang was hoping for 400 riders which will top last year’s count of 375 registrants.
Strang explained there are now 29 chapters of the Ride for Dad across Canada.
Dave Roy is ready to ride.
“It’s been fifteen years since the first inaugural ride. We are celebrating our eighth Ride for Dad in North Bay this year.”
Strang says the event’s mission is to raise money for research and education to save men’s lives.
“The message is getting out there. Get it checked. It’s a simple, simple message. With the help of our media partners, we’re getting that message out and people are responding.”
Nathan Lintner takes Bailey on the ride.
The fundraiser has raised over $32-thousand dollars for the local chapter of Ride For Dad. Proceeds from the Nipissing TELUS Ride For Dad event stays in the region for prostate cancer research.
Since 2000, Ride For Dad has donated more than $15-million dollars to the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation.
Organizer Andrea McLellan reports the riders with the highest pledges are David Campbell; Rebecca Mowat; Bill Kindratiuk; Don Yakcobeck and Sigi Taylor.
McLellan wishes to thank the 40 volunteers for their time, which makes the event successful.
Jeff Turl and Daniel Esposito get ready for the 15th Annual Ride for Dad Saturday morning.
The Poker Run results are:
Flush Ace high - Ron Bieuz
Fulll house Jacks / 5 - Jean Lemieux
Full Hpuse - Jacks / 4 - Shannon Avery
Full House - 10 / 5 - Gerry Scime
Full House - 10 / 3 - Shelly Forbes
