One in seven Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Statistics indicate that the death rate has been steadily declining due to improved testing and better treatment options.
On Saturday, June 15th, the Nipissing Motorcycle Ride for Dad will be hosting its 12th ride, raising awareness and money for the cause.
“Our message is very simple. Get it checked. Get the man in your life out to either have a simple PSA blood test or prostate exam. If we can save one life in Nipissing, we’re doing our job,” stated co-chair John Strang.
“We’ve got many survivors that ride with us. I get thanked all the time for what we do with this ride and it is thanks to a team of volunteers that have a passion for motorcycles and a passion for giving back.”
Pre-registration is Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Canadore College.
“You’ll be able to look at our souvenirs, our silent auction items. Then on Saturday morning, registration is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Dignitaries and welcoming at 10 and at 10:30 sharp it is kickstands up and the ride leaves,” said Strang.
The entire route is about 235 kilometres.
The ride will leave the college headed to Gormanville Road, then it is on to Main Street West, the waterfront to Giant Tiger, from there to the Voyer General Store in Corbeil, then they are off to Larry’s chip stand and the RIV chip stand both in Sturgeon Falls.
“From there we head up the highway to Marten River, to the Rock Pine Motel, another great sponsor and then back to Canadore all by 3 p.m. where we will have live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and a pig roast. It is going to be an amazing day,” explained Strang.
“This year we are thrilled to have a dinner for 10 at Churchill’s as a live auction item, and we’re excited to have Osprey Links Golf Course in Callander donate a one-year adult membership to our live auction. Those two stand out and we’re going to raise a lot of money from those items. It is going to be an amazing day. It is a Father’s Day treat.”
Organizers hope to have somewhere in the neighbourhood of 375 riders.
Registration is $30. Anyone raising $100 or more in pledges will have their registration fee waived.
The registration fee includes a gift bag, pig roast dinner and more importantly, helps raise awareness and research dollars.
“And it is Father’s Day weekend. It is a Father’s Day treat. So, get your dad out, get your partner out. You don’t even have to ride. Come out to our various stops and just say hello and make donations there. Every dollar is appreciated and the fact that people are paying attention means we’re raising awareness.”
Dr. Michael Conlon will attend Saturday morning’s event where he will accept a cheque for $25,000, the proceeds from last year’s ride.
The money is in support of prostate cancer research at the Northeast Cancer Centre in Sudbury.
Strang is hopeful this year’s ride will generate even more revenue.
“We’re hoping to cut a cheque next year for $40,000.”
