Motorcycle enthusiasts will have a chance to go hog wild for a good cause later this month.
On June 22, the fifth annual Rurals Chapters Ride for Dad will be riding through Drumheller and will make a stop at Westergard Ford.
“The riders will be rolling into Drumheller and stopping at Westergard Ford for lunch for about an hour. This is a perfect time to take photographs and to talk with the riders about why they are doing this,” said Dean Harper, media relations for the ride.
The ride aims to raise funds to combat and bring awareness to prostate cancer, one of the most deadly, but preventable, diseases in men.
“The money the riders collect goes towards research and awareness. A lot of these guys have a direct link to prostate cancer. I lost my grandfather to prostate cancer,” said Harper.
“It is the most survivable disease with early detection, but the thing is, men don’t want to go to the doctor unless our wives, moms, or girlfriends are dragging us. Take that three to four seconds and be done with it. You’re not only saving your life, you’re saving your family. It affects everyone.”
In five years, the ride has raised over $500,000 across the province.
The ride will also be a chance for motorcycle lovers to speak with fellow enthusiasts. It is expected 75 to 150 riders will attend, depending on the weather.
“We have such a diverse mix of bikes and riders. Everything from scooters to trikes, from 16-year-olds to 60 year olds. It’s a really good mix of people riding with one goal in place; get awareness out about this terrible disease and save men’s lives,” said Harper.
After they leave Drumheller, via North Dinosaur Trail, the riders will head to Didsbury for dinner and a concert with Juno Award winner Clayton Bellamy.
“Anyone who wants to learn more about prostate cancer or talk about bikes is more than welcome to stop by,” said Harper. “If you see the bikes going by, wave. You’d be surprised how far that wave goes for the rider.”
