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DAVIDSON - A group of motorcyclists riding across Canada to raise money and awareness for both prostate cancer research and the families of Canadian soldiers stopped in Davidson on the morning of Aug. 20, stretching their legs and filling up their gas tanks at Shell. The bikers were riding with Motorcycle Ride for Dad, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year with a cross-country tour. The tour left St. John's, N.L., on Aug. 1, and was scheduled to arrive in Victoria, B.C., on Aug. 29. Through motorcycle rides in 25 regions across Canada, the organization has raised more than $5 million for prostate cancer research and awareness in the last 10 years. This year's proceeds will be divided between the Military Families Fund and the fight against prostate cancer. Supporting the tour as co-chairs are General Rick Hillier, the former chief of the defence staff of the Canadian Forces, and Don Cherry, the colourful commentator from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada. Ottawa resident Scott Day said he and his fellow riders usually stop every 150 kilometres or so. Sixteen riders are completing the whole tour, while others join along the way for part of the trip. As part of their efforts to support the families of Canadian soldiers, he said, the tour also stops at military bases. Day said he began motorcycling a couple of years ago and was looking for a reason to go on a longer ride. Stefan Boedeker, also an Ottawa resident, said he joined the tour to celebrate ten years since his emigration from Germany. "I wanted to go on a big ride with a group, and celebrate my tenth year in Canada," he said. "Riding for two good causes . . . it's a lot of fun." The two riders said they were surprised by the hazy skies in Davidson on Friday, caused by the smoke from forest fires in British Columbia drifting across the prairies. Day said they woke up to clear skies in Regina that morning. To learn more about the program and how to get involved in next year's regional rides, visit www.motorcycleridefordad.org. The leaderonline is a division of The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan, Canada. |
