DIDSBURY - The Rural Alberta Ride for Dad is gearing up for another big ride this year. With the local chapter celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year is sure to be a good one.
The ride goes on Saturday, June 24 starting in Didsbury and Red Deer, and finishing in Didsbury at the Zion Evangelical Missionary Church with a dinner, speakers and awards.
The Rural Alberta Ride for Dad is a major fundraiser for prostate cancer. Over the years the national organization has raised over $22 million, while the local chapter has raised around $1 million.
Local chapter president Gil Enns said they've got some exciting events planned for the 10th anniversary.
"We raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness," said Enns. "We want people to get out there and get checked - the earlier the better the chances of surviving."
The ride starts with the bikers gathering at 8 a.m. at two different starting points: one in Red Deer and one at the Zion Church in Didsbury.
"We stand up (the ride starts) at 9:30 a.m.," said Enns. "Our first stop is at the Spruce View Co-op west of Innisfail. We meet up there (with the Red Deer group). From there we work our way out to the West Country.
"We're in Sundre at the Co-op cardlock for lunch from 12 noon until 1 p.m. From there we head south towards Water Valley, Dogpound, Madden and end up in Carstairs at the Co-op around 2:15 p.m."
After that the bikers head out to Midway at around 2:45 p.m. and then work their way back to Didsbury, said Enns.
"We should be rolling in to Didsbury at about 3:45 p.m.," he said. "Our plan is to stop at the top of the hill east of town, just this side of the four-way stop at 2A and regroup there.
"We're going to have the road (Hwy 582) blocked off (to just past the Zion Church) and our plan is to come down there four abreast. We then have a parade route through Didsbury."
After parading through Didsbury, the riders will end up back at the Zion Church for the wrap-up dinner and awards banquet.
Enns said they have other fun events planned along the way including a dice roll, which is similar to a poker ride.
"It's easier for us on the road to do dice," he said. "You have to have $100 in donations to be eligible."
New this year is a ëkick to win' contest for the riders.
"This is something that none of the chapters - we have 40 from coast to coast - have done," he said. "It's like a hole-in-one contest at a golf tournament. You kick a football 35 yards into the back of a pickup.
"If you manage to get it in the back of a pickup and it stays, you win a brand new Harley Davidson. We're really hoping someone has a good leg and is accurate and can win this."
Another new twist this year is bringing all the riders together at the first stop.
"It's nice that way," he said. "Not only are the riders all together but they get lunch together. Getting together, meeting people, talking to people, that's important too."
