Rural Alberta Motorcycle Ride for Dad chairman Dean Harper invites area residents to participate in the charity motorcycle ride, which will take place on June 23 this year.The event, which raises money and awareness for the fight against prostate cancer, was started more than 10 years ago in Ottawa. It has grown to include more than 30 cities across Canada and 100,000 participants.Ride for Dad first came to Central Alberta in 2008. Last year, more than 120 motorcyclists participated, raising more than $160,000.“The money was put to use this year, in awareness campaigns,” said Harper.“We are also presenting a cheque for $101,000 to Dr. Lewis at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.”Like last year, there will be three routes. The first one will leave from the High River Rec Centre and ride on Highway 40. The second one will depart from the Red Deer Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson dealership and go to Rocky Mountain House. The third one will start from Olds and go to Drumheller. All three groups will meet at the Olds Walmart in the afternoon.“Then, we will have a police escort parade through town. This year, as long as construction allows for it, we will be coming right up on 50 Street, going right past Summer Oldstice,” said Harper.“We'll go over the train tracks, head up to Olds College, and drive down Highway 2A into Didsbury for the final dinner and awards at the Zion Church.”The Man Van will also make an appearance in Didsbury. The mobile unit will perform the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test for free on participants, including Wild Rose MP Blake Richards.Moreover, Harper has been promised that a monster chopper would participate in one of the rides.“It has monster tires. This is a chopper motorcycle that sits eight feet in the air. It's pretty cool,” said Harper.“It was supposed to be there last year, but it didn't make it.”Interested people can register for the ride online at www.motorcycleridefordad.or or get a pledge form from the same website. Donations can be made online, and at all Westview Coop stores and AG Food in Didsbuy.Harper aims to get as many participants and to raise as much money as last year.“We don't know how many people we will get, until they register the morning of the ride,” he said.“Guys can register online, but a lot just choose to register the morning of the ride.”Harper also invites Olds residents to line up on 50 Street and 46 Avenue to cheer on the participants.“At about 4:45 p.m., the parade should be leaving the Walmart in Olds and heading to Didsbury. At around 4:40 p.m., start watching,” he said.“Cheer the guys on! These guys have raised a lot of money for a very good cause and you know, that little wave or clap they get goes a long way.”For more information about Motorcycle Ride for Dad, please consult the organization's website or contact Dean Harper at 403-556-8050.
