Parked along 20 Street beside the train station, were rows of motorcycles Saturday afternoon and into the early evening.
Ninety-two riders finished the fourth Rural Ride For Dad over the weekend, raising money and awareness for prostate cancer.
“My Dad passed away from it,” said Colleen Brandsgard of what motivated her to take to her bike over the weekend. “I also like riding so I think this is a great campaign.” Brandsgard is from Didsbury and started in Gasoline Alley with her husband, Kelly. The two travelled to Rocky Mountain House, Bearberry and Sundre before meeting in Olds with other drivers in the afternoon.
Groups left Saturday morning from Gasoline Alley, Olds and High River. The three travelled different routes but all met in the afternoon in Olds before travelling together, escorted by police, along the 2A to Didsbury.
“I do this strictly to support prostate cancer,” said Trina Murray from Medicine Hat, who said she usually does the Ride For Dad in Calgary every year. This year, she tried the rural ride and said the trip was beautiful.
“It was cool at first but it warmed up,” said Dale Waugh from Bowden who did the ride for the first time. “I will do it again next year for sure. This is a great cause.”
Dean Harper, coordinator for the ride, said 92 riders signed up on Saturday. In the afternoon Wal-Mart donated $44,000 and Home Hardware from Olds donated $800. Harper even lost his hair and goatee in the afternoon.
“We raised $150,000 but not everything has been counted yet,” said Harper, who expects the total to keep rising throughout the weekend.
“We had a great turnout. The weather cooperated for us, and it raised money and awareness.” The money raised will go towards awareness, research and equipment for prostate cancer.
