Hundreds of bikers gathered at Banner Recreation on Saturday morning in Kelowna to participate in the annual Ride for Dad event that takes place throughout Canada.
Ride for Dad raises awareness and promotes research for prostate cancer. It has grown each of its seven years in Kelowna, attracting about 400 riders last year. This year, 300 riders pre-registered, and more were expected to sign up Sunday morning, said an organizer.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Before embarking on their ride to Penticton, co-chairman Bill Sirman thanked participants and sponsors, as well as a particular rider who single-handedly raised $12,000.
Photo Credit: KelownaNowBill Sirman
The second co-chairman, retired RCMP officer Bob Charron, knows the positive effects prostate cancer research can have. He is in treatment himself.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Charron led the group in a moment of silence to honour those who had passed from this horrible illness and the riders they have lost in the past year.
A concept of the event is: The money raised here, stays here. This year, Ride for Dad presented the BC Cancer Foundation with a cheque for $40,000 to go towards local researcher, Francois Bachand, who is working toward finding new and more precise treatment routes for prostate cancer.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Lake City Casino also donated to the cause for the fifth year in a row, bringing their total to over $33,000.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
It wasn't long after the speeches that the pool of riders hopped on their bikes to start up the engines. The thunder of engines filled the air as riders took off on their journey.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
A great part of this event was the diversity of both the bikes and their riders, ranging from speedy sport bikes to the more traditional, loud and large bikes. Some were not even riding bikes at all.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
To get a better look at these beautiful bikes and their riders, click here!
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
KelownaNow takes great pride in supporting the community and in celebrating the events that our readers care about. In partnership with Orchard Ford and Chances, we are hitting the streets in the Now You KNow Events Cruiser to take part in the fantastic events that Kelowna has to offer!
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