OFF THE WIRE
Thousands of bikers rumbled through the region Saturday to raise both a racket and money in the annual Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
The trip from the Aviation Museum through Kemptville to the Rideau Carleton Raceway was a fundraiser for prostate cancer research and awareness.
The message that men should get their yearly examination was spread throughout the crowd, in hopes the cancer could be prevented.
"You get the real alpha male bikers who put on their leathers for the weekend, but you have such a diverse group of people . . . unified around the one cause," said Rob Dale from the Biker's Church.
"Get ‘er checked," said Garry Janz, the ride's national president. "I tell you it will save your life and keep your family together."
Prostate cancer kills 4,200 Canadian men a year, and has had a large impact on rider Derek Luce.
"My father did pass away from prostate cancer," he said. " To be a part of this event is actually very meaningful to me."
The Motorcycle Ride for Dad began in Ottawa in 2000, when Janz teamed up with the Ottawa Police Association to raise $20,000.
To date, the event has raised over $7 million and has spread to 31 cities across Canada.
"It almost brings me to tears," said Janz. "It's just amazing, the support in the community."
CTV Ottawa's Graham Richardson was this year's parade marshall, and celebrity ride captain Wayne Rostad was honoured with a United Way Community Builder Award for his years of work with the event.
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