CHERRY GROVE - After a week of on-and-off rain, the skies cleared on June 17, which was greatly appreciated by motorcycle riders who took part in the annual Lakeland Ride for Dad.
About 100 bikers, signed up and took off from the event's start point at the Cherry Grove Community Centre. By 10 a.m., kickstands were up, and riders were off on a 320 km scenic ride through the Lakeland.
All money raised through the charity ride goes toward raising awareness around prostate caner and funds the Canadian Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation.
Jan Stewart, Shirley Hordal, co-chairs of Lakeland Ride for Dad, and Stuart Taylor, finance coordinator of the Lakeland Ride for Dad, said the ride on Saturday raised approximately $20,000 dollars for prostate cancer awareness and research. The ride, which began in the Lakeland in 2015, saw 116 people take part in this year's event.
Opening ceremonies, which included a blessing of the bikes, were attended by Cold Lake City Coun. Ryan Bailey and MD of Bonnyvile Reeve Barry Kalinski. RCMP escorted the bikes and helped with traffic control.
After a pancake breakfast, there were four stops along the route. Stops included the Frog lake Travel Centre, Cornerstone Co-op Food Store in St. Paul, where there was a barbecue lunch hosted by the St Paul Co-op Gas Bar that helped support the riders and their cause, Mikey Mac's in Mallaig, and Sick Cycles Inc. in Bonnyville.
"The volunteers this year made the job easier," said Stewart. At about 3:30 p.m., the riders arrived back at the Cherry Grove Community Centre for dinner and prizes. "The poker run winner was Rob Mears. First prize for highest amount of pledges was Peter Lasouski ($3000.00). First runner up was Rob Mears. And second runner up for highest pledges was James Minick."
Donations can still be made through the website www.ridefordad.ca/chapter/lakeland/
