Motorcycle Ride for Dad celebrates 10 years in Saskatoon

The 10th annual Telus Ride for Dad took off from the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon on Saturday.

The motorcade is part of a national network of fundraisers for prostate cancer research and awareness ahead of Father’s Day.

More than 200 riders took part in Saskatoon’s rally, with many having close ties to the cause.

George Plews was riding for the third time with his daughter Aidan. It was the first trip for the duo since George’s father died after a battle with prostate cancer last year.

“My dad was heavily involved with raising awareness for prostate cancer,” George said. “He actually organized mobile testing in Yorkton, and it was a huge success.

My experience with my dad brings it home a little bit more.”

For Aidan, celebrating her grandfather’s legacy while supporting a worthwhile cause is what brings her out every year. Plus, it sure beats her usual Saturday activities.

“It’s just been Father’s Day bonding, and an excuse to ride with a huge pack of bikes,” Aidan said. “It’s always fun reading a book, but it’s very different riding in a pack of bikes.”

One of the biggest reasons to keep prostate cancer at the centre of attention is encouraging men over the age of 40 to get tested. With many of Saturday’s riders falling into the age category, it was easy for one another to encourage early testing against the country’s most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.

“You got to go — guys, get checked out no matter what,” Clint Cantin, whose health complications led him to undergoing a liver transplant, said.

“I ignored signs with my liver, and if I probably would have done something a little earlier, I might have not had to have the transplant.”

According to the organization’s website, Ride for Dad has donated more than $33 million to the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation since 2000.

Survival rates for prostate cancer have changed drastically in that time with at least 3 per cent improvements per year since 2001 as treatment and detection practices improved.