Ride Alone — Together this year’s theme for fundraiser

There may not be a large group Ride for Dad this year, but those who want to take part in the annual fundraiser can still do so.

Saturday’s 10th annual Ride for Dad in Niagara, a motorcycle event to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer, has been postponed. And the rescheduled date of August 22 is also not looking promising, says local organizer Mathew King, while the need for fundraising and education continues, as does the fight against prostate cancer.

To allow an event to go ahead, permitting physical distancing, the theme for this year’s event is Ride Alone — Together.

King will do just that. At 49, he’s at an age where he has friends and colleagues who have fought and are fighting now against prostate cancer. “It’s definitely personal,” he says. He rides for them.

Prostate cancer, he says, is curable if caught early. That’s why awareness is so important. The annual ride is an opportunity to get that message out, to advocate that men be checked, and to raise money for research. 

“What’s most important is telling guys, ‘you need to get tested. If it’s caught early, you have a chance to do something about it.’”

All the information necessary to register, and participate in a Ride Alone — Together route, is available online at ridefordad.ca. In Niagara, the route is similar to other years, beginning at the Royal Canadian Legion hall on King Street.

Riders are encouraged to ride out alone, or with a few registered friends, follow the route, and at specified locations along the route, stop and take a selfie to post on social media. Participants can ride the route as many times as  they like, collecting pledges right through the summer and into the fall.

“Have some fun in a group of up to 10 riders, stay safe,  and stay within the guidelines provided,” says King.

There is also a Facebook Live concert associated with Ride For Dad, this Saturday, June 20 at 7.p.m. to help in the fight against prostate cancer.