Inaugural Ride for Dad raises $22,000
Event supports prostate cancer research, education
Based on an article by Jenny Potter, THE NUGGET
The inaugural Nipissing Ride for Dad brought out a parking lot full of motorcyclists to Canadian Tire Saturday morning, all in the name of prostate cancer.
Mike Paterson was one of the many local Harley Davidson Club members out in support of the cause. He and his granddaughter MacKenzie, 8, rode the 150-km route along with 183 other road hogs, raising $22,000.
Amidst the rumbling motors, the teddy bears and leather, the cause of the day was still felt by participants. Bikes are a real draw and the event is quite different for the city.
"People see 100 cars go by and they think that it is just traffic," said organizer Charlie 'Chopper' Cameron. "But when they see a parade of motorcycles going by, it catches their attention."
Fresh into retirement last year, Cameron learned he had prostate cancer.
I'm in the eighth month of my therapy right now and I've been a motorcyclist all my life," he said.
Recovering from implant surgery kept Cameron off his bike until this spring, making Ride for Dad an extra special day. "Last year I couldn't ride my bike, so it is really nice to be able to now," he said.
Event proceeds will stay in the community and will go toward any local education and research initiatives. "It will benefit our locals," said Cameron.
If you or someone you know would like to try fishing in Ontario waters for the first time (or the first time in a long time), circle the weekend of July 4-6, 2008 on your calendar. For those three days only (12:01 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday), Canadian residents can enjoy the fun of fishing in Ontario without a licence during the annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. 
