Almost 100 riders cruised through Prince George on Saturday as part of the annual Northern B.C. Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
The annual event raises money to support the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation. Chairman Charles Brunette said he expected to raise $20,000 to support the fight against prostate cancer.
"All the money raised in the community, stays in the community," Brunette said. "[The number of riders] is down from last year, but there is a lot of motorcycle events going on today... so we expected it."
Last year the ride drew 168 registered riders and raised $26,000.
Dr. Stacy Miller, the regional professional practices leader for radiation oncology at the B.C. Cancer Agency Centre for the North, was the celebrity captain for the ride. Miller will be seeking a grant from the ride to do prostate cancer research in Prince George, Brunette said.
While the Ride for Dad has been happening in Prince George since 2011, it was started in 2000 in Ottawa. Eight Rides for Dad were taking place across Canada on Saturday, and dozens more already took place or are scheduled later in the year.
Since 2000, the rides have raised more than $13 million to support the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation, according to the charity's website.
Brunette was inspired to organize the local ride after witnessing a loss close to home.
"In 2009 I lost a coworker to prostate cancer. I experienced a Ride for Dad in Saskatoon, while on a motorcycle trip," he said. "We were awarded a chapter in 2010. And we just keep getting bigger and better..."
Among the riders was Mayor Shari Green, who said the event was a fun way for motorcycle riders to support the community.
"I've been a lifelong motorcycle rider. [The ride] is a great opportunity for motorcyclists to have a safe ride through the city," Green said. "It's raised lots of money for prostate cancer [research] in the community. [And] it's a bit of a bike show, we get a chance to see what everybody is riding."
