Cold, wind, rain can’t dampen enthusiasm for Motorcycle Ride for Dad

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The cold, wind and rain may have kept the numbers down but that didn’t dampen the spirit on display at the 16th annual Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad which began Saturday at the CF Polo Park parking lot.

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A total of 767 riders registered for the event although it appeared closer to 300 took part. But what the riders may have lacked in numbers was more than made up for in dedication to the cause.

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“In 16 years, we’ve raised over $4.2 million dollars for prostate cancer research and education,” said Motorcycle Ride for Dad co-chair Moe Sabourin. “Today shows the true spirit of Manitobans because even in the drizzly, cool rainy weather that we have I’m going to say we probably have 300 diehard people who are out here raising money for the cause.”

The final fundraising total raised from Saturday’s Ride was just shy of $500,000 bringing the 16-year fundraising total to nearly $5 million dollars, organizers said. Proceeds stay in Manitoba for prostate cancer research and education.

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Last year, riders set a record by raising of over $600,000 and organizers had been hoping to match that.

With Winnipeg under a rainfall warning beginning Thursday night and throughout Friday, organizers were nervously following weather advisories hoping not to have cancel for the first time since 2010. But the weather cleared up enough that it was safe to ride.

“We had a torrential rain (in 2010) and there was so much water on the streets that for safety reasons we had to cancel,” recalled Sabourin. “Can you imagine the number of people who asked for their money back from their registrations? Zero. Because that is the spirit of Manitoba. Everybody is here for a good cause and rain or shine they’re here to raise money for prostate cancer research and education.”

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Starting from Earls Polo Park, riders headed west in a police escorted parade down Portage Avenue to Assiniboia Downs, then north to Selkirk, Gimli and back. The day-long event culminated with a wind-up celebration at Cowboys at Canad Inns Windsor Park.

“Each year, the support from Manitobans is incredible,” said MRFD co-chair and founding member Kirk Van Alstyne. “Thank you to all registered riders, pledge donors, sponsors, media partners and volunteers. Special thanks to our new Regional Presenting Sponsor, the Winnipeg Police Credit Union.”

Guest speakers for the official start included Premier Wab Kinew, Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers and representatives from Winnipeg Police, RCMP, Winnipeg Police Credit Union, Winnipeg Police Association, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

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“I would like to say as somebody who lost their dad to cancer what you’re all doing here today means a lot to me on a personal level,” said Kinew. “I want to say as a politician that we’re working hard to make sure that our health care system has the best cancer care for people in Manitoba who need it. On a professional level, what you’re doing here today means a lot to me.”

During his remarks, Kinew announced that Manitoba Public Insurance will be developing a specialty licence plate for Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad this year.

A motorcycle raffle contributed to the final fundraising total with the final draw happening at the MRFD windup event.

gdawkins@postmedia.com

X: @SunGlenDawkins

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