Bikers break $1M mark in Winnipeg ride for prostate cancer awareness

Hundreds of motorcyclists hit the highway to raise awareness about prostate cancer on Saturday in an event that has raised more than $1 million in less than a decade.

The seventh annual Motorcycle Ride for Dad event raised more than $260,000 for cancer research this year. The ride encourages men to get annual checkups after they turn 40.

'I'm just a cancer-hater'

About 1,250 bikers registered for the event, including Tony Kusiak, who raised $22,715 this year and about $65,000 in support of Ride For Dad in the past six years.

"I'm just a cancer-hater and I'm doing whatever I can do," said Kusiak. "If you don't ask people, you don't know whether they want to donate."

He said his dad battled prostate cancer, as have some of his friends and extended family.

"My dad had a bout of it and then other cancers took his life," said Kusiak. "I ride for all of them and for any man who gets diagnosed with prostate [cancer] ... one of the top four cancers in Canada. If more men went and got checked, maybe they wouldn't have to battle it."

Proceeds stay in province

Trevor Kennerd, Motorcycle Ride for Dad chair of communications, said all proceeds from the event go to Manitoba outreach and research efforts.

"What's unique about the Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad is the money goes directly to researchers doing research in Manitoba with respect to prostate cancer," said Kennerd. "The money is staying right here in the province."

Kennerd added more riders have participated every year since the event's inception.

Early detection

Ed Johner, a spokesperson with the event and prostate cancer survivor, stressed the importance of catching the disease before it's too late.

"Informing men and their families of the need for early detection of prostate cancer is one of the pillars of the Ride for Dad," Johner said in a statement.

"The level of awareness is growing and this year's Ride for Dad is poised to break records for number of registered riders and pledge donations. Proceeds stay in Manitoba for prostate cancer research and education."

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers Doug Brown and Obby Khan took part in the event, as did Minister Shelly Glover, Mayor Brian Bowman and Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis.

Riders rode from Polo Park Shopping Centre to the Assiniboine Downs and headed north to Gimli. After a brief stopover there, the convoy of two-wheelers heads back to Winnipeg in the afternoon.

Organizers encouraged other drivers in these areas to drive safe and expect traffic delays.

The ride got underway at 10 a.m.