For the fourth year in a row, local motorcyclists will rev their engines for a cause at the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride North this Saturday, July 23.
Paulette Wotton and Lisa Rogers, sisters and avid motorcyclists, have been organizing the event since 2013, and now have the support of a small committee.
Rogers said the two women have several family members who have been touched by breast cancer, and they both felt driven to contribute to the cause of breast cancer research and care.
“We are women of the community, and we needed to find a way to help the women, and what better way to do it than with our motorcycles?”
Over the past three years, local riders have raised over $60,000 for CancerCare Manitoba, the agency responsible for providing care, treatment and support for cancer patients in the province. Last year’s funds were directed towards upgrading the technology in mobile mammography units used across Manitoba.
“It feels very satisfying to know that we as a community are helping, and can help for something so specific,” said Rogers.
Rogers said an average of 60 bikes have ridden together in past pledge rides, many with passengers on board. For the first time, this year’s riders will be joined by a few locals on four wheels: members of Flin Flon’s classic car club, the Rock City Kruisers.
“It’s awesome,” said Rogers, of the car aficionados’ participation.
Local motorcyclists can participate in the ride with a minimum $40 pledge. The ride will include a poker run and a barbecue lunch at the turning point, Gyles Park campground, located between Flin Flon and Snow Lake. When the riders return from their journey, they will parade down Flin Flon’s Main Street together.
“We are hoping for a good turnout, and to raise as much as we can for the cause,” said Rogers.
For a gate fee of $10, non-riders can join in the event’s social, held at 7 pm at Rotary Park. The evening will include live music by local band The Mix, and a high-stakes draw for a 2016 Indian Chief Classic Motorcycle. Rogers said all 2,500 raffle tickets have been sold.
Registration for the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride North will be held from 9 to 10:30 am on Saturday at the Rotary Wheel, with the ride starting at 11 am.
