Saskatoon Ride for Dad draws hundreds to raise prostate cancer awareness

(Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

A sea of motorcycles filled the parking lot of Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum for the 18th annual Saskatoon Motorcycle Ride for Dad. The event is one of many held across Canada that raises awareness for prostate cancer and funds towards research.

“We’ve got about 250 registered riders on site already, and we are excited to hit the road and make a lot of noise for the people and make a lot of noise about prostate cancer,” Brent McFadzen, chair of the Saskatoon Motorcycle Ride for Dad, said.

The timing of the ride - the day before Father’s Day - was very intentional. McFadzen said that the impacts of a prostate cancer diagnosis can reach far beyond the person diagnosed.

“We have it on the Saturday before Father’s Day by design because dads are on everybody’s mind. Prostate cancer impacts everybody. It’s not just a male thing. It impacts family, friends and everybody,” McFadzen said.

The event chair added that in the 18 years that the event has been running, it has developed a very strong following.

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“The Ride for Dad has consistently got great traction and a very loyal following....it’s a fun way for people to get out and about. Obviously with the price of fuel, two wheels is a little more efficient than four wheels, but it’s just a great way to be out, clear your mind, put some miles on and enjoy yourself.” McFadzen said.

Saturday’s ride took the group of more than 200 from Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum to a handful of spots in the city before hitting the highway to travel to Prince Albert and back into the city for a wind-up barbecue.

Since the inaugural ride in 2009, the event has raised more than $55,000 for prostate cancer research.

“It’s a great group. Everybody’s excited, energized to be here. We’re all here for the same reason, and it’s a very unique situation. People get behind it cause

rally for the cause and the impact is amazing," McFadzen said.