The country-side hills were alight with the sound of motorcycles yesterday at the Ride for Dad rode through the rural areas around Airdrie, raising awareness and monetary donations for prostate cancer research.

The convoy started early Saturday morning out in Balzac, where riders met up to prepare for the big ride.

David Saxby, chair of the Calgary Motorcycle Ride for Dad, explained what exactly the event was.

"Ride for Dad has been going for 12 years now in Calgary and rural area and we raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness. Basically, we do a ride through the countryside, so we go up through Sundre area, up to Dickson Dam area, and back around to Carstairs. Riders will have the chance to have breakfast, lunch and dinner with us and help raise some funds for prostate cancer."

With the weather being what it was late, there was some concern for the motorcyclists. However, it turned out to not be an issue.

"It sure was. But, I woke up (yesterday) morning, the sky was blue and I was a happy camper," laughed Saxby.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men and Saxby said that it is a real problem.

"One in six men over forty will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. That's a pretty significant number. By creating awareness and doing the research, in many cases, men can be fully cured of prostate cancer in the early stages."

However, despite the numbers being so high, Saxby said awareness is not where it should be.

"The problem is, it's not something people talk about a lot. Creating awareness gets people talking about it and gets them in to see their doctor and get a test."

For more information about prostate cancer, visit here.

 

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