About 250 motorcyclists headed to Rama First Nation on Saturday for the annual Huronia Ride for Dad.
Despite rainy conditions, the 24th edition of the event was a success. Each rider donated a minimum of $100 for prostate cancer research.
"The goal of the event is to save a gentleman's life," said Huronia Ride for Dad president Willy Burnett. "We're not looking to raise an extreme amount of money or anything like that; we are looking to promote prostate cancer awareness."
He says the event has developed a "die-hard" following over the years.
"It's been raining today, but when you are a supporter, you support no matter what," he said.
When the parade of motorcycles takes off together, there is no better sign of unity, Burnett says.
"A lot of people come out just to see the parade leave," he said. "The bikers are great. They blow their horn, and people are just phenomenal with their support."
He says the Ride for Dad is making a difference in the prostate cancer awareness and research departments.
"With the research that we have now, we're making it bigger and better every day to see the results," he said. "The more people that get involved with this, the more the technology continues to get better."
Ride captain Dennis Stotesbury, of Orillia, took part in Saturday's event for his three older brothers, who are survivors of prostate cancer.
"This event is really important for awareness," he said, noting one in five men is diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Because of Stotesbury's family history, he gets tested twice a year.
"It's showing up that people that are under 40 are getting it," he said. "That's all the more reason to get tested."
Fellow ride captain Dwayne Johnson, of Orillia, was riding for five of his friends who survived prostate cancer.
"They all beat it because of early detection," he said. "If you get tested early, your chances of beating it are good."
Johnson says it doesn't hurt to get tested.
"It's just a blood test, but it could save your life," he said.
More information about the Huronia Ride for Dad can be found here. Donations can also be made using that link.
