Lakeland Ride for Dad kicks off support with ambassador Clayton Bellamy

Motorcycling enthusiasts find ways to give back, as community is a big part of who they are. 

Many of them take part in the Lakeland Motorcycle Ride for Dad, an initiative nationwide that raises money for prostate cancer research. 

This year that ride takes place on Saturday, June 17 and kicks off in Cherry Grove, but on Wednesday, the Lakeland group held a get-together to start the riding season and increase interest. 

A fundraising barbeque with spokesperson Clayton Bellamy was held at Sick Cycles in Bonnyville with money raised going to Bellamy’s Foundation for the Arts. 

“It’s raising funds for research and awareness to find a cure for prostate cancer,” said co-chair Jan Stewart.  

“We can’t find a cure for prostate cancer ourselves locally. So all the money we raise, through sponsorship, stays in the area to promote people to go out and get checked.” 

Riders enjoyed a burger before hitting the highway down to the Cold Lake Legion. That’s when they were treated to an acoustic performance from Bellamy.

While the Ride for Dad is based around men’s health, the group is made up of both men and women for their organization and for the ride.

Jason McCoy, also in The Roadhammers, is the national ambassador the ride. His dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“He got detected early and went in to a complete, successful recovery. When Jason McCoy heard about Ride for Dad, he went to national in Ottawa and said, ‘How can I help?’,” said Stewart. 

The group’s national office does collect money for major causes.

Recently, they helped fund a University of Alberta research project with $300,000.

“I started out as a finance coordinator, I’m finding myself wearing a lot of hats. But it’s very rewarding because you know that you’re doing something good,” said Stuart Taylor. “Locally, we’re spreading the word about getting the test in.” 

Lakeland Ride for Dad is always looking for more volunteers and more riders.

It’s all to help men as they get older live longer.

“The easiest thing to do is just go in and get the simple blood test and and spread the word to others.”