Almost 2,000 riders roared off in Ottawa's east end on Saturday morning, kicking off Motorcycle Ride for Dad's tenth year on the road to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer.
During the last decade, the ride has raised $1.8 million locally, and $5 million nationwide.
"I just love it," said organizer Jim Summers. "There's something about the camaraderie of motorcycles."
"I'm a survivor," added rider Tony Marcantonio. "I thought I'd lend my support by joining the ride and having a good time."
Keeping talks about the cancer
After former CTV News at 6 anchor Max Keeping shared his story of prostate cancer, poodles, children and other unlikely riders took part in the ride. That's because though the the cancer is gender-specific, it affects the whole family.
"The women are here to support it," said rider Lady Rosa. "You know we have grandchildren, aunts, uncles, who are going through it. And dads."
And prostate cancer is 95 per cent curable -- if caught early.
"Men are dying of embarrassment every day, because they won't get their prostate checked. It's silly," said Summers. "We're out there to get the word out to get people to get checked."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
