I went on the first Ride For Dad ride on Durham in 2006 not knowing what Ride For Dad was but it was a nice day and a good ride and event.  I got involved in the Ride in 2008 and have since realized how important research and awareness for prostate cancer is.

When I look at the numbers that 1 in 9 men over 40 in Canada will be affected, and 11 men die every day from prostate cancer. In the over 70 age group, 90% of men will be affected.

The Durham Ride took a step back in 2020 due to COVID19, but prostate cancer didn’t take a break. So I decided to step forward to help the cause for 2021.

Remember early detection is key to survival so tell everyone you know over 40 to get a PSA blood test.

If you can help with a donation it will help our cause and save lives.

In 2005, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through 33 radiation treatments which brought me into remission (as a result of research those 33 treatments are now reduced to 5).

In 2006, I saw an article in the local paper for Ride For Dad and thought “that is my ride”. I proceeded to contact fellow workers, friends, union members (CAW), HOG Chapter members to raise money for the fight against prostate cancer.

I was always proud when the money was donated to doctors, and to hear the awareness ads on the radio knowing that I was a big part of it.

If it wasn’t for the PSA test I would not be here today. I have been a part of the Prostate Cancer Canada Surovior’s Group to offer support to new survivors.

Get tested early and often and never give up!!

Why I ride:   Freedom & Camaraderie.   Riding with friends and strangers but still alone with your thoughts.

Why I Ride For Dad:  Because I believe a dozen Canadian men don’t need to die every day from Prostate cancer.

Because I believe in the overwhelming power of a large group of people pursuing a single goal.

Because I believe Prostate Cancer can someday be beaten.

Because I believe that the Ride For Dad is the organization to get us there.

My name is Ben Burghout and I’m a Prostate Cancer Survivor.

The main reason I’m here today is because of the PSA Test. Here’s my story.

My annual physical always consisted of a physical prostate exam. Yes, the old rubber glove. No fun but necessary because of issues I was having. The main problem was frequent urination, especially at night. The physical exams always provided normal results. I just turned 58 years old and it was about a week before my annual physical was scheduled. I was up again and unable to go back to sleep. So, as my custom, I went downstairs and channel surfed on the TV. I was surfing along dazedly when I, and I don’t know why, stopped on some obscure channel I’d never watched before. As I sat there, eyes half shut, I heard the word prostate! That got my attention and I started watching. They spoke of a blood test for prostate cancer and how all men aged 50 and older should get it. I made a mental note and went back to bed not realizing that the commercial had just saved my life.

At my physical the following week and after getting an all clear on the physical prostate check, I asked my Doctor about this blood test for prostate cancer. He said “Oh, the PSA Test! It’s not always reliable but sure.” It was a day or two after my PSA test that my Doctor himself called me, which he had never done before or has since. He said he needed to see me right away. No need for an appointment, just show up and I’d be shown right in. Rather ominous I remember thinking. I remember looking at his worried expression when He told me my PSA test came back very high and that he wanted to schedule another one. He wouldn’t look me in the eye. He knew He had dropped the ball.

The second PSA test confirmed there was a problem and I was sent to a Surgeon. He ordered a prostate biopsy. Ten out of twelve samples came back cancerous. Because of my age, the Surgeon recommended a radical prostatectomy. The rest is history. I survived and continue to be cancer-free.

The money raised by Ride For Dad events goes to Research and Awareness. Research is obviously important but my life was saved by that Awareness Informercial.

I sometimes wonder what guided me that night to go downstairs, turn on the TV, to surf and stop on that obscure channel at the precise time that prostate commercial was on. Wasn’t my time? Fate? Luck? Divine Intervention? Perhaps my late Mom was still looking after me.

I am 67 years old now and cancer-free.

If you are 40 years of age or older, get a PSA Test. It just might save your life. It saved mine.

I started participating in RFD about 18 years ago. I joined my late brother-in-law Dave “Hilts” Thompson. We rode together and raised money for the Ottawa chapter.
Many years ago my grandfather was struck down by prostate cancer and just last year another brother-in-law lost his battle with this disease. Thankfully other close family friends are survivors.
Dave passed 2 years ago at only 60. So, when I moved into this area from Eastern Ontario last July, I decided to carry on without, and in memory of him.

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2020 when I was 49 years old.

In March 2024, I underwent a Radical Prostatectomy and Lymphectomy – which I am still recovering from.

Thankfully, prior to my diagnosis, I was undergoing regular screening due to my family health history. This screening saved my life – because I was younger than average for a Prostate Cancer diagnosis.

I am riding for my sons, brothers and nephews, in hopes that they never have to undergo the same thing I did.

For the first 12 years with The Ride For Dad, I rode my ’86 Harley Davidson FLST Heritage Softail, red and cream

For the last 8 years I have ridden my 2012 Harley Davidson FatBoy Lo, flat black.

My favourite of the bikes I’ve owned. A 2006 Triumph Bonneville T-100.

Custom paint and retro styling give this British classic a memorable look..

The original 875cc engine carb set up has been boosted with aftermarket K&N jets and custom exhaust that provide a throaty sound and added double-digit horsepower. Lots of added safety and performance enhancements.

A great handling, peppy, head-turner.

Ride Safe!