A few years ago I met a man, who didn't look ill even though he told me he had Prostate Cancer. Over a period of...
About Us
Established in 2004, the Grand River Motorcycle Ride for Dad has raised over $2.3 million dollars for the fight against prostate cancer. The proceeds from our annual events are invested in ground-breaking prostate cancer research and life-saving public awareness campaigns of the disease and the importance of early detection.
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Charlie Pester
Kingston-Quinte
Author: Garry Janz
A few years ago I met a man, who didn’t look ill even though he told me he had Prostate Cancer. Over a period of time I got to know him better. He was always jovial and I thought PC can’t be all that bad. Then one day I was having coffee with him and before I left I said to him:
…What are you up to this afternoon Charlie? Well I guess he thought it was time to clue me in.
He said, Garry, if someone had told me ONE year ago about the PSA test, I wouldn’t be going home this afternoon to arrange my own funeral!
I was speechless!
Not until later did I find out about the PSA test and that it can be used as a tool to detect Prostate Cancer. I didn’t know then that a dozen men in Canada die from it every day!
Not long after, Charlie passed away.
Since that day I have been raising funds through our own organization, the PCFF.
Garry Janz
Co-Founder and President of Ride For Dad and the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation.
Chuck Shafley
Niagara
Author: Matt King
On May 2, 2019 the Niagara Ride lost one of its own. passed away after a long and courageous battle. Chuck was very involved with the Motorcycle Ride for Dad, his cancer was not Prostate Cancer but in his own words in a 2015 Niagara Falls Review article “I don’t have prostate cancer per se, but cancer is cancer. Anything you can do to help the battle, you have to try to do. I’ve had some awfully good care from doctors and nurses over the years.”
Chuck and his wife Lori were regulars at the Motorcycle Ride for Dad Fundraisers and BBQ’s and of course the rides. Chucks battle made it difficult to continue to ride a motorcycle so he exchanged the two wheels for a 1923 Bucket T. He was always up front and stepped in to give our Honorary Ride Captains a ride in the “Bucket”.
Chuck achieved the level of Diamond in the Motorcycle Ride for Dad Captains club meaning that he personally raised over $15 000. In 2016 Chuck was the top pledge earner for the Niagara Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
Chuck always had a smile on his face even when many of us knew that his body was not smiling on the inside. His attitude and outlook on life was one that many of us can use as an example of true grit.
Since his passing Chuck’s family have formed Team Chuck in memory of him and proudly continue the tradition of collecting pledges and being involved in the ride.
Chuck you will be missed. Please put in a good word for us on Ride Day.
Ed Johner
Manitoba
Author: Kirk Van Alstyne
In 2009 I met this amazing person after hearing his story and deciding we should start a chapter in Manitoba for Ride For Dad. Over the past decade, this man has inspired me and many others with his determination, courage and a great love for life. He has given countless days and hours each year, getting the RFD message and awareness out there will telling his own story of survival. He is one of the main reasons we all Ride for Dad.
What We Ride
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Byron Smith
Ottawa
Author: Byron Smith
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.
Pierre Allard
Yukon
Author: Pierre Allard
The first photo is the way my bike looked when I first got it.
It’s a 1979 Honda Goldwing GL 1000.
Aside from the cosmetics that I changed to my liking; the engine cylinders needed to be bored out with all-new crankshaft and connecting rod bearings imported from Germany…!
Tom from Honda helped with the carbs and timing. Almost everything needed to be gone through like the brakes, suspension, cooling system, and electrical.
The second photo is the finished product, however, I am still finding stuff that needs doing haha.
Retro British Ride
Ottawa
Author: Rob Taylor
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!
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Edelweiss Tavern
Fundex Investments Inc.
Guelph Police Association
Active Towing
Gibson Property Maintenance Inc.
Jamieson Car & Truck Rental
Starbucks
Tim Hortons