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...
Ride For Dad is Back in the Halifax Regional Municipality!
We’re Back!
Great news, the Motorcycle Ride For Dad has been re-established in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Following a career in the Canadian Armed Forces Giorgio “Jojo” Frausin returned home to the region in February to retire. Having served as Co-Chair of the Ride For Dad Chapter in Kingston, Ontario, and participating in other Chapters across Canada, Giorgio was eager to volunteer with the Halifax Chapter. Learning that the Chapter was dormant Giorigio enlisted the help of John Hooper, my brother-in-law, as Co-Chair, and his sister Mary as Finance Officer.
Starting a Chapter during these unprecedented times is an uphill battle and John, Giorgio, and Mary are working towards hosting a traditional Ride day in the Spring of 2022. In the meantime they are out and about, meeting riders, building the team, and spreading the word to the local riding community that the Ride For Dad is back in Halifax!
If you are interested in volunteering for the Chapter, please click the volunteer button and complete the form.
Need a 2023 Pledge Form?
Why We Ride
Giogio “Jojo” Frausin
Halifax
Giorgio "Jojo" Frausin Co-Chair Halifax Chapter Ride for Dad I am honoured to have been asked to be one of the Co-Chairs of the Halifax...
Submit My Why
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.
Giogio “Jojo” Frausin
Halifax
Author: Giorgio Frausin
Giorgio “Jojo” Frausin
Co-Chair Halifax Chapter
Ride for Dad
I am honoured to have been asked to be one of the Co-Chairs of the Halifax Chapter of the Ride For Dad! I recently moved back to Dartmouth to be closer to my parents and it’s great to be back in what is arguably one of the best places to live and ride in Canada!
I grew up here and went to school in Dartmouth NS and enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1982. After a very rewarding career spanning over 35 years, I retired from the RCAF in 2017 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. During my career I had the opportunity to ride all over this wonderful country, the US and overseas. When we were posted to Ottawa in 2005, I started hearing about the Ride for Dad and I registered as a participant. I was taken aback by the huge turn out and the exceptional level of organization that was required to pull off an event of this magnitude. To be honest, I registered to be part of the event and the cause was a secondary consideration. It wasn’t until I was posted to Kingston, ON and became the military liaison to the local chapter that I began to understand why the Ride for Dad became a thing. In 2007, the Kingston Chapter approached me to become a Co-Chair, alongside Allison Pinkerton, the daughter of the man who was the inspiration for the Ride; Charlie Pester. I served in that capacity until I was required to move to Cold Lake Alberta in 2010. My experiences with the Kingston Chapter stayed with me and I’m still constantly amazed at their energy and dedication.
When I moved back to NS just last February, I started looking for information about the local Ride for Dad and was surprised that it had gone dormant several years ago. I decided to contact the national office and I was welcomed back into the fold with open arms and I was offered the opportunity to revive the Halifax Chapter. The first thing I did was enlist the help of John Hooper, my brother-in-law, to take on the responsibilities of Co-Chair. Mary, my sister, has also signed on as our Finance Officer.
Starting a Chapter during these unprecedented times is an uphill battle and John and I, are working towards hosting a traditional ride day in 2022. In the meantime, we will be out and about, meeting riders and handing out our business cards in order to let the local riding community know that the Ride for Dad is back in Halifax!!
John Hooper
Halifax
Author: John Hooper
Today it is very unlikely you can speak to anyone who has not been affected by cancer in one way or another. Personally, I have lost a mother and brother to cancer and several friends who have passed due specifically to prostate cancer.
So when Giorgio asked me to be co-chair of the Halifax Chapter with him I jumped at the opportunity. Being recently retired I could not think of a better way to focus my time than on such a worthwhile cause that combines my passion for riding. I am excited to be working with my brother from another mother, meeting fellow riders, having fun and most importantly raising funds for prostate cancer research and awareness,
See you out there and ride safe!
Byron Smith
Ottawa
Author: Byron Smith
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.
What We Ride
Byron Smith
Ottawa
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...
Garry Janz
Ottawa
Too bad it took me so long to discover the BMW R1200RT! It is a magnificent, powerful sport touring machine designed and built by German...
Submit My Ride
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.
Garry Janz
Ottawa
Author: Garry Janz
Too bad it took me so long to discover the BMW R1200RT!
It is a magnificent, powerful sport touring machine designed and built by German engineers. Features include Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment, Shift Assist Pro (for both up- and downshifts), central locking system for the luggage and storage compartments, low and high seats, cruise control, and keyless ignition.
Other standard features include ABS Pro, heated grips and seats, Automatic Stability Control, Riding Modes (Road/Rain), Adjustable Power Windshield, On-board Computer Pro, height adjustable rider’s seat and LED lamps.
Pressing the INFO button scrolls through all the menus to setup the bike, including suspension preload (rider, rider with luggage, two-up), Electronic damping settings (Soft, Normal, Hard), travel information such as tire pressure, fuel consumption, fuel range, amazing audio system, and more.
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!
Sean Secord
Yukon
Author: Sean Secord
2012 Yamaha Stryker
I’ve only ridden a few bikes, but when you find one that feels right, you know. This bike feels right. The only thing I modified was a seatback -for peace of mind when I have a passenger, particularly my daughter.