My grandfather, Paul Ahern, died from metastatic prostate cancer in the late 1990s. A veteran of World War II and typical of his generation he didn’t talk about his health, feelings, or dote on himself. Suffering from lower back pain became he spoke to his doctor, but the pain was thought to be due muscle strain caused by the size of his belly and he was told to lose weight. When the pain became unbearable, tests were ordered and the diagnosis was late-stage metastatic prostate cancer in the pelvis and testicles. After a number of painful surgeries and treatments, my grandfather finally succumb to the disease, it ravaged his body, and this once jolly, rotund man died a little more than a skeleton.

I Ride because I don’t want other men to die this way. Men need to take responsibility for their own health and get tested. I Ride so that doctors have better diagnostic and treatment options to prolong life and keep families together longer.

If you can’t Ride, sponsor someone who does, or donate to help Save Lives.

Rob Taylor

Ottawa

I had prostate cancer in 2008. Underwent surgery, follow-ups and remained cancer free for 12 1/2 years. I did a number of Ride for Dad in Calgary. I now have a recurrence, and have a great treatment team at Tom Baker Cancer Center. I want to encourage guys over the age of 50 to get tested. I plan on doing the 2022 Ride for Dad!!

I’ve been self-employed nearly my whole working life, so riding my bike is my happy place where I can relax and get away from it all and it brings back memories of when I first took up riding as a kid in England. My Dad had a thunderous Panther 650 single with a sidecar that was his only means of transport back then. I started on a Garelli 50 cc, I’ve had dozens of different bikes, I now mostly ride 2013 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 and have been riding 45 years now.

I like to contribute to RFD when I can as a tribute and remembrance to my Grandad, who passed away due to Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer saved my life. Was showing signs of prostate cancer and while I was having a scan for it they saw something in the scan.
Had a colonoscopy done and found out I had stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Had surgery radiation and chemo.
Beat that. If not for the checks for the prostate thet might not have found the rectal cancer until it was to late. GET CHECKED

I started riding as an economical way to get around, and besides, riding motorcycles was a family tradition dating back to the 1930’s. Now, 59 years later, I ride mainly for the freedom and solitude of the open road.
Some years ago, I met a man who had given up a lucrative profession to support his wife’s career and become a stay-at-home dad. These days, he spends much of his time helping others, volunteering, and supporting good causes. When he first suggested that I Ride for Dad – he’s not a motorcyclist himself – I declined. I am much happier riding by myself or with one or two others, than in rallies or large groups. However, as I learned more about how much this individual spends his time and energy helping others, I changed my mind. My participation in Ride for Dad, and the generosity of my family, friends, and acquaintances in sponsoring me is a tribute to him.

Bob Chalmers had several hobbies/passions, one of which was motorcycling.  Bob was one of the first members of the “Red Knights Chapter Alberta 1”, a motorcycle club whose members are mostly firefighters.  With his fellow club members, Bob travelled a lot on his motorcycle; he attended several Red Knights conventions (e.g. Warwick, RI; New York, NY; Boston, MA, Winnipeg, MB; Montreal, QC, etc.).  Bob was quite proud to state he had been to every province in Canada and most of the United States on his bike (1982, 1999, and then his 2008 Honda Gold Wing – the only way to travel)!

In 2007, Bob was one of the founding members of Edmonton’s Motorcycle Ride for Dad Executive, and, in 2007 and 2008, carried out his duties on the Sponsorship Committee with dedication and enthusiasm. As a member of the MRFD, Bob was able to combine two passions…motorcycling and helping others.  Don Brandon and Bob would seek sponsors for Prostate Cancer in Edmonton and they made a good team!  In 2008, Bob was instrumental in getting the “Alberta Rural Ride for Dad” started with his brother-in-law, Tony Overwater, of Didsbury, AB. That Ride continues to grow and be very successful!  Bob was a proud member of the Edmonton Fire Department for 35 years (October 1973 to December 2008).  In June 2003, Bob was diagnosed with leukemia, one of the prescribed cancers for the purposes of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act for firefighters.  He was doing fairly well until 2009, but on July 6th, Bob lost his fight with leukemia.

My Dad had it and survived due to early detection. Now I get tested regularly because I have a high likelihood of getting it as well.

I have been an active participant and rider since 2010, at opening ceremonies first year we were educated how terrible this disease is . Met some survivors and riders that shared their stories . This excited and influenced me to make it annual challenge.. the kindness and generosity has been overwhelming …

My father passed away from Prostate Cancer in December 2014. He was only 52 years old. I urge all the men in your life (brother, father, uncle, friend) to get tested. With early testing and detection, this could of been prevented! I will continue to fight against prostate cancer and raise awareness!