Why We Ride

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!!

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

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 …