Motorcycle Ride for Dad makes stop in Amherstburg

Over 300 motorcycles arrived at Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 for the Motorcycle Ride for Dad May 31 (above and below).

The roar of the motorcycles and the spirit of the riders was again on display last Sunday morning.

The Motorcycle Ride for Dad rumbled through Amherstburg May 31, maintaining an annual tradition that takes place the last Sunday in May. After leaving Thunder Road Harley Davidson in Windsor, the riders made Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 a stop along the way.

Proceeds help with prostate cancer awareness and research.

Legion executive member Rita Jariett presents a $2,000 donation (below left). More photos are on the RTT’s social media.

Shane Miles, who heads up local organizing efforts, said he was happy with how things turned out.

“I think we had a fairly decent turnout, about the same as last year,” said Miles. 

Miles estimated between 300-350 motorcycles were registered participants, and they poured into Amherstburg, where they stopped at Legion Br. 157 for a barbecue before heading out to their next stop. After leaving the Amherstburg Legion, they went to Colchester Bar & Grill (CBG’s) and then went to the Bourbon Tap & Grill in Belle River. 

“The Motorcycle Ride for Dad had some exciting news. It is now the Princess Auto Ride for Dad,” he said, of the new national sponsor. 

Local sponsors included Unifor 444 and TD Bank, who donated $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. That brings Local 444’s total to $40,000 overall while TD’s total now tops $5,000.

Legion Br. 157 donated $2,000 this year.

“That’s amazing,” said Miles.

Long & McQuaid were thanked for their assistance, as was Tim Horton’s, the Co-Operators, and Thunder Road Harley Davidson, the latter helping with prizes and having their staff in by 7 a.m. to help out.

“We’re well supported,” said Miles, noting they are grateful to all of their sponsors.

Sponsors, doctors and research students doing research into prostate cancer spoke at the opening ceremony with a local prostate cancer support group also on hand.

“It was nice to have the students at the event to tell us what they’re researching,” said Miles, adding all money raised locally stays locally.

Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 has been a stop for as long as Miles can remember, with Miles adding they have been the first stop for many years. Continuing to have them as the first stop is the plan going forward, he added.

“The Legion has been our long-standing first stop,” said Miles. “They are a cornerstone of the ride. They are phenomenal. It’s the perfect spot. They are full service for everyone. They are incredible.”

Volunteers from Legion Br. 157 cooked hot dogs and hamburgers, set up and cleaned up, directed traffic, blocked off roads to accommodate the ride and did what was necessary to make the event successful.

“They are steadfast in their support,” said Miles.

The town itself was also thanked, as residents regularly support the riders by waving to them and offering them encouragement.

“Amherstburg is known for it. It’s wonderful,” he said. 

More volunteers and sponsors are always welcome, Miles added, as it makes things run even more smoothly. People can visit www.ridefordad.ca/chapter/windsor for more information.

“We’re always looking for and always in need of volunteers,” he said. “It’s a wonderful event.”

Miles said he has been involved in the ride for years, pointing out his own father is battling prostate cancer.

“It’s personal to me,” said Miles.

Motorcycle Ride for Dad makes stop in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu