"If I had gotten checked this time last year, I wouldn't be planning my own funeral today." With those words from Charlie Pester, a Kingston, Ontario educator and community role model, Motorcycle Ride For Dad was born. According to National President Garry Janz, "For almost a decade, Charlie's words have inspired over one hundred thousand riders, families, and sponsors across Canada who have raised over $5,000,000 for prostate cancer awareness and research through local Rides."

From its first event in 2000 in Ottawa, Motorcycle Ride For Dad has grown to include 25 cities across Canada and plans are underway to bring more communities on line. Motorcycle Ride For Dad has attracted a host of key national and local sponsors, including Mark's Work Wearhouse, Scotiabank and Wal-Mart to name just a few.

"There are 1.2 million men in Canada with prostate cancer, yet 800,000 of them don't know they have it. That simple fact motivates us every day to get the word out," Janz continues. "The Ride links the fun of motorcycling and community mobilization with the very serious business of prostate cancer awareness. Our message is simple - early detection saves lives. Until a cure is found, our fight against prostate cancer will continue to roar down the streets of Canadian cities from coast to coast."