Ride for Dad Makes Pit Stop in Sharbot Lake

Aug 19, 2010

Photo: l-r-Marcel Giroux, CF Mayor Janet Gutowski, President of the Motorcycle Ride for Dad Garry Janz and Janet Barr

Close to 100 riders participating in the Motorcycle Ride for Dad' first ever cross country Canada tour to raise funds for prostate cancer awareness and research pulled into Sharbot Lake on August 11, taking up Mayor Janet Gutowski on her invitation for refreshments and a relaxing break at the beach.

This particular ride is the first national cross country ride in the organization’s 10-year history and it is expected to raise over $5 million. The ride began in St. John’s Newfoundland and is occurring in stages across the country. It will culminate in British Columbia.

Mayor Gutowski became aware of the ride recently and invited riders to the lake after approaching the Central Frontenac Economic Development Committee (CFEDC), citing the invitation as a way to promote the area. Word spread quickly and ride organizers were thrilled to be presented with two cheques last Wednesday at the event. The first was presented by Marcel Giroux, a member of the CFEDC and a prostate cancer survivor, and the second by Janet Barr on behalf of the Treasure Trunk.

After the cheque presentations the Ride's president Garry Janz thanked Mayor Gutowski and in a joking reference to the adjacent Family Health Team building, appointed her the task of ensuring that all males visiting and passing through Sharbot Lake have their prostates checked there.

The stop was a win-win event for all parties concerned, as Mayor Gutowski pointed out. “We have a wonderful, warm and supportive community here particularly for good causes so I think it's a nice opportunity to extend a welcome to other people from outside the area and a chance to show them what a great community we have here.”

The riders then proceeded down Road 38 to Kingston and from there continued along the Highway of Heroes to Trenton to attend a special ceremony before setting out again.