Telling you were to go...

by R. Bruce Thomas

Have you been riding yet?

I feel a bit like a stuck record asking that every year.

And I'm also thinking that saying "a stuck record" may not be a good analogy in this digital age.

But, knowing how the kids these days like to abbrev. everything they say as if there is a word-counter on their lives, I feel I may have redeemed myself with the title of this piece.

It seems I have an annual habit of pointing out places to ride to or events to attend.

So, I was recently out for a ride and stopped at Big Sky BBQ near Okotoks and it happened to be Bike and Wing Night. This happens every Wednesday from May to September and I think you should go. Wing night kicks off at 4 PM and some nights they have raffles.

I'll point you at the East of Edmonton web site (https://goeastofedmonton.com/) for many road trip options and great destinations.

There is the Bikes and Bombers event in Nanton - https://www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/events/bikes-and-bombers/

Then of course you can't forget For the Love of Motorcycles, AMSS' own free, family, outdoor market event with a decent Show & Shine to enter - https://ab-amss.org/ftlom/

For the first time in a long time the Canadian Superbike series comes west with racing action happening June 21-23 at Rad Torque Raceway next to the Edmonton International Airport (https://csbk.ca/index.php/2024-schedule/2024-round-3). If you want to go fast, do it on a track, and this is a great opportunity to see some really fast riders.

I could probably go on but inevitably I'd miss something.

I'll finish this short list with the Ride For Dad which raises money to increase awareness of Prostate Cancer and help fund research into the disease. It has been said that Prostate Cancer will affect 1 in 7 Canadian Men but with the recent passing of Darren Dutchyshen I'm going to update that to every Canadian man having been affected by Prostate Cancer in 2024.

Check out the Ride For Dad and find out when the ride will be local to your area and how you can participate:

Find a Ride

I'll also make it easy for you if you just want to donate. Here's a link to my page for the Edmonton Ride on June 8:
https://ridefordad.akaraisin.com/ui/RFD2024/p/6d81ac41ef114c3e915673ea6c8a13a4

When I first did the Ride in 2013 my summer plans meant I had to do it in Calgary and that is where I initially encountered The Man Van - a mobile Prostate Cancer screening clinic. I have sought it out in subsequent years to continue with early checking.

When checking online to see where they may be this year (https://www.prostatecancercentre.ca/man-van-calendar/) I learned that The Man Van will be in Mundare on June 8 to coincide with the Ride For Dad passing through town. That is excellent! It will also be at Calgary Harley Davidson on June 15 in conjunction with the Calgary Ride For Dad.

Just two more reasons to take part.

But, check The Man Van Calendar to find a location convenient for you. Get Checked!

And there you have some Ride Ideas (RIdeas) to start your summer with.

Ride responsibly, and often.