What can we say, other than WOW!

The response this year was overwhelming. We're still working on the final tally but we know we had 215 registered riders ( the RCMP tell us our "parade of motorcycles" was over 2km long!) and raised about $36,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation. If you'd still like to support our cause it's not too late, click on the Donations button to see ways that you can contribute. Remember that your entire donation stays on Vancouver Island and goes to support Breast Cancer research.  Be sure to let all your friends know they can support the cause by donating their Quality Foods points to the Vancouver Island Ladies Motorcycle Ride, they just have to tell the cashier at any Quality Foods store on Vancouver Island.

Apologies to those riders who didn't get a pin. We weren't expecting such a huge turnout and we ran out of pins. We've received some more pins. If you were a registered rider and didn't get a pin (or you know someone who didn't) please send an email to pins@cruising-for-a-cause.ca with your name and postal address and we'll mail you one.

It was a warm and mostly sunny day. There were a few raindrops - just enough to remind us all it's still spring. They couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of all the wonderful folks who took part in this year's ride though. Once again most of the riders were from the Island, but we also had riders from as far away as Chilliwack and Tacoma.

Before the ride we had coffee ( courtesy of Bradley's Bistro ) and snacks. Music was provided by Anthony Sharkey (guitar), Curtis Reich (Bass), Stllan Nundoo (drums) and Lisa Innes (vocals), all from Nanaimo. The ladies from the Abreast of Life Dragon Boat Team (Pat Porteous, Beck Perron, Jan Davidson, Rene Prosser, Linda Guerin, Linda Lapp and  Shannon Baker) helped with traffic control and gave the riders a salute as the ride started. When the riders returned they were treated to hotdogs (provided by Quality Foods and cooked by hot dog superintendent Jim Kerr) and cake (provided by Thrifty Foods) for everyone, accompanied by music courtesy of Celtic Chaos.

Special thanks to Constables Parker and Somerville of the RCMP Nanaimo Municipal Traffic Unit and Constable Smith of the Central Island Highway Patrol for providing the police escort for the ride, it wouldn't have been nearly as nice a ride without them. Thanks also to the Parksville Fire Department (John Mitchell, Rob Murison and  Terry Denouden). Another special note of appreciation to Lordco for letting us take over their parking lot for the day (and for mapping out the path to the washrooms!), your patience and helpfulness were wonderful.

Our top fundraisers were Zell Graham, Patti Auger, Deborah Steel Hobley, Wanda Parkinson and Flemming Sorenson.

Many thanks to our sponsors who donated food, prizes, helped with promoting the ride and so much more.

Finally a great big thank you to everyone who rode or sponsored a rider,  there wouldn't have been any ride without you.

Be sure to check back here later in the year to find the details of next year's ride. It  will be on June 10. We've probably outgrown the Lordco site and may have to move to a new venue, once we know more we'll post the details on the website. Hope to see you all next June.

About the BC Cancer Foundation and the BC Cancer Agency:

The BC Cancer Foundation is an independent charitable organization that raises funds to support research and care at the BC Cancer Agency. The BC Cancer Agency provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia and conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer. The BC Cancer Agency is a PHSA member organization. For more information, please visit: www.bccancerfoundation.com

Photo Gallery