Many thanks

Dear Mike:
Thanks to my fellow “lead riders” (Bob Gordon from Kenora and Doug Hutton of Dryden), this year’s “Ride For Memories” from Fort Frances into Dryden on Saturday was a huge success.
The ladies at the Fort Frances Legion started us off with a great lunch, then we were escorted through the TSN/Kraft Celebration Tour festivities at the Sorting Gap Marina with a “bagpipe salute” from the Fort Frances Highlanders.
A bear crossing Highway 502 near the monument pull-over brought our mile-long caravan down to a crawl/stop but only for a few minutes (being our version of the Highway 401 rush-hour traffic in Toronto).
In Dryden, the Legion greeted us with their Sgt.-at-Arms and army cadets as traffic/parking security, followed by a delicious barbecued steak dinner, so we were well-fed.
Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall was gracious in welcoming us to his hospitable city and should know his fellow citizen, Doug Hutton, did a marvelous prize-gathering job from his many generous local businesses.
Congratulations goes to Lawrence Lunam from Kenora for winning the best poker hand with an ace high flush.
A special thanks goes to the police from Kenora, Fort Frances, and Dryden for their traffic escorts and ensuring everyone’s safety, and, in particular, the OPP for their motorcycle escort for the entire ride.
It also was pleasing to see so many couples amongst the riders this year—it’s always nice to see ladies in leather.
Another special thank you goes to Kevin Kennedy from Stratton for raising the most money amongst the riders–and to all the riders (and all their donors) from Fort Frances, Dryden, Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay (and points in between, including Bemidji, Mn.) who raised funds for such a worthy cause as our local Alzheimer’s Society.
We look forward to next year’s event, to be hosted by Kenora. Until then, keep your feet on your pegs and the wind at your back.
(Signed),
Bill Naturkach
Fort Frances, Ont.