The rumble of motorcycles filled the air here Saturday as riders from across the region descended on Fort Frances to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer Society.
The first-annual Alzheimer “Ride for Memories” brought riders from Kenora and Dryden here for an impromptu bike show in the parking lot of La Place Rendez-Vous as they met their brethren from town for the ride back up Highway 71 to Kenora.
“It was fantastic,” said Margaret Schonewille, executive director of the Alzheimer Society for the Kenora/Rainy River District. “I can’t express how well it went.”
Fashioned on similar events in Manitoba, 20 bikes from Kenora and another 16 from Dryden rode into Fort Frances on Saturday morning. After lunch at the Rendez-Vous, the bikers joined with 14 from here for the trek back to Kenora for a steak supper, social, and show ’n shine.
“The spirit was good at the barbecue,” Schonewille said.
She noted another four bikes drove to Kenora from Dryden for the evening festivities, making the total bikes involved 54.
“It was above and beyond our expectations,” Schonewille enthused, referring to both the participation and the dollars raised.
“I was thinking if we raised $5,000, I would be happy,” she said. In reality, the participants raised $9,704 in pledges alone.
In total, the event grossed $13,605.83, including the pledges, corporate sponsorships not including gifts in kind, registration forms, sales of poker hands, and the sale of T-shirts.
“We do have some T-shirts left,” said Schonewille, noting that if anyone wants one, they can call 1-800-682-0245. The shirts are black, and have a motorcycle and event date and info on them in white.
Prizes were given out to the riders who raised the most money. Each received a two-night stay for two at tourist camps in the district.
Three Kenora men took the prizes. Dan Coulter raised the most, bringing in $1,375. Second was Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield ($961) while Stu Richards was third ($564).
One-night hotel stays were given to the top three poker hands for the riders that day. Mayor Canfield had the best hand and choose a hotel stay for two at the Sheraton in Winnipeg.
Jim McKinstry of Dryden took second, choosing a stay for two here at the Rendez-Vous, while Ted Becker of Kenora took a stay at the St. Regis Hotel in Winnipeg.
“So much was donated,” Schonewille said of the great support she got from communities across the district, including Fort Frances and Emo.
And the local area will have the opportunity to support the ride even more next year. It’s been decided that Fort Frances will host the “Ride for Memories” next year, complete with the social, dinner, and bike show.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
