Duane Hicks
Live to ride. Ride to live.
Motorcycle enthusiasts will take to area highways in the name of a good cause this Saturday for the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts’ 13th-annual “Ride for Memories” and poker derby.
Bikers are invited to join in the ride and dinner to raise awareness and funds to support people with dementia.
Riders from across both districts will depart from Fort Frances, Dryden, Kenora, and Red Lake in the morning.
Local riders are asked to check in at The Harbourage here starting at 8 a.m., with departure time set for 8:45.
“Our first stop is in Nestor Falls at Monique’s Log Cabin for coffee and to meet the Kenora riders,” noted Bill Naturkach, a long-time Alzheimer Society volunteer who is helping run this year’s “Ride for Memories” along with chairman Bob Gordon (Kenora) and Doug Hutton (Dryden).
Everyone then will meet in Kenora for a steak dinner at the Kenora Curling Club at 7 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded to top pledge-earners and best poker hands.
The event, which has been taking place annually here since 2003, is one of the largest fundraisers for the organization.
Naturkach and his wife, Heidi, have participated in at least 10 of the “Ride for Memories.”
“It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and also to meet new folks for the first time,” Naturkach said.
“Everyone is always so friendly, guys and girls alike, and the variety of motorcycles is very colourful and interesting,” he noted.
“And there’s always something new you can learn from others.”
Naturkach said riding has been in his blood since he was 15 years old.
“So I make every effort not to miss any ride, especially this one,” he stressed.
To register for the “Ride for Memories,” visit www.alzheimerkrr.com or call 1-800-682-0245.
You will receive a package that includes a registration form, T-shirt order form, schedule of events, map of the ride, and pledge forms.
Registration costs $25 (dinner ticket included).
Additional dinner tickets cost $25 each.
Money raised from the event helps the local Alzheimer Society provide ongoing delivery of services and programs.
