The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The annual Breast Cancer Pledge R i d e f r o m Winnipeg will be in for a change this year as Flin Flon will host it. Though it's open to all bikers, the Flin Flon Motorcycle Association expects to see northern riders at this summer's event. Paulette Wotton, an avid biker and member of the local club, will be hosting this year's fundraiser. Wo t t o n l i v e d i n Winnipeg for a number of years and participated in two Breast Cancer Pledge Rides. Since moving back to Flin Flon six years ago, Wotton has decided to bring the fundraiser to her hometown. 'I sought out looking for a club in Flin Flon when I moved home,' said Wotton. 'They were such a hard working club that gives back. 'I was very delighted to jump on board and be able to help out.' The Breast Cancer Pledge Ride North will take place August 3 during the second annual Flonstock. Bikers will start at the Gateway and make their way to Gyles Campground on August 3. After a lunch, the group will make their way back to town and head out to Flonstock _ located enroute to Denare Beach. In the 11 years the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride has been going, more than $530,000 has been raised. 'It's contagious,' Wotton said about the experience of the ride. 'When you take park it's a contagious feeling to get the awareness and how widespread it is.' Not only breast cancer, but all forms of cancer affect each and every person in some way or another. Wo t t o n s a y s t h e Pledge Ride is a great way to spread awareness, have fun, and raise money. All funds collected at this year's Breast Cancer Pledge Ride North will be donated to Cancer Care Manitoba to benefit the North. 'We would love to support many projects that have made a difference in the health of northern Manitobans,' said Wotton. The August event will also feature a poker run and observation ride. Passengers of drivers will have a sheet of items they must watch for during the ride _ such as the colour of a particular sign or where something was located. The Pledge Ride will also be open to the classic car community. As well, ghost hands will be available for sale. Wotton doesn't have a number in mind for the ride, but would like to see as many bikes as possible. Pledge sheets are available through both Wotton and the office of VA Services. The ride is open to all; however Wotton says there is a minimum $40 pledge donation to cover the cost of Flonstock entrance fees. Kelly Carrington Staff Writer
