Over 150 bikers roared through East Ayrshire’s towns and villages for Provost Jim Todd’s Ride for Dad 2018. And for Jamie “Tiger” Todd he was “doing it for dad” for real, on his vintage Triumph Bonneville.
For the Provost, who was delighted by the turnout, it was a proud moment, and made up for the disappointment of having to travel by car following a minor operation. However his son and fellow bikers carried the torch for him, spreading the message that they’re not too embarrassed to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, knowing that early diagnosis of prostate disease can lead to highly successful outcomes.
The riders gathered early at East Ayrshire Council HQ in London Road, and visited Fenwick, Waterside, Moscow, Galston, Sorn and Auchinleck, before stopping for a break at Rothesay House, Cumnock where coffee and hot rolls were on offer thanks to sponsorship from Fergusons Bakery, Kilmarnock.
And for lucky Caroline Bell, from Cumnock, the day held surprise in store. All riders in the competition were entered into a prize draw for a beautiful retro Tanglewood accoustic guitar, kindly donated by Ian and Loreta Mortimer of RGM Music, Nelson Street, Kilmarnock. As keen supporters of local musicians they also gave everyone discount vouchers for instruments, accessories and guitar set ups.
Participants, all wearing commemorative Ride for dad tshirts, printed at cost by Rainbow Ink, had come from far and wide, and for enthusiasts, a look round the car park at Rothesay House was a rare chance to see a huge range of much loved shiny bikes, from Harleys to Ducatis, custom trikes, Triumphs and even a classic Indian.
Streaming down through Mauchline to Kilmarnock and back to the Dean Castle Country Park, the cavalcade was an impressive sight, with riders waving enthusiastically to the crowds who’d come out to wave and cheer them on. Finally, with live music from local band Edge, the happy gang settled at the Dean Castle Visitor Centre, where all participants enjoyed discounted food courtesy of Servest and lucky Caroline was presented with her beautiful new guitar.
Provost Todd said: ” I’m thrilled to see so many here today – what a fantastic turnout. And we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the volunteers, police and sponsors who all pulled together to make today possible. We hope that everyone who saw us streaming past will take a minute to think about why we were there, to pass on the message that men need to come forward for checks. I’ve been to see the research that’s going on in Glasgow into Prostate Cancer, funded by Prostate Cancer UK and it’s amazing what can be done – our fundraising today and this year will help to further that research. But in the meantime, we want to stress that no man should delay in seeking help for even the mildest of symptoms. If we can persuade even one man to get checked, then it will all have been worth it.”
Here’s an album of Ride for Dad photos taken on the day and Alan Marsh sent us this fantastic video of the day which captures the spirit of what was a very happy outing.