Get your motor running!

Provost Todd had special reasons to visit RGM Music in Nelson Street and Ferguson’s Bakery in Glencairn Square, Kilmarnock – they’ve generously sponsored Provost Todd’s Ride for Dad 2018 – a cavalcade of up to 200 blue bearded bikers who will roar through the streets and villages of East Ayrshire on Sunday 5 August to prove they’re not scared to go for checks and take care of their own health.

At RGM the visit was especially meaningful. Provost Todd’s own son Jamie “Tiger” Todd works there. An accomplished musician and wizard guitar technician, he works with owners Ian and Loreta Mortimer, selling and providing excellent after care with a huge range of professional and amateur instruments and music related equipment. They’ve generously donated a superb Tanglewood acoustic guitar to the cause – everyone who enters the Provost’s ride will be entered into a prize draw for the beautiful retro instrument.

Loreta explained: “We were delighted to become involved with this worthwhile event. Over the years many of our customers have experienced prostate problems and cancer, and while many have done well, sadly some people left it too late to seek help. Of course, having Jamie here, it’s especially meaningful – it’s a ride not just for his dad, but for every dad, brother, husband, friend. We hope everyone who rides has a great day, and that lots of people join in the finale party with live music at the Dean Castle Country Park.”

Over at Ferguson’s bakery, new manager Simon Brown who takes over as MD in September, welcomed Provost Todd, with Nick Dillon, Head of Human Resources, who is taking part in the ride on his  Kawasaki ZZR 1400. Fergusons are supplying rolls for the half way break at Rothesay House Cumnock.  He said: “Fergusons were involved in feeding the riders at the first Ride for Dad in 2013 and we’re delighted to be continuing the tradition. Anything which helps highlight the importance of this good cause can only be of benefit to us all, our employees, family members and friends. Nick, who brought his bike along on the day, will be joining the ride, and like many of those who don’t have a natural facial growth, he’ll be donning a false blue beard, available on the day, to join in the spectacle.”

Provost Todd said: “It’s wonderful to get the support of two great local businesses for my Ride for Dad. In addition, all riders will get a discounted food voucher for the Dean Castle Visitor Centre provided by Servest, a stylish metal pin badge and a commemorative t-shirt printed locally by Rainbow Ink.

“The whole point of this ride is to get people talking and thinking about symptoms, overcoming fears and seeking help early, when successful treatment is very possible.  Our route, the timings and the entry forms are available on the council website’s Ride for Dad 2018 page – we’re hoping those who don’t have a bike will come out and cheer us on as we pass through. And of course we hope all those with motorcycles – whether it be traditional Harley types, racing bikes, tourers, scooters, trikes or scramblers will join us for a fun day out. We’re all looking forward to the tour and live music at the Dean Castle at the finish.”

Ride for Dad leaves from East Ayrshire Council HQ, London Road, Kilmarnock at 11.00am on Sunday 5 August. It passes through Fenwick, Waterside and Moscow, progressing on to Galston, Sorn and Auchinleck, before arriving at Rothesay House, Cumnock at 12.00 for a rest and refreshments until 1.00pm. It then passes through Mauchline, Hurlford, and Crookedholm, before finishing at the Dean Castle Country Park at 1.45pm

Entries for the Ride for Dad are limited to 200 bikes. Places are filling fast, so riders are urged to sign up online as soon as possible. £15 per rider and £7 per pillion.

Watch our video here