Ride for Dad 2018 - A roaring success

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 did him proud, spreading the message that they're not to proud 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. 

Participants 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 and even a classic Indian.  

Streaming down through Mauchline to Kilmarnock and back to the Dean Castle, 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 Bell received her prize of a magnificent Tanglewood accoustic guitar, courtesy of RGM Music in Nelson Street.  

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 have helped 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."