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Bikers hit road for Winnipeg prostate cancer awareness event

Hundreds of motorcyclists hit the highway to raise awareness about prostate cancer on Saturday.

Organizers with the seventh annual Motorcycle Ride for Dad event hoped to raise $350,000 for cancer research this year and encourage men to get regular checkups. The organization has raised more than $860,000 in the last seven years.

About 1,600 bikers registered for the event.

"Informing men and their families of the need for early detection of prostate cancer is one of the pillars of the Ride for Dad," Ed Johner, a spokesperson with the event and prostate cancer survivor, said in a statement.

"The level of awareness is growing and this year's Ride for Dad is poised to break records for number of registered riders and pledge donations. Proceeds stay in Manitoba for prostate cancer research and education."

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers Doug Brown and Obby Khan are taking part in the ride, as are Minister Shelly Glover, Mayor Brian Bowman and Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis.

Riders will drive from Polo Park Shopping Centre to the Assiniboine Downs before heading north to Gimli. After a brief stopover there, the convoy of two-wheelers heads back to Winnipeg.

Organizers encouraged other drivers in these areas to drive safe and expect traffic delays.

The ride got underway at 10 a.m.