And they’re off
The first few four wheelers roared off shortly after 10 a.m. on March 2 as part of an estimated 300 participants in the Nation Valley ATV Club Rally in support of Ride for Dad. Thompson Goddard photo

SOUTH MOUNTAIN – The South Mountain Agricultural Hall (SMAH) was a beehive of activity both inside and out as the seventh annual Nation Valley ATV Club Rally in Support of Ride for Dad was held on Sat., March 2.  Winchester resident Charlotte Coons, one of the event organizers, commented how the event has raised $347,000 dollars over the past six years with all funds raised provided to local organizations. Coons elaborated that these included Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation in Ottawa which supports research and education on prostate cancer as well as the Winchester PSA event at Winchester and District Memorial Hospital. This year, the event will be held on Aug. 10 and provides education on prostate cancer and access to a free PSA blood test. 

The route that began and ended at the SMAH covered approximately 100 kilometres with a lunch stop in Winchester. Organizers estimated four plus hours would be needed to complete the track, and stressed the importance of safety on several occasions. Members of North Dundas Fire Stations No. 2 and 3 located in South Mountain and Winchester were on hand to recover ATV’s if needed and OPP constable Jonathan Bray and OPP auxiliary Mike Warden both out of the Long Sault Detachment were riding ATVs in the event in order to be of assistance as required.

Coons wished to thank all the community organizations and businesses which supported the event in a variety of ways including donations to the silent auction.