Sunday, June 2 marked the 12th annual 
Breast Cancer Pledge Ride. Riders came from 
all over Manitoba dressed for the occasion.
They ​decorated their bikes, themselves and
their dogs. Pink was the choice color. 

​Riders were greeted by 102 Clear FM and our
sponsor displays of all 2013 new model 
motorcycles. Inside the Assiniboia Downs 
riders started with registration, an opportunity
to meet and greet over the famous breakfast. 
​Participants also got a chance to view all the 
​silent auction prizes.

​743 registered riders on 670 motorcycles participated this year. As one volunteer in Stonewall said “The bikes just kept coming and coming.” From there the ride went to Winnipeg Beach for the “Breast Cancer Pledge Ride Bike Fest”. On Main Street with bikes lined up three deep riders felt like they were in Sturgis. What a sight it was from the rooftops! The riders enjoyed music by “Hey Rube” as they waited for the arrival of our special guest Paul Yaffe. Paul was given a warm Canadian welcome as riders gathered for the group photo. 

Paul Yaffe is a custom motorcycle builder from Arizona. He is known for “Paul Yaffe Originals”, “Bagger Nation” and “American Bagger Magazine”. Paul was also featured on the Discovery Channel “Biker Build Off”. Paul was impressed by all the talent and custom bikes here in Manitoba. Builders of these custom bikes showed off their bikes all day by riding the entire 220km route. What an honour it was to show off their bikes to one of the biggest and baddest bike builders of all time. 

Twenty two of Winnipeg’s Baddest Baggers and their owners spent time talking with Paul while they were being judged. First, second, and third place winners were presented during dinner by Dan Roche and Paul Yaffe.

​Kristen Bergen from the BreastCheck Program spoke on the importance and the difference that the Breast Cancer Pledge Ride has made over the years. She gave us some facts on the ongoing support given to the BreastCheck Program. BreastCheck is a program to check women ages 50 and older for early signs of breast cancer with screening mammography and patient education on breast health. 

Top male fundraiser was Ken Talbot. Top female fundraiser was Louise Hastings. Top team fundraiser was “The Breast is Yet to Come”.

​Thank you to the Thorsteinson Family, Cascadia Motivation of Alberta for donating the raffle prize of a seven day cruise. The winner was Scott Carlson, Ridgeville, Manitoba. Thank you to everyone who sold and bought tickets.

​One out of every seven participants was a volunteer. Thank you to Daniel Perron and Mike Sudoma for providing us with this year’s official photographs. Thank you to the registration crew, poker run crew, setup crew, parking lot and Winnipeg Beach street crews, merchandise and draw crews, and our sponsors and participants. You have raised over $118,700 and we are still counting!!