SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknife's motorcycle riders are encouraged to help raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer in the city's first annual Motorcycle Ride for Dad, June 6.

Robin Weber, left, and RCMP Staff Sgt. John Dryden are heading up Yellowknife's first Motorcycle Ride for Dad, which is scheduled for June 6. The ride is being held to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. - Alyssa Smith/NNSL photo

It's the first year a ride will be held in the Northwest Territories, but the event is celebrating its 10th year in Canada, with 25 cities participating.

All proceeds from the Yellowknife ride will go toward raising awareness and research funding for prostate cancer in the NWT.

Robin Weber, chairperson for the Yellowknife ride event, first thought of bringing it to the territory when she visited a Motorcycle Ride for Dad booth in January at a trade show in Edmonton, Alta.

She said prostate cancer is an issue that has affected her directly, as she has a family friend who suffered from it.

"I think everyone knows someone who's had it," she said.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canadian men and one in seven men will develop it in their lifetime.

In its early stages the symptoms of prostate cancer are often non-existent, according to the Prostate Cancer Canada website. Which is why men without symptoms should be tested because it is also when the chances of curing it are highest.

The Motorcycle Ride for Dad will be escorted by police, and event co-chair RCMP Staff Sgt. John Dryden said the event has a long history of police support.

"I think the ride is part of the community and it's certainly something the RCMP should be involved in," he said.

Weber said she is expecting between 50 and 75 motorcycles to participate in the ride and mentioned she will be riding one of her own bikes too.

"I haven't decided which yet – they're both black, so I guess it depends which shoes I wear that day," she said with a laugh.

Those interested in finding out more about the ride can visit the Motorcycle Ride for Dad booth at the 2010 Yellowknife Spring Trade Show held May 8 and 9 at the Multiplex or check out the Motorcycle Ride for Dad website.