Local bikers will be gathering this weekend in memory of Randy Wilkin, hoping to raise money for one of the causes close to his heart.
Wilkin, an avid motorcyclist and hockey fan, died in 2008 after a bus accident in northern Alberta. Wilkin, a bus driver for Cherrey Bus Lines, was fatally injured in the July 7 crash that took place near Fort McMurray.
Before his death, Wilkin had been the main organizer of Ride for the Kings, an annual bike ride that raised money for the Elmira Sugar Kings, an organization that he was involved in for more than two decades.
Now, the Randy Wilkin Memorial Ride will be raising money for Friends of Hockey, helping children play the sport that Wilkin loved.
“We want to help less fortunate families that can’t really afford to put their kids in hockey,” said Neil Freeman, an organizer of the ride. “All of the proceeds will be going there.”
The ride will take participants along a 200-kilometre journey, starting from Elmira and travelling through Heidelberg, Conestogo Lake, Drayton, Teviotdale, Grand Valley, Belwood and Elora.
Last year, approximately 30 bikers took part in the ride. Freeman is hoping for more this year.
“Riders are always welcome.”
Freeman said that the ride is an appropriate memorial to Wilkin.
“He was just the kind of guy who would do anything for you. If someone needed a hand, he’d just be there to help you out,” said Freeman.
For more information about the ride, call Freeman at 519-588-3462, or Ron Arndt at 519-503-7895. The ride will run Saturday, July 24, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m.