The threat of rain could not spoil the day for the 20 motorcycle enthusiasts who took part in the first annual Ride for Life, sponsored by the St. Vital Knights of Columbus.
At one point, organizers had expected up to 100 riders in the poker run that fundraises in support of pro-life, but the weather had other ideas.
Ride organizer Dennis Mercer said, "The weather definitely played a big part in the numbers. Riding in the rain is not a ton of fun."
However, the riders had a great run, experiencing no rain throughout the 350 km tour through Neilberg, Macklin, Unity and Wilkie.
"It's a fantastic piece of highway, beautiful scenery. This route is a little off the beaten path," said organizer Marc Grosjean. "We will definitely be back that way!"
Fr. Greg Elder, parish priest at St. Vital's blessed the motorcycles before they headed out from the gathering point at St. Vital Church in Battleford.
Harold Stephan, chaplain for the Christian Riders Association, was also in attendance.
As this was the first time organizing this type of event for the Knights of Columbus, there was a lot to learn, said Mercer.
"Kevin Jones, of the Legion of Riders, was a fantastic help. We are already looking forward to doing it all again next year."
