Perhaps just as memorable as your first ride is your last one, and Lesley Larsen-Nantel hopes to make her father's last motorcycle ride a memorable one this weekend.
Dan Larsen has spent the past several decades riding his various motorcycles all over the Lower Mainland, but sadly, a Huntington's Disease diagnosis in 2017 put an end to his riding, explained his daughter.
"It was devastating for him," said Larsen-Nantel. "He could no longer ride and every time he heard a Harley roar by, I could tell it was hurting him."
As the hereditary disease progressed, causing the decay of nerve cells in the brain, Larsen-Nantel wanted to do something for her dad, settling on some wind therapy, which quickly developed into a whole fundraiser.
"When I mentioned it to a few of my friends that ride, my amazing friend Quinn called and suggested we make it bigger and invite everyone and add the fundraising component to it," she said.
"We want to raise awareness and funds for the Huntington Society of Canada. It was a bit last minute to try and do before riding season is over, but we put it out there and there seems to be some interest."
This fundraiser will have bikers and classic car owners meeting at Barnes Harley-Davidson in 91原创 and then riding to the Historic Dewdney Pub in Mission.
"For the ride, we wanted a nice easy route. Something safe, scenic, and away from highways," said Larsen-Nantel.
"Quinn chose the route and as we rode it last week, it turned out to be very moving. Riding over Hammond where my dad grew up and worked at the mill for 47 years. Through Haney where he raised his children, past the Stave area where his parents lived and retired, through Steelhead where he and my mom bought their first house, and ending at the pub with a nice cold beer."
Larsen-Nantel wants this fundraiser to be as inclusive as possible, and encourages people to come by even if they don't ride.
"They can attend the lunch at the pub around noon and walk around and take a look at the bikes and cars."
And if nothing else, she hopes that this event will inspire others to take full advantage of their best riding years.
"If you've ever been on one you know the freedom feeling that comes with being on the road, and now my dad is in a care facility with very little freedom. Do these things while you can. And when you can no longer, the community will ride on for you."
Although this is the first time this fundraiser will be held, Larsen-Nantel doesn't plan for it to be the last.
"Hopefully next year will be bigger and better with some sponsorships and more time to plan," she said.
Anyone interested in attending the event can find more information at or can donate to the fundraiser at .
The ride takes place on Sunday, Sept. 8, with riders meeting at Barnes Harley-Davidson at 10 a.m.
