As of last week 10 cyclists of at least 50 years of age have confirmed that they will be participating in the 10th annual Old Dog Run on August 6.
“We’ve got at least that many more riders who are ‘good maybes,’” said Joe Kozakewich who, with Tom Campbell, originated the annual ride from Kamsack to Yorkton and back.
Although the tour began as a bet among friends, it has evolved into a major fundraising effort with about $100,000 having already been raised for various charitable causes in the community.
In the event, participants seek pledges and money is raised at a reception being held at the Trackside Garden, which is the finish of the 168-kilometre route. This year all proceeds will be donated towards the Horizon Project at the Kamsack nursing home which is planning to have a new, scenic outdoor patio constructed.
Staff of the nursing home, in addition to other volunteers, will be working at the reception area, serving burgers and drinks while other supporters enjoy a program of music that will include Kamsack’s Polka Pals.
“We’ve contacted all of the riders who participated in the previous nine Runs,” Kozakewich said, urging residents to make pledges by contacting riders or by entering their names and amounts on any of the pledge sheets that have been left at most Kamsack businesses.
Kozakewich said that the escort vehicles that will be accompanying the cyclists have been obtained, which include a vehicle being provided by Quality Tire of Yorkton and a vehicle, with an EMT provided by Duck Mountain Ambulance Care of Kamsack.
Quality Tire is providing the riders with a meal in Yorkton, he said.
“But we’re encouraging new riders to consider joining us,” he said. “Give it a shot, you will be surprised as to how well you will do.”
Kozakewich recommends one “get some training in,” not to be shy and participate.
“On the ride, everyone cheers on everyone else and the faster riders are always willing to make accommodations for the slower riders.”
It is estimated that to date, 70 per cent of the participants of the previous nine rides have been Kamsack district residents.
“We’re still lining up entertainers for the reception,” said Karen Rubletz, activity director at the nursing home, adding that included in this year’s list of riders will be Harold Maksymetz, an employee at the nursing home.
