NORTH BATTLEFORD - There was a strong show of support for veterans on Saturday when the Original Nine Riding Association Inc. held its annual Ride for a Vet rally.
About 80 motorcycle riders took part in the charity fundraiser that benefits veteran-related programs and services and youth groups.
At the start of the rally, participants gathered for breakfast at Hailey's Restaurant in North Battleford, where they registered for the event.
"We're all just here to support veterans and what they did for us, and what we can put back into the community for them," said Carry Grant, vice-president of the Original Nine Riding Association, the event organizer.
Participants rode from North Battleford to Biggar, then to Unity, to Cut Knife and then returned to North Battleford.
"We try to get a nice ride, long enough that it's worth the time and effort that some people [put in to take part]," Grant said. "We have some people from Kerrobert, Saskatoon, Meadow Lake, and the surrounding area."
The rally also included a fun poker run.
"We have prizes donated to us, because we're a non-profit of course," Grant said. "Community businesses give us prizes and we hand them out at the end."
Grant has been taking part in the Ride for a Vet rally for the past four years.
He joined the club for the camaraderie of riding with other bikers, but also because he enjoys participating in the ride to honour his grandfathers, on his mother's side and his father's side of the family, both veterans who served the country.
Grant noted that some of the riders in the Ride for a Vet rally are veterans themselves and many know a veteran, so the cause is important to everyone.
