At the heart of the southern Alberta biker community is celebrating community, raising awareness about motorcycle safety and giving back to local causes.
Southern Alberta Bikers are excited about the Motorcycle Awareness Ride and Teddy Bear Parade May 3.
This year’s event will also honour the memory of Randy Stepple, a beloved member of the Southern Alberta Biker community and a dedicated team member at Chinook Regional Hospital. The ride will dedicate its benefit portion to Randy’s memory, with donations supporting the creation of a memorial site in his honour.
At 10:30 a.m., Stepple’s family, friends and co-workers are invited to gather at the South Entrance of CRH to pay tribute.
The festivities kick off at Honkers Pub and Eatery with breakfast and coffee served from 8-9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m., riders will take to the road for the iconic Teddy Bear Parade, highlighted by the heartwarming delivery of teddy bears to children at CRH.
Participants are encouraged to bring along toys to brighten a child’s day or non-perishable food items to support the local food bank.
President of Southern Alberta Bikers Dallas Harty says it’s always important to remind motorists motorcycles are back on the road. “The bikes, you only see them five or six months out of the year. People don’t get used to seeing them all year round. We’re excited to let the public know we’re back on the street again.”
Harty says Stepple was a part of the biker community for a lot of years. “He was also a valued member of the team at the CRH. Randy passed away suddenly a little while ago, so we’re going to honour him with this event, as well.”
After the Lethbridge-based activities, Harty says, the group is going to take off for a ride around southern Alberta. “To just enjoy the day, enjoy hanging out and have some fun.”
Harty says people can visit the group’s Facebook page at Southern Alberta Bikers | Lethbridge AB | Facebook to check out the route for the parade.
“We’d love to have people out on the street supporting us,” adds Harty.
