We are once again very proud of our community for pulling together to help a child in need. Ride for a Friend continues to thrive thanks to our many sponsors and community members who support us. We can't thank you all enough. We are steadily making small improvements every year and we hope we can continue to enjoy your support as we begin to plan for the 2023 Ride for a Friend.
The Ride for a Friend organizers and hard working volunteers would like to introduce you to Dylan!
Dylan Chase Wilger-Gale was born October 8th, 2009. About 2 weeks prior to his birth, parents Vince and Venessa were informed there was something wrong with him. Given how far along they were in her pregnancy, doctors were not able to provide a full diagnosis until he was born. Venessa gave birth to Dylan at Mount Sinai hospital in downtown Toronto. After 3 weeks of visits to the doctors at Sick Kids hospital, they were finally able to diagnose his condition. Dylan was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, AMC for short. AMC is the term used when there are multiple joint contractures, where a joint becomes permanently fixed in a bent or straightened position, completely or partially restricting the movement of the affected joint. Dylan suffers from this in all of his main extremities (arms and legs). It is a rare condition that 1 in 3000 children are born with. There are multiple possible reasons for this occurring, including genetics and/or lack of movement in the womb. It was confirmed that genetics were not the cause, however given the other 300+ possible causes, the exact cause could not be determined. It is a disability that has a positive progression as he ages, with physio, occupational therapy, and surgeries. Some children, about two thirds, are able to walk with therapy and surgeries. Unfortunately, Dylan has also suffered from a lack of muscle in his legs, which is another common characteristic that hasn't allowed him to walk. Dylan had hip surgery at 6 months to correct his dislocated hips, another common characteristic. He has also had 2 surgeries to his achilles tendon in both feet as he also had clubbed foot on both sides. Additionally, he had a bone removed in both feet to allow for them to rest more flat so he is able to get around in his walker more efficiently. He wears AFO braces on his feet to help support him while he walks, as well as keep his feet from turning inward from having clubbed feet. Being mobile in his walker is great exercise and helps him build up the muscle he does have in his legs. Most of the time though Dylan gets around by way of his wheelchair.
Dylan is 12 years old now. He played in a challenger baseball league in the GTA area. He is an avid gamer and is extremely friendly and positive. He enjoys school and is strong academically, maintaining A and B averages. In July of 2020, the family moved to the Sudbury area and were able to purchase their first home. It had been their dream to do so, and to have the ability to modify where they lived to allow Dylan to be more independent. They purchased a new wheelchair just before the move, and unfortunately it did not last very long without requiring major repairs, along with being discontinued and unable to make any modifications to better suit Dylan's needs. It’s our hope, that through Ride for a Friend, Vince and Venessa may be able to get Dylan a better chair or one of the many other
assistive devices a child like him is going to need.
We hope you’ll join us again this year, or for the first time, to help support a local family. Of course we expect to have a great time doing it!
The Boozefighters MC Nickel City Chapter is proud to announce our 2022 Ride for a Friend! This is a game, not a race, played out on the highways of Northeastern Ontario to raise money for local children in need. This is our 9th annual poker run and our event continues to be one of the best Northern Ontario has to offer. This year’s recipient will be Dylan Chase Wilger-Gale of Sudbury.
We do hope you'll join us for a great day of riding in support of Dylan and his parent Vince and Venessa. The event will begin with registrations taking place at any of our Six "Checkpoints". Then you’re off to enjoy a scenic ride through the French River and West Nipissing areas along beautiful HWY 64. The run will conclude at the newly opened Alban restaurant DeeDee's Diner where participants will be entertained with live music and field games.
All makes and models of motorcycles, and all riders are welcome. In fact we don't care what you show up on as long as you've come with a positive attitude in support of Dylan!
Join us on Facebook, RSVP the Event, and invite your friends!!
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
Poker Run General:
1. Ride for a Friend is a Poker Run. The objective of participants is to visit at up to 6 checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The goal is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. Having the best hand and winning is purely a matter of chance. The event has a time limit (11am-3pm), however the individual participants are not timed.
2. This is not a parade ride. Riders may complete the route at their own pace and in the sequence of their choice. Please view our interactive map to help decide what route you will take. There are 3 route ideas provided to get you started: The Short Run: 82km, 1hr ride; The Long Run: 179km, 2hr 14min ride; The Big Loop: 213km, 2hr 38min ride.
The Details:
1. The action all starts at 11am.
2. Riders can register and begin their run at any of the 6 checkpoints any time after 10am
3. $20 per hand. Riders or passengers may purchase multiple hands.
4. Poker Run Play Card must be submitted by 2pm at Dee Dee's Diner
Playing your Hand:
1. You’ll draw 1 card at each of the check points. If you draw an identical card as one you are already scored for, the card will be void and you will draw again
2. Hands will be determined by the ‘Poker Run Score Card’ which you’ll receive at your first check point
3. You may purchase additional cards when submitting your Score Card to improve your hand. Prior to drawing your additional card you’ll have to forfeit one card from your existing hand. A maximum of 2 additional cards may be purchased for $5 each.
Destinations:
1. French River Rest Stop @ French River Hwy 69 crossing
2. *Dee Dee's Diner @ 828 Hwy 64, Alban
3. Monetville Tavern and Lodge @ 53 Shanty Bay, Monetville
4. Lake Nipissing Narrows @ North of Monetville Hwy 64
5. The Lavigne Tavern, @ Lavigne on Hwy 64
6. Main Street & Queen, Sturgeon Falls
*Final destination and hand submission point is Dee Dee's Diner in Alban.
View the Interactive Map
1. 50/50 draw
2. Field games
Entertainment:
Stay with us all night for food, liquid refreshments, our signature boat fire, and live music. Please drink responsibly and better yet - set up your tent and spend the night.
Camping:
Join us at Dee Dee's Diner, where you can sent up your tents for FREE. Porta-John's are on site. Please see event staff for tenting locations.
