RIDING FOR LIFE
Motorcyclist enthusiast Dan Ertz says that “it seemed like God’s hand was involved,” when he explains how he got involved in the fight against cancer by launching Ride for Life five years ago.
His mother-in-law had died of cancer and, as an AFLAC salesman who sold primarily cancer and intensive care insurance, Ertz had grown close to several cancer victims.
“Cancer survivors live life everyday as a blessing and a gift, and they go for it the same way that they ride their motorcycles,” said Ertz. “They are a great group of people to be around.”
Riders will start their engines and hit the road July 22 for the sixth annual Ride for Life, Bikers Against Cancer Run – an American Motorcycle Association sanctioned event. Tickets are $20 per person.
Ertz was raised in Ipswich, S.D., and was 12-years-old when he and his brothers purchased a Yamaha 80cc street bike.
“We would fight over who was going to ride it, but we could get up to 50 miles per hour on gravel roads,” Ertz remembers fondly. Ertz has always maintained his love for the open road and owns a Harley Low Rider.
Ertz started volunteering with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in 1993 as a team captain and has been involved in some capacity since.
The Ride for Life fundraising goal is $22,000 this year. All proceeds will be divided among three cancer charities – Spokane Cancer Patient Care, Spokane Valley Relay for Life and Kootenai County Relay for Life. Cancer Patient Care gives money to families directly to help defray costs while Relay for Life dedicates funds to cancer research.
The event started with 90 bikers in 2000 and has grown steadily. More than 500 registered last year. Ertz used to organize the ride by himself but it has grown to the point that he formed a committee to help this year.
Sign-up begins at 9 a.m. with riders departing at 10 sharp, regardless of the weather, from any of the following Eastern Washington and North Idaho locations: Lawrence’s Motorcycles, Roadhouse, Coeur d’Alene Honda, Shumate Harley Davidson, All Star Customs, Helmet Outlet, MASH, Specialty Recreation and Marine, Big Boyz Toyz, Renegade Classics and Cruisers.
Although departure is from various locations the destination is the same – Cavanaugh Bay Resort on Priest Lake, which is about a 100-mile trip. Upon arrivals the bikers will be fed a barbecue meal, given a T-shirt and entertained.
If you cannot make the ride but want to support the cause, raffle tickets are being sold for $2 each or six for $10 and can be purchased from any ride sponsor. About $4,500 worth of raffle prizes have been donated by various merchants. A person does not have to be present to win the raffle prizes
Cabins, rooms, camping, tent and RV’s are available for riders who want to stay the night, although RV hook-ups are not available.
Ertz says national statistics indicate one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, and he is trying to do something to help.
At the end of the ride Ertz thanks the sponsors and asks the audience if anyone has had cancer. “I am always shocked at how many hands go up in the air.”
Ertz then asks if a family member has had cancer and then even more hands go up. Finally, he asks if anyone knows anyone who has had cancer. “That is when you see all the hands rise,” Ertz said.
“There is not one of us who doesn’t know someone who has been touched by cancer,” Ertz said. “It is a winning combination – bikers who spend their time riding and who raise money to fight cancer.”