Friday the 13th ride to Port Dover

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The rumble and roar of a motorcycle multitude descended on the small beach town of Port Dover Friday morning. As it has on every Friday the 13th for more than three decades. The well-established ride and rally brings bike enthusiasts from across Ontario together to admire the metal, and share some fellowship.

On this cold grey November morning, Melody Sharples is on a mission. She and a few friends are heading out to Port Dover, to join the crowd of motorcyle enthusiasts that gather to mark Friday the 13th.

It was 34 years ago today, November 13th 1981, that the Port Dover rally began. And while that’s an interesting anniversary to mark, it’s not the reason that Melody and her son Darin came down here today. “We’re doing this ride for cancer because my husband passed away on Februrary 13th, this year from lung cancer, and we’re doing it for all other people that are suffering. ”

But John Sharples was not the only person in Melody’s family to die from cancer. Her sister Priscilla died eight years ago, from melanoma. Melody operates Sharples Greenhouse Gallery. She and son have been raising funds for cancer research.

But today’s ride in the wind and the rain, was for something that they hope will be a long-standing tradition. “We’re trying to make an annual ride for cancer. Every year we’re going to make it a tribute to someone new. So, basically, we’ll be riding for someone every year.”