3rd Annual Ride for Mom

The 3rd Annual Ride for Mom took place at Blackjacks Roadhouse on May 11th, 2019.
300 motorcycles participated under beautiful sunny skies and 24 degree temperatures!

Krysta Shields, Kevin O'Connor and Tyler Grant are the Ride for Mom.
Krysta is the manager of Blackjacks Roadhouse & Games Room.  Kevin is an Alberta Sheriff and Tyler is the social media guy for Blackjacks catching as much of the action to share with everyone and helping to build the reputation they have as Alberta’s Best Bike Bar.

The Ride for Mom is one of the fastest growing events in Alberta and the reason is obvious, Blackjacks Roadhouse hosts the most incredible Two Wheel Tuesday Ride Nights anywhere in the province and they do it by supporting different causes and charities every week with their $6 burger sales and the best food and service around. (They work hard to serve so many in such a short space of time every Tuesday!)

There are a few other reasons this event is so fast growing - the Shields Family themselves are renowned around the northern half of Alberta for their giving natures and their sense of being in service to others. Just ask anyone who has benefited from their generosity at their free Christmas buffet where they give up their Christmas to feed others! (Never mind everything else they do and they do a lot of charitable work, every last one of them.)

Then there is the ride itself and everything you get because of the sponsors who supply the free breakfast, the free patches, the water at all the stops, and the signage. The sheriffs and the RCMP who help keep things safe, and the Victim Services offices who help out. You get a ton for your $30 entry fee including door prize tickets!

And finally, there is the cause. Ending Domestic Violence.

The Ride for Mom supports:
Edmonton Domestic Violence Shelters Engage (EDVSE) to help end domestic violence.
Six Edmonton-based organizations that advocate for survivors of domestic violence, for their organizations, and for the sheltering response: La Salle, Lurana Shelter Society, WIN House, Wings of Providence, Sage Seniors Safe House, and the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters.
Because of the hard work of the board of directors, and Krysta Shields in particular, 100% of the proceeds raised go towards the needs of Edmonton Area shelters.

The Ride for Mom helps build strong families through education and awareness of exactly what the impact of domestic violence is on women and children.

Having all of the first responders and victim services all involved in this ride, brings the message home loud and clear that there are women and children that need all of the support they can get and that domestic violence needs to be stopped.

Guardians of the Children, BACA, Bullying Enns, UBAKA, Protection for the Unprotected, Bikers are Buddies and many other children’s rights advocacy groups were on hand lending their support to this cause.  On hand were some of the regional ladies riding clubs like Babes on Bikes, Women in the Wind, & Pink Motor Sisters!

To the communities of Millet & Breton, your hospitality was amazing and East Parkland Bible Church I was told the time there was fantastic.
To the staff of Blackjacks Roadhouse and the volunteers from Brunch for Broads, the ATB, Klondike Insurance and the EDVSE, thank you for another amazing day!

To all who rode, thank you.
Whether you realize it or not, you probably know someone who is dealing with domestic violence and the support shown, the dialogue that is started is critical to ending it.

Ride for Mom https://rideformom.ca/

 

A Look Back at 2018 at the Ride for Mom on Season 6 Episode 3 Segment 2

Season 6 Episode 3 Segment 2
Clint AKA Dragon - Guardians of the Children Canada.

Ride Like a Local was on site at Blackjacks Roadhouse for the Ride for Mom motorcycle event.  We talked with Clint AKA Dragon with the Guardians of the Children Wetaskawin Group.

The mission of the Guardians of the Children is to recognize and react to child abuse and educate the public to do the same; to serve as advocates to provide strength and stability to families in crisis; and be an answer to the prayer of an abused child or teen for courage, support and protection.

Dragon states they are here to help people.  Children and parents, both moms and dads.  They also help children and protect them through the court process to give them the courage to stand up and not be afraid.

Riders are here to help educate and raise awareness about abuse.

“Don't Let Silence Drown Out Their Cries”

To learn more, to join or to donate, contact: http://www.guardiansofthechildrencanada.com/

Season 6 Episode 3 Segment 2
Krysta Shields of Blackjacks Roadhouse

On site at the Ride for Mom Motorcycle event, Ride Like a Local interviewed Krysta Shields of Blackjacks Roadhouse.  

The Shields family is responsible for the 2nd Annual Ride for Mom Motorcycle event.  A ride and fundraiser to end domestic violence.  With over 100 bikes showing up, the support has been nothing short of amazing.

The funds raised for this ride go to support 6 shelters in the Edmonton area.  Shields states that she chose domestic violence because it is often overlooked and does not have the proper funding. The cause is perfect for the riding community as someone always knows someone in such a situation.

Among the sponsors Krysta credits Edge Harley Davidson, Harley Davidson of Edmonton, Klondike Insurance, Pratts Food and ATB Financial.  They are happy to say that all $30.00 of the registration fee is going directly to A.C.W.S.

Please visit Blackjacks Roadhouse or Ride for Mom for more information, to join or to donate!

Season 6 Episode 3 Segment 2
Alberta Sheriffs Department

At the motorcycle event, Ride for Mom, Ride Like a Local TV spent just a few minutes with Sargeant Daryl Brown and Sargeant Tad Childs of the Alberta Sheriffs Department.

The two Sergeants are on hand as escorts for the Ride for Mom event.  They say a member of the Sheriff family, who is also an organizer of the event, asked them to help out and they were more than happy to say yes.

They say that the most important thing is the community getting together to have a bit of fun, and to raise awareness for an end to domestic violence.

Thank you to the Alberta Sheriffs Department.
If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 at Ride for Mom in Season 6 Episode 3 Segment 1

Season 6 Episode 3 Segment 1
Patricia Nicholl of the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters.

Sitting at Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku, AB, surrounding by about 70 bikes on the Ride for Mom charity event, Ride Like a Local interviewed Patricia Nicholl of the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters.

Alberta Council of Women's Shelters is an advocacy group for women's shelters in Alberta.  They are the voices of the shelters and provide education, fundraisers, and events to raise money in support.  They provide support to their members and leaders and look for solutions to end domestic violence.

These shelters save lives, strengthen families and improve communities.

Every knows someone who has been a victim of domestic violence.  Raise awareness as we are stronger together.

To learn more or to donate, go to https://acws.ca/about-acws

If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show on Season 6 Episode 2 Segment 2

Season 6 Episode 2 Segment 2
Blackjacks Roadhouse

At the Edmonton Motorcycle Show, Ride Like a Local ran into Krysta Shields, a Rider Friendly Business Partner, from Blackjacks Roadhouse.

Blackjacks Roadhouse is a huge part of the community.  Famous for its Tuesday Bike nights, they have established itself as one of he best biker friendly facilities for poker runs and charity rides in Western Canada.

Blackjacks Roadhouse hosts many major charity bike runs such as the Edmonton Ride for Dad, Ride for Sight, Ride for Mom, Wounded Warriors, Military Minds as well as numerous local club rides and events.

They are also the home and meeting place for numerous clubs such as BACA (Bikers against Child Abuse), Rig Riders and the Black gold Beamers (BMW). They offer their 100 seat second floor meeting area free of charge to all bike clubs.

While at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show, RIde Like a Local surprised Krysta with a beginners course from the Edmonton office of the Alberta Safety Council.  We sure hope to see this girl on a bike soon!

Go to Blackjacks Roadhouse to find out more about special events and more. at https://blackjacksroadhouse.com/

Season 6 Episode 2 Segment 2
Neil MacDonald of Harley Davidson Edmonton


Ride Like a Local interviewed Neil MacDonald of Harley Davidson Edmonton.  He was excited to tell us all about the new Softail lineup.  The new lineup is all redesigned with a new motor, suspension and new frame.  Choose your motor from the Milwaukee 8 107 or 114.

If you're new to bikes and looking to get on one, a wonderful entry level bike or commuting bike is the Harley Davidson Street 750.  Its quick to get on and simple to get around!  But if you're asking Neil about his favorite bike, check out the Harley Davidson Street Special.

Another fun evening put on by Harley Davidson Edmonton is pipes night.  Come listen to a variety of exhaust installed on bikes or show off your own pipes.  Hang out and enjoy some delicious BBQ with your family and take a peek at their Fashion show.

For all your motorcycle needs check out Harley Davidson Edmonton at https://www.hdedmonton.com/

If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

The Inaugural Ride for Mom

My soul was so looking forward to an 11 - 12 hour round trip brain clearer as I watched the sky, waiting for a break to pack my saddlebags.

That break never came.

It howled, with great big fat raindrops that would have meant everything I needed to pack would have ended up wet.  The cage it was.  I waited until I couldn't wait any longer and I threw everything into the car and off I went.

I was supposed to be at Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku at 7pm for the volunteer meeting, that did not happen. I made it for 8pm.  Thanks to Kevin O'Connor from the Wetaskiwin Sheriff's department - he handled most of the questions for me.

Saturday morning dawned cold, drizzly and miserable.  I headed over to Blackjacks from the  Airways next door to be greeted by the smiling faces of Catherine and Rob who were on time for their 6:45 am shift to park motorcycles.

Krysta Shields and Michaela Wallace, my fellow board members for the Ride for Mom were smiling in spite of Mother Nature not understanding that this day was all about honouring Moms and helping them get the help they need when things go south.

When mom is happy, healthy and whole, the children generally thrive and so do others who are around them. Domestic violence hurts everyone it touches.

It's important that we stamp it out and the Ride for Mom is all about giving those who need it most, a voice.

Domestic violence doesn't just touch women and children, it also touches men and many seniors, however women suffer most often.  Sadly, blood doesn't always mean we are kind or patient.

The Ride for Mom might have gotten off to a soggy start for it's inaugural ride, but as my good friend Gail Day reminded me, we put together an amazing event that is filled with wonderful volunteers and has for a first time event garnered major support and recognition and no amount of rain could change any of these facts.


My brothers from the 3rd C.A.V. Frezenberg Unit along with a member of the Regiment MC took lead of the 32 bikes, and they even found a back seat for me to ride on.

Now I don't like riding pillion much these days, but it did give me the opportunity to do some real action shots of the motorcycles with my camera and helmet cam both working in harmony!

We got to our first stop in Wetaskiwin, the Reynolds-Alberta Museum, and were greeted by the Alberta Sheriffs. (We were all given plastic sheriffs badges, as sheriffs helpers)  The ladies from the Victim Services office were out giving out hugs, candies and domestic violence brochures..

Too often, the Sheriffs, EMS, RCMP, Victim Services, Fire - these are the people who have to deal with the ugly and sad side of humanity; domestic violence. Violence between people who are supposed to love each other.

After some hugs, some laughs and some water, we were off to our next stop, Route 13 and the Chop Shop in Camrose.

There were were again greeted by the Alberta Sheriffs, but instead of ladies from Victim Services we had 4 young folk from the 3068 SALH RCACC (Camrose Cadets) helping out.

Tara and Jamie had the entire parking lot decked out. Fiona's Coffee & Gifts was on hand with the Belt Drive Betty Blend of Coffee (We had some Bags devoted to Ride for Mom on hand).

Then there was a wonderful BBQ, Monster energy drinks, Williams Custom Bikes and of course the cool clothing, accessories and jewelry carried at Tara's shop.


The riders all got their coupons, same as at the first stop. These coupons would be used later to see who won all of the incredible ride prizes we had been donated!

When we were all ready to leave, we were pleasantly treated to the City of Camrose police department blocking traffic so we riders could move safely through the intersection! That was so wonderful!

When we got to Tofield, not only were their RCMP vehicles blocking traffic, but an entire block in front of the library and administration offices was blocked off.

Here we were treated to water and home made cookies (gluten free were even available).

Cookies, brochures on shelters and domestic violence and hugs were the hottest commodity going and everyone's hearts seemed to fully engage with this cause.

After having some fun with the Sheriffs van, we were escorted out of town and the highway blocked for us and we were on the final leg back into Blackjacks Roadhouse.

Krysta and Michaela along with their trusty support man Tyler were ready for us.

After a few short speeches, the draws were made and people started to dissipate.

It was an amazing day when 32 souls braved the cold bitter winds and participated in what history will show was the first of many rides.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and sponsors who made it possible for 32 people to bond in a special way.  The Ride for Mom, I was so honoured to be part of this first one.

Special shout out to Kevin O'Connor, The Brunch for Broads, Red Knights, 3rd C.A.V., Victim Services, Alberta Sheriffs - you key volunteer groups were the backbone of this entire event!

There are so many individuals and businesses to thank, without your support we could not have done what we did....

Krysta, Michaela, Tyler, Clarence, our major sponsors; CTV, Heritage Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson of Edmonton, Klondike Insurance, Blackjacks Roadhouse, Airways
 Hotel and Belt Drive Betty Media.

Please visit www.rideformom.ca to see the names of the other sponsors...
I speak for myself, but I am sure the rest of the board would agree with me when I say that I am blown away by the support and generosity of so many for this inaugural event.

To see more photos of the event visit my photo gallery at:

Inaugural Ride for Mom

or www.rideformom.ca

The Ride for Mom Edmonton and Area supports: Edmonton Domestic Violence Shelters Engage (EDVSE) which is comprised of representatives from six Edmonton-based organizations that advocate for survivors of domestic violence, for their organizations, and for the sheltering response: La Salle, Lurana Shelter Society, WIN House, Wings of Providence, Sage Seniors Safe House, and the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters.

Grande Prairie, should we do our own Ride for Mom here next year?  I think we should, who is with me?

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider