It's May... The Countdown Begins!

Once the calendar turns to May, we know that we're in a B.A.D. month. Why not double your chances to win the eye-catching grand prize Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Limited Edition Sportster 1200? The pre-registration deadline is May 9th, 2008. Check out our easy on-line donation site at www.thebadride.com or send your pledges and completed form by mail to Distress Centres, Box 243, Adelaide P.O., Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2J4.

For those of you who want to pre-register in person, you can also visit us on Sunday May 11th, at the Hero Certified Burgers located at 850 Main Street East in Milton (in the Loblaws plaza; tel. 905-875-0155). We'll be there from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The owners are even showing their support by upgrading, free of charge, the burger order of anyone who registers. It's a great excuse for a ride! And, don't forget that you can still increase your chances of winning by fundraising right up until Ride day, May 25.

Late-breaking news: We are delighted to welcome Sunoco (www.sunoco.ca) as the most recent sponsor of B.A.D. Ride XI. Motorcycling and Sunoco gas are synonymous in most riders' minds. They are definitely so in the minds of B.A.D. Ride participants this year. The Sunoco station and the Mohawk Inn comfort stop share a mutual driveway. Not only is this a perfect place and time to gas up, but it is the only place en route to the end venue. How do you feel about motorcycling all summer without worrying about the cost of gas? Sunoco is providing the prizes for the top three fundraisers: $300's worth for first place; $200 for second place and $100 for third. We can't think of a better way of saying thank you to the riding community!

For those of you who are not familiar with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, we'd like to share a bit of why we are so excited about this year's end venue. It is a chance to experience one of the world's largest displays of operational aircraft under one roof. Over 40 aircraft from World War II are on display, both indoors and outdoors. Ongoing vintage aircraft restoration projects are taking place right in the museum for guests to see. Interactive displays, photographs and memorabilia are available for your enjoyment. You can "pilot" a jet trainer, climb into the cockpit of a half-restored WWII aircraft and then check out the cockpit of a jet fighter. Museum aviation buffs will be available for tours at your convenience. And, that's just part of what's going on after you unwind over a delicious barbecue lunch.

We know that our relocation of the after-ride party to the west has created some challenges for our supporters in the east and northeast. Please know that we didn't mean to cut you out. We hope that you will consider stretching this year in order to participate on a scenic ride that is the best one yet and to experience the excitement of the Museum end venue. We think that it's really worth it... we know that you will too. And, in recognition of the fact that ride day can feel a bit long, we've shortened the day's activities. Plenty of time to get home for dinner. Don't miss the action!
In upcoming newsletters, we'll tell you more about other entertainment and activities that we've planned for your enjoyment. The Ride just keeps getting better and better.

Did you know that one in eight callers to Distress Centres is a victim of abuse? Emergency services are accessed every day for a caller at risk. There's a life on the line. Your support makes all the difference.

The B.A.D. Team

B.A.D. Ride XI  · Sunday May 25, 2008  ·  www.thebadride.com