John Pascuzzo, Top Pledge Earner, on Why He Rides
Published Monday, July 26, 2021
John Pascuzzo didn’t let COVID interrupt his 18 years in the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad. This year, he was the top pledge earner in the COVID-friendly Tbaytel Cruise for Dad and created his own event last year, riding his brother’s bike.
by Graham Strong
To say that John Pascuzzo, the top pledge earner during this year’s Tbaytel Cruise for Dad, is “dedicated to the cause” is an understatement. For the last 18 consecutive years, John has fired up his motorcycle in the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, raising money for prostate cancer care.
Last year, COVID forced the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation to cancel the annual event. Undeterred, and with the help of the Foundation, John created a Solo Ride campaign to raise funds for prostate cancer research. He hit the open road with his son Joseph and his cousin Frank.
“Because of COVID, there was no other option,” John said.
This year, the Health Sciences Foundation did find another option: the Tbaytel Cruise for Dad. The event was an excellent replacement, John said. Rather than a poker run, participants cruised to 10 historic locations throughout Thunder Bay. And, you didn’t have to ride a motorcycle. The Foundation invited participants to travel by car, truck, bike, or even walk during the month-long event. In total, the Tbaytel Cruise for Dad raised $22,153.19.
“The people who participated really would like to see it again,” said Elaine Graydon, the Foundation’s Manager, Special Events. “A lot of them don’t have motorcycles, so they really liked that they could participate anyway.”
Participants also had many chances to win random draw prizes from many local businesses. They earned extra ballots by completing route stops and collecting pledges with the top three pledge earners winning great prizes. In addition, A&W provided a lunch gift card and Crystal Beach Variety supplied a cool ice cream treat for all participants.
“Many participants made it a family event. They could be isolated in their own little bubble and not have to interact with anyone else. And, because they had the whole month of June to complete it, they could do it on their own schedule,” Elaine said.
John said he enjoyed that aspect of it too, riding out to all 10 locations on beautiful days in June.
“I’m a fair-weather rider, so I liked the fact I could pick the sunny days to ride.”
Despite the success of both events, John is looking forward to a time when he can ride with all the others in the poker run once again. “There is something about the camaraderie of having 250+ motorcycles gathered together for a great cause. Just that ambience – it’s pretty neat.”
John Feels Like He’s Riding with His Brother
On the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, John is never alone. This year he rode with his son Joseph but always feels like his brother is riding with him. It was Peter who, in a roundabout way, got John involved with the event. John never even thought about riding a motorcycle, but Peter joined the Ride the very first year the Foundation hosted it.
In 2003, Peter won the poker run with five natural aces. Unfortunately, shortly after the ride, Peter succumbed to his kidney cancer.
Soon after, John got his motorcycle licence and started riding in the event in 2004. He now rides Peter’s motorcycle with a personalized plate that honours him – “5ACEZ”. He never felt he was taking Peter’s place in the ride or riding in his honour – it’s more personal than that.
“I don’t have words to describe how awesome it is, that anytime I’m riding, especially in the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, I’m riding with Pete.”
It’s a testament to how Health Sciences Foundation events like the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad aren’t always just fundraisers, but something so important for bringing the community together. For John, it’s also a chance to ride with his brother – the chance he didn’t have before.
Here’s to hoping the sounds of 250 motorcycles – and all Health Sciences Foundation events – come roaring back soon.