The final ride and wind up of the Old Dog Run (ODR) was held on August 10.
At 11:00 a.m., seven of the forty-three cyclists who have participated in the Old Dog Run “as we have come to know it” over the previous twelve years and two support crew, Lorna Campbell and Debbie Kozakewich, left the Petro Canada site and headed toward Madge Lake for a quick stop at the golf course before returning to Grandpa’s Garden, the home of Wayne and Laura Lomenda.
“The 66 kilometer round trip was nowhere near the 168 kilometer Yorkton runs of the past, but still a lot of fun,” said Tom Campbell and Joe Kozakewich, original organizers of the run which has raised funds for the benefit of the community for the majority of the years it was held.
“A small reception and barbeque was held on the cyclists’ return, where congratulations were shared and many a ‘thank you’ was expressed,” said a release from the organizers.
Debbie Kozakewich supplied some refreshments on the ride, while Tom and Lorna Campbell supplied food for the barbeque which was hosted by Wayne and Laura Lomenda. Four additional cyclists from past years attended the reception along with Danial and Judy Wasylyniuk who provided the cyclists with lunch for the past few years and representatives from past sponsors. Stephen Kozakewich from Quality Tire in Yorkton did the cooking.
“Both Bill Koreluik and Jan Derwores, who provided excellent news coverage over the years, were invited but unfortunately had prior commitments,” said organizers.
A three ring binder, containing news clippings, a list of cyclists that biked each year and a list of the money raised for charity each year, was made available along with over 100 photographs for review by those in attendance.
“The Old Dog Run has raised a total of $123,178 for various local charities from the third annual run to the 12th annual run inclusive,” the release said. “The binder and pictures will eventually find their way to the Kamsack Museum.”
“It was wonderful” Tom Campbell noted. “We will always appreciate the efforts of all those who helped, and supported us along the way, especially the donors”.
Joe Kozakewich stated there are no plans made for any future such rides. “Perhaps someone could pick it up from here,” he added.
“There are many cyclists that ride routinely from Duck Mountain Provincial Park to Kamsack and back or the reverse. Perhaps there is an opportunity there. As for myself, I’m retiring from the Yorkton option,” Kozakewich concluded.
Everyone had a “Doggone good time.”
