Proud pink parade

Motorcyclists from across the kingdom will be riding in pink this Friday to raise awareness about breast cancer in support of Think Pink Bahrain, writes Mai Al-Khatib Camille.

The annual engine-revving pink parade features hundreds of riders dressed in rosy hues atop decorated bikes boasting ribbons, boas and roses to spread smiles and awareness.

They will gather at the Avenues Mall Bahrain at 6.30 am and ride off to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) at 7.30am.

“We have been doing these Think Pink rides since 2016,” said Sri Lankan Roy Ribeira, the 47-year-old director of an IT company who is part of Falcon Riders, one of Bahrain Bikers’ groups.

“While the ride itself is organised in Bahrain in collaboration with different biker groups, we also get many motorcycle groups from Saudi Arabia who join us on this day to spread awareness,” he added.

“Breast cancer is one of the major diseases affecting women worldwide. We believe that every little step we can take towards increasing awareness of the disease’s causes, diagnosis and prevention through early detection is important.

“We, the bikers of Bahrain, have been supporting the Think Pink Bahrain campaign for several years as we all have sisters, friends or relations that have been affected by cancer and we wish to engage and support the noble cause actively.”

Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society is a home-grown, non-profit organisation registered with the Social Development Ministry and run by volunteers. It was founded by the society’s president and chairperson Dr Julie Sprakel in 2004. Over the years, Think Pink Bahrain has raised funds to better support the kingdom with regard to breast cancer treatment and awareness in the form of education, equipment and research.

This October, the society has been aiming to raise BD20,000 to fund approved research in Bahrain using artificial intelligence and MRI technology. According to Dr Julie, these efforts will help to advance our understanding of this disease and help educate the public.

“Once again the annual ride....staged in the end of October due to the weather,” Dr Julie said.

“This event has been happening since 2006 when the charity approached a gentleman called Ian Jennings. The ride has stayed true to itself, being solely about awareness. It now includes bikers from all over the island, showing true collaboration and inclusiveness.

“A big special thank you to all, specifically to Mr Roy for having the same passion and drive each year.”

Bikers on the Think Pink Ride will roar around the BIC track and end the parade at a popular furniture store where they will have breakfast, put on a mini-bike show and boast other activities as well.

“We welcome all riders to join us with safe riding gear and preferably in pink colours to show our support for the cause of breast cancer awareness,” added Roy.

For details, follow @falconriders.bh on Instagram.