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 鈥渁s we have come to know it鈥� 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鈥檚 Garden, the home of Wayne and Laura Lomenda.聽
鈥淭he 66 kilometer round trip was nowhere near the 168 kilometer Yorkton runs of the past, but still a lot of fun,鈥� 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.
鈥淎 small reception and barbeque was held on the cyclists鈥� return, where congratulations were shared and many a 鈥榯hank you鈥� was expressed,鈥� said a release from the organizers.聽
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.聽 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.
鈥淏oth Bill Koreluik and Jan Derwores, who provided excellent news coverage over the years, were invited but unfortunately had prior commitments,鈥� 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.
鈥淭he 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,鈥� the release said. 鈥淭he binder and pictures will eventually find their way to the Kamsack Museum.鈥�
鈥淚t was wonderful鈥� Tom Campbell noted.聽 鈥淲e will always appreciate the efforts of all those who helped, and supported us along the way, especially the donors鈥�.聽
Joe Kozakewich stated there are no plans made for any future such rides. 鈥淧erhaps someone could pick it up from here,鈥� he added.聽
鈥淭here 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鈥檓 retiring from the Yorkton option,鈥� Kozakewich concluded.
Everyone had a 鈥淒oggone good time.鈥�
