Starting in Halifax with just a handful of people, the Rolling Barrage arrived in Neepawa well over 100 strong. The motorcycle ride crosses the country in 20 days, stopping in communities along the way and raising funds to combat PTSD in military personnel and first responders.

Dave Bennet speaks to Paul Harmon, National Executive Chair of The Rolling Barrage, and Mark Goldade, formerly of Neepawa and one of the coordinators for the Manitoba leg of the Rolling Barrage.

This is the fifth year of the event, and it has grown so much over those years that this year the event had to form its own not-for-profit corporation, The Rolling Barrage PTSD Foundation. Everyone is welcome to join the ride, whether for only a portion or right from coast to coast, the “full pull” as they call it. There is a different itinerary every year, and this is the first time the ride has stopped in Neepawa.

When asked how he felt about the reception they received coming into town, Harmon says it sent shivers up his spine.

“I’ve been in parades as a uniformed member. I’ve been on motorcycle rides. I’ve done all sorts of stuff in my personal and military career that gives you a warm feeling. And this equates and surpasses it, because it’s the first time we’re into a community and there were people on the roadsides. There were people miles down the road waving as we came in. … It’s a very touching moment to see Neepawa put out this kind of response. It’s phenomenal.”

A picnic lunch held for the riders while they were stopped in Neepawa for gas and a meal raised money for the local Royal Canadian Legion. Goldade also arranged for a pair of F-18s to do a flyover of the gathering in Riverbend Park, another first for the town.

Riders and organisers alike hope that the ride will help not only raise money for PTSD research and treatment, but also remove some of the stigma around PTSD in the military.

This year’s ride concludes on August 21st in Vancouver.