Motorcyclists with The Rolling Barrage leave the War Memorial in St. John’s, N.L. on July 31. The cross Canada awareness ride will be in Cape Breton in August. Photo by Joseph Gibbons /joe gibbonsArticle contentOver 100 bikers rode through Cape Breton this week, a yearly effort by the Rolling Barrage in support of those living with PTSD and other mental illnesses associated with service roles and being a first responder.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentThe rally, which begins yearly in Newfoundland, was established in 2017 when the founder envisioned an annual cross-Canada motorcycle ride in order to raise awareness around the stigma surrounding PTSD. The funds raised go toward programs, or organizations helping members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, first responders, nurses and doctors who are serving and retired.Article contentArticle content“We have 137 riders registered now and when we first started in 2017 we had six. So, now it’s 10 years later and we have 137, I think that’s a pretty huge way to celebrate,” said Scott Casey, founder and director of the Rolling Barrage.Article contentThe trip, which began in St. John’s, N.L., on July 30, and ends in Aldergrove, B.C. on Aug. 22.Article content“That’s where we start. People can’t afford to take all the time off that is required to ride out and ride back. So, people in the west just have to get on a flight to Newfoundland and drive home,” said Casey.Article contentCAPE BRETON RIDEArticle contentOn Monday, it arrived in Cape Breton and participants were welcomed by members of the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department. Riders dipped their tires into the Atlantic Ocean at the Northern Yacht Club to start the mainland portion of their trip.Article contentThe bikers’ journey will take them around the Cabot Trail. Following Englishtown to Ingonish, they then ride onto Cape North before heading for the Canso Causeway and toward the West Coast.Article contentArticle contentThe Rolling Barrage fundraises throughout the year and have a new option on their website where people can sponsor a rider.Article contentArticle content“So, if a person knows somebody that is on the ride, then they can go to the sponsor a rider tab and bring it down and then that money will be represented by that rider,” said Casey.Article content“And all of our funds that we raise go to organizations that work in mental health for veterans and first responders.”Article contentCasey said the organizations they donate to are “stringently vetted” by the members of the Rolling Barrage. They support about 30 organizations located throughout Canada, which include: an equine therapy in Alberta, Canada Helps, the Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans’ House, Homes for Heroes Foundation, and Heroes Mending on the Fly.Article contentNot only do they raise money, but with all the hotels, restaurants, gas and other expenses, Casey estimates they inject about $660,000 in the Canadian economy by doing this ride.Article contentNAMED AFTER HISTORIC BATTLEArticle contentThe name, the Rolling Barrage, comes from the historic Battle of Vimy Ridge, where Canadians developed a creeping barrage tactic for artillery fire. The method was a crucial component of the battle’s success.
Rolling Barrage cross-Canada ride comes to Cape Breton
