Music Therapy Ride trikes the right chord

No one really needs convincing on how important music is in our lives.

The Music Therapy Ride celebrates 10 years on Sept. 17, and while the ride is predominantly motorcycles, classic cars and other vehicles are invited too.

With the support of the Vancouver police department's motorcycle drill team, participants can expect a non-stop ride from Richmond to Whistler, taking in some of the best scenery in the Lower Mainland.

"They [the VPD Motorcycle drill team] lead us all the way to Whistler," said event organizer Patrick Zulinov, assistant program director of FM radio station Shore 104. "We don't stop at one light. It is like a presidential motorcade. They scoot around us, up to the next light, stop all the traffic for us - all the way to Whistler."

MTR was established through a collective effort of music industry movers and shakers.

"It is a gathering of all the people in the music industry and the media who are enthusiastic about motorcycles and music therapy," explained Zulinov.

This year, music producer Chin Injeti (Young Artists for Haiti single Wavin' Flag) and Vancouver's own multi-platinum recording artist Colin James join the ride.

"Music therapy saved my life - physically and spiritually," said Injeti in a statement.

"I went from a wheelchair to a walker to crutches and learned how to walk because of it. I would not be who I am without it."

Added James in a phone interview: "Music is a huge part of lives. We read, we listen to music, we eat, we sleep."

To date, the ride has raised approximately $350,000 for the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund, and this year the organization funded a recording studio at the BC Children's Hospital as well as a mobile recording studio - nicknamed the Band Wagon - to bring the creativity to patients who are bedridden.

This year's ride is dedicated to Megan McNeil, 20, who died Jan. 28. She recorded Will to Survive, which is on YouTube.

Included in this year's MTR is a breakfast at the River Rock Casino in Richmond, lunch at the Garibaldi Lift Company and an afternoon of fun, friends and family. There is also an auction and prizes.

Single riders are $300, double $350, vehicles $400. Hitchhikers are $75 and a ride will be found for you. Or, donate online at www.musictherapyride.org.