Thieves target borrowed bicycles at Rider training camp

Showing a little kindness has backfired for one member of Rider Nation trying to make the players’ Saskatoon training camp more comfortable.

Each year, fans lend out bicycles to help athletes get around the U of S campus during camp. Over the weekend, however,  thieves used bolt cutters to make off with at least two bikes.

Corey Pratte said a $1,200 hit for trying to show some hospitality is infuriating.

“Unfortunately, this is the thanks I get. No good deed goes unpunished I suppose,” he said.

Pratte said he received a text from the Riders’ Bryan Bennett informing him his bike had been stolen while the player was attending a team meeting Saturday.

Thieves also stole the bicycle offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte bought to use during the camp.

Pratte said while its disappointing, he hopes it doesn’t discourage others from taking part in the annual camp tradition.

“These guys are coming from all over North America. They don’t have any real transportation while they’re here, most of them. So it’s a nice opportunity to show some hospitality, some Saskatchewan kindness,” he said.

If he lends out his bike again, Pratte said he will make sure he supplies a better lock.

Correction: A previous version of this story stated Brendan LaBatte borrowed a bicycle, which was subsequently stolen. The bike was taken, however, it belonged to LaBatte.