Dozens of men in suits rode motorcycles through the streets of Newcastle on Sunday for a good cause. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride attracted about 150 riders and plenty of onlookers.
A Splendid Day Out
Event host Stephen Meek said "it turned out to be a cracker of a day." "The weather held beautifully," Mr Meek said. "There was a very large contingent of distinguished dressed gentlemen. Everybody seemed to make the effort this year, even some guys were riding Harleys with suits on."
The event raised about $15,800 for Movember's prostate cancer research and mental health programs. "We keep donations open for a week or two after. With any luck we'll get it up to $20,000, which would be nice," Mr Meek said. "Not a bad effort for Newcastle, punching above its weight again."
Participants Share Their Stories
Lucas Chapman rode his Royal Enfield 500 motorcycle while wearing a World War II Australian Army uniform. Mr Chapman said he "liked honouring the military heritage and vehicles." "I like the charity rides. They're always a good time and they spread awareness about the cause," said Mr Chapman, 18, of Mount Hutton. "It's a day out where you can enjoy the craft of riding in a fun way. I fully back the health causes. It's great to raise awareness. Lots of people are affected by these sorts of things."
Supporting Movember Since 2016
Mr Meek said money raised from the event had gone to Movember since 2016. "They have a package of mental and physical health measures that they support," he said. He said prostate cancer was "a hidden danger." "From personal experience, I dodged a bullet fortunately," he said. "A couple of years ago, I had a PSA test that was in the high teens when it should be about three." He had a biopsy, which found "a benign enlargement." "I'm on medication for it. If I had not done some investigation, it could have turned out bad," he said. "The biggest message from this is check it before you wreck it."
Starting the Conversation
He said the ride was "a great catalyst to talk about these things." "Blokes are blokes and don't always talk about that kind of stuff," he said. Mr Meek said "the camaraderie is fantastic in the bike community," which helped with starting the conversation.
A Global Movement
Mark Hawwa started the now global event in Sydney in 2012, after being inspired by a photo of Mad Men's Don Draper on a classic motorcycle. Now in its 15th year, the event is held in more than 1100 cities worldwide and has raised about $70 million. Mr Hawwa said the event was "a powerful reminder of what a passionate global community can achieve together." He added that it proves "motorcycles have the potential to create extraordinary impact."
Visit gentlemansride.com/events/australia/newcastle.
