Riders pose for pictures in their most dapper attire at last year's ride in Sarnia. Aug. 31, 2018. (Photo submitted by Trevor Thompson)Riders pose for pictures in their most dapper attire at last year's ride in Sarnia. Aug. 31, 2018. (Photo submitted by Trevor Thompson)
Chatham

Motorcycle Ride To Raise Money, Awareness For Men's Health

The call has been put out for anyone with a motorcycle to put on their best attire and hit the road for a great cause.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is coming to Chatham-Kent at the end of the month. The annual worldwide motorcycle ride raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health.

Organizer for the CK ride, Trevor Thompson, said it is similar to the Movember movement, but more appropriate for motorcycles.

"Riding a motorcycle in November isn't a whole lot of fun no matter how well dressed you are," Thompson said. "The organizers decided to set September 30 as the actual ride date. We do it around the world, because there's motorcycle rides all over the place."

Thompson said the idea is for anyone with a motorcycle, especially classics, to get dressed up in dapper clothing and join the ride. He added it isn't just for men, as any women with motorcycles can dress up and join as well. According to Thompson the cause is very important because men tend to try and hide their suffering when it comes to mental illness.

"As a man we tend to bury our concerns and take care of our loved ones first. That's always been stereotypical man's position, 'don't worry about me I'm fine,'" Thompson said. "So often through our work, house and personal life, we suffer in silence."

The organizer added something unique was needed to grab people's attention. He said the decision made sense to combine two historically "manly" things like old motorcycles and dressing up in ones best shirt and tie.

"It not only speaks to the comradery of man and motorcycling, but also the issues men face with our physical and mental health," Thompson said.

He said the closest ride is usually in Sarnia or London and this is the first time it will be in CK in "recent memory." According to Thompson the event usually gets 50 to 60 riders, but there is no cap or minimum. The route will start at the Baja Cafe at 11 a.m. in Chatham and end at Bayside Brewery in Erieau by noon. While the worldwide goal is for 40,000 riders to raise $1.6 million, Thompson said they haven't set one locally.

Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. and costs $30. The organizer said people can wait until the very last minute to come out if they are concerned about the weather. According to Thompson 100 per cent of proceeds will go to local charities and organization that help with men's health.

He added those who aren't willing to dress too fancy, don't have to.

"If you don't want to dress up in your $700 suit, you can go to Value Village and get something," Thompson said. "Pickup something funky, something interesting, just as long as it is a little dressy."

As for anyone who can't participate in the ride, but still want to help out, Thompson is still looking for someone to provide a free lunch for the riders. He said those interested can contact him on the CK Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride Facebook page.

A rider gets ready to hit the road sporting his fanciest clothes and classic bike and helmet at last year's event in Sarnia. Aug. 31, 2018. (Photo submitted by Trevor Thompson) A rider gets ready to hit the road sporting his fanciest clothes and classic bike and helmet at last year's event in Sarnia. Aug. 31, 2018. (Photo submitted by Trevor Thompson)

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