Angela Crawford
Castlemaine motorcycle enthusiasts will don their best gentleman’s gear to ride their favourite – often classic – bike later this month.
Retired policeman Brian Rix is organising the local Castlemaine Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride with a goal of raising awareness and funds for men’s health.
Brian has taken part in the ride before in Melbourne and wanted to initiate a local ride in his hometown.
“This ride has been going for 12 years and it’s now world-wide,” he said.
“There’s now 115 countries involved and they’ve raised US$37.5M over that period of time.
“This year we’re looking at prostate cancer research and mental health in relation to suicides, and I can tell you now, every one of us has been touched by that.”
Brian hopes to encourage more riders to sign up.
“You can get online through www.gentlemansride.com and anyone can join any group but here in Castlemaine, knowing what Castlemaine’s like, I’d expect quite a few local boys to come along,” he said.
“We’ll be taking in the towns of Maldon, Newstead, Guildford, Vaughan Springs, Fryerstown, Castlemaine and ending up at Campbells Creek for lunch.”
The effort also has the support of local doctor Ali Clark-Hakimi of Lyttleton Street Medical Clinic.
“This is a great event to raise awareness and funds for mental health and prostate cancer, which otherwise isn’t there,” he said.
“The mental health problem is huge, and for the most part guys don’t talk about it, but when they get in groups where they can open up, then things open up.
“This ride is classical and chivalrous, and those days seem to be gone.
“So many people are wrapped up with their own self, but when there’s people like this who serve and have that attitude of helping others, it’s huge.
“The more the merrier, ride safely, and ride to help people be safe.”
The ride will begin at 11am on Sunday May 21, when around the world, the global DGR community will come together and celebrate in trademark dapper fashion. Supporters can sponsor individual riders or simply donate if they want to.
Go to www.gentlemansride.com to find out more.
