Motorcycle riders will rev up their engines through the streets of Newmarket during the second annual Distinguished Gentleman's Ride on May 19th.
This international ride unites classic and vintage-style motorcycle riders from around the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men's mental health.
“Accepting mental health issues has been difficult to accept in the past,” said Ryan Dibbish, one of the organizers. “I think that perspective has changed for the better over the years, and I think it will continue to change if we continue to be conscious.”
The ride started in Australia and has raised more than $45 million since 2012. Approximately 500,000 riders from 121 countries participate. The local ride returns for his second year. Sheila Stewart, Divish, Yas Motamedi and David Bibby are organizing it.
According to the Canadian Men's Health Foundation, approximately one million men in Canada suffer from major depression each year. Thirty percent of people who use mental health services are men, so men tend not to use the mental health services that are available to them.
“I'm dedicating this song to my son, and I know the others have their reasons for doing it, too,” Stewart said. “People who ride bikes usually have someone affected by cancer or mental health. It's almost an epidemic when it comes to mental health. Everyone should do their part and raise awareness. is very important.”
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, apart from non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men. It is the third leading cause of cancer death in men in Canada.
“If you catch prostate cancer early, you'll be fine, but if you leave it too long, you won't get much better,” Stewart says. “That's scary.”
On average, 71 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day, and on average 13 Canadian men die from prostate cancer every day.
This year, the group aims to have 100 riders participate and raise $20,000. To date, $6,650 has been raised and 46 riders have registered.
“There's a lot of grassroots and word of mouth happening in other cities that have started developing it,” Bibby said. “As we move into our second year, we are growing and getting out there little by little. It's part of figuring out who we are and what we do. It’s still pretty new.”
Riders will meet at NewMakeIt, 621 Timothy St., at 10:30 a.m. They will be part of a group that will travel him 33 kilometers around the town.
Riders attending the event are encouraged to dress in business attire and not motorcycle jackets or gear.
“We have a lot of riders in York Region and surrounding areas,” Dibbish said. “I actually think it's important to let them know this ride exists and get it out there and make them aware of it. I think this ride has a lot of room to grow. Last year, I We raised nearly $12,000.”
The ride ends at the Ground Burger Bar, located at 323 Doug Duncan Dr. You can also see a display of classic bikes.
If you have a vintage or classic style bike, you can sign up online to participate in the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. If you want to support the cause but don't want to ride, you can donate online.
