Ready your engines and dust off your suits \u2013 the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is returning to Castlemaine on Sunday May 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join hundreds of thousands of dapper gentlefolk in the world’s most stylish on-road motorcycling charity event, as they ride to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local DGR hosts Brian Rix and Mick Morgan said this was the third year they had held the ride and they had raised $48,000 to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Riders wanting to participate are encouraged to ‘Dress Dapper’ and ride modified caf\u00e9 racer style bikes or vintage motorcycles, but the local event is open to all types of bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Whether you’ve got a Harley, a sleek Ducati or a postie bike, we want to see you there!” Brian said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participants will be gathering outside the Castlemaine RSL Hall on Mostyn Street at 11am for a 11.30am departure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ride will be a mystery cruise through the local region finishing at the Five Flags Hotel in Campbells Creek where participants will stop to enjoy lunch and a friendly chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each year the local DGR organising team invites a guest speaker to address riders before they head off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The first year a doctor spoke on men’s health, and last year we welcomed a Melbourne friend who was battling prostate cancer,” Brian said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This year we are honoured to welcome retired Australian Defence Force Sergeant Tim Whitford as our special guest.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tim served overseas in Cyprus and with NATO in Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I am a former tank commander, military historian and veterans advocate,” Tim said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ex-serviceman said he had seen a lot of people impacted by the effects of war and suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It is so important that people stay connected. Events such as this, which raise awareness of men’s health and wellbeing, are so important, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“People are dealing with all sorts of trauma and the effects can last for years. Isolation and cutting yourself off from friends and family can be very dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And it’s just not physical or mental trauma people may be dealing with. They may have lost a partner, be dealing with divorce or family breakdown. It’s important to reach out for help and support. Don’t cut yourself off.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DGR is an international charity event spanning over 121 countries around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was founded by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia in 2012, who decided a theme ride would be a great way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and the community who are passionate about men’s mental health awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ride has continued every year since then, uniting classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working with Movember here in Australia, DGR is committed to engaging the community in their goal of bringing people together and changing the face of men’s mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“At Castlemaine, it has been our personal mission to raise more funds than the Paris event and we have done that two years running,” Brian said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“All men and women are encouraged to come along and have a fun day, raising funds for the cause. A lot of family members also come along and join us for lunch afterwards. Everyone is welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It is exceptionally important to recognise and promote men’s health and wellbeing in our community, and encourage men to get the necessary health checks to tackle any problems that may arise as early as possible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n