A video that focusses on the mental health issue of a rider and his family is being promoted to highlight the 2017 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR).
DGR has this year doubles its funds in support of men’s mental health on behalf of the Movember Foundation.
The above video, called Survivor, tells the story of BMW rider and depression sufferer Mark Atkinson and his family.
Its simple message is to ask other riders how they are going and to reach out to people who may be struggling with mental health issues.
The video was superbly produced by Cam Elkins from Stories of Bike.
Mark and his family will be donning the “dapper” gear and riding their classic and vintage-styled motorcycles again in the 2017 DGR.
For further information and services supporting mental health and suicide prevention, click here.
DGR registrations
Registrations are still open for the DGR event on Sunday September 24.
Riders are invited to dress “dapper” and ride their classic and vintage-styled motorcycles, or make a donation at gentlemansride.com.
The 2017 DGR is expected to involve more than 600 cities, about 70,000 riders and 95 countries and raise an expected $US 5 million for charity.
Last year the event raised more than $US3.5m for prostate cancer and men’s mental health issues through the Movember Foundation.
DGR spokesman Stephen Bronholm says funds raised for men’s mental health this year will double to 20% with the remainder for prostate cancer research.
Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches are Global Partners, Hedon Helmets are a Global Prize Sponsor and there will be several other surprise 7 Day Sprint prize sponsors to be announced.
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride founder Mark Hawwa addresses riders in LondonDistinguished style guide
Some riders have expressed concern that they have been excluded from the DGR in past years because their bike does not fit in with the “dapper theme”.
“The theme has always been the same, as have the bike styles we believe are suitable for the event,” Stephen says.
“This includes bobbers, old school choppers, cafe’ racers, classics, modern classics, classic scooters, classic side cars, brat style, trackers and scrambler.
“he event is brand agnostic, but style specific to ensure that it maintains its unique character and personality.
“If we didn’t have the guidelines, it would simply be a group ride consisting of bikes you see during your daily commute.
“The message is strong, however many people still struggle with its point of difference.”
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride style guideHe says everyone is welcome to register to ride if they can source a suitably styled bike, are prepared to dress dapper and join the fundraising.
For those that don’t agree with theme of DGR they have the option of taking part and running their own charity events via Ride Sunday which is an open to all rider and bike styles.
Read more here about the inaugural Ride Sunday held this year.