Global charity gears up to fight cancer and suicide

Brent Stiver, Hastings, straightens his tie in the mirror of a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, borrowed off his mate to take part in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride which started at the Emporium,

Dapper riders will don their finest outfits and sit astride classic and vintage styled motorcycles tomorrow to raise awareness and money for prostate cancer and men's mental health.

Founded in Sydney in 2012 by Mark Hawwa, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) started as a local charity event, and has become a global movement that last year raised US$4.85 million for prostate cancer charities and this year aims to raise US$6 million worldwide.

The first ride and the event's overall style was inspired by a photo of actor Jon Hamm in character as Mad Men's Don Draper, decked out in a tailor-made suit riding a 1957 Matchless G3LS.

For Hawke's Bay organiser and East Coast Red Knights firefighters motorcycle club vice-president, Ross Arthur, the cause is particularly close to his heart having both suffered from depression himself and had his father die from cancer three years ago.

Not only that, but in his role as a volunteer firefighter, Arthur sees the deadly effects it can have on people.

"There's things that we see that can't be unseen and, not only that, nine times out of 10 we are the guys that have got to go and clean it up as well. It is absolutely horrible."

"Guys are screaming out for someone to talk to but they just don't know who to turn to.

"Even if the person on the receiving end doesn't have any input whatsoever, just being able to be in that position to offload is huge for someone, who as far as they are concerned, have got no one else to turn to."

"When you ride a motorcycle, you have got to concentrate so much you forget about everything else and it is great food for the soul."

As for prostate cancer, Arthur believes the stigma around getting checked is a huge part of the problem.

While the event has taken place in Hawke's Bay previously, the organisers decided to hold it every second year, providing a gap for Arthur to fill.

Twenty-five riders will be "suited and booted" for the occasion, including several bikers from Arthur's club as well as the Wellington division - chapter 5.

There will also be "supportive" riders, who aren't able to dress up or ride a vintage motorbike but still want to support the cause.

They will meet at the Mobil service station in Waipukurau at 9am, before stopping at the Rose and Shamrock in Havelock and at Noel Leeming in Hastings for a sausage sizzle.

Prior to finishing at the Puketapu pub for lunch and a thank you, a 'meet and greet' will be held in the carpark by the RSA.

To donate or register visit: https://www.gentlemansride.com/