Alan McGregor

One week left to go!

Friday 9th May 2025

 Final Push for a Cause That Matters  

In just over a week, we’ll be riding the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for the first time here in Northland. It’s part of a global event that’s been raising awareness and funding for men’s mental health and prostate cancer .

Men’s mental health especially is something close to my heart. I don’t think we deal with it well here in New Zealand — too often, people are struggling and no one sees it until it’s too late. This ride, and the funds it raises, are a way to push back against that silence and support real change.

We’ve put a chunk of effort into raising funds and have already raised a solid amount (the Royal Enfield Riders of Northland are the top team at this stage!) We have done self-defence workshops, The Whangarei Bujinkan have donated all class fees this term, and (let’s be honest) I’ve done a fair bit of spamming on Facebook and Instagram 😅 — but I hope we can get more as we come to the final stretch.

If you’ve been meaning to chip in, or can spare even a few dollars, I’d be incredibly grateful. Things are very tight for a lot of us right now, so I understand if donating is not an option but please consider sharing this link to help us reach more people:
👉 https://gfolk.me/AlanMcGregor627758

Every cent raised goes toward mental health support, suicide prevention, and cancer research — issues that affect far too many men we know and love. That’s why I’ll be riding next weekend, rain or shine (and yes, it’s looking like rain).

Thanks to everyone who’s already backed this effort —So far we have raised over $1200 via my link 😊

Let’s finish strong in the last week 💪💙

#DGRWhangarei #MensHealthMatters #SupportTheRide #DistinguishedGentlemansRide #BujinkanWhangarei #LastPushForTheCause #NorthlandRiders

A Big Thank you!

Saturday 3rd May 2025

Today we held a Self Defence Workshop hosted by Whangarei Bujinkan, with all attendance fees being 

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along, and to those who donated even if they couldn’t make it. We had a small but enthusiastic group, and together we raised $200 for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, supporting men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

Every dollar counts, and your support means the world.

Self Derence is something that every Dapper Gentleman should be familiar with, so we thought it fitting!

This was more than just a workshop — it was about building confidence, community, and showing up for causes that matter.

Missed the workshop?
It’s not too late to contribute — donations are still open! Just follow the link below if you would like to donate 😁
https://gfolk.me/AlanMcGregor627758

Want to get involved?
Our regular Martial Arts classes are welcoming, practical, and open to everyone — no experience needed. Come along, give it a go, and grow your skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Classes run:
Thursdays,
6-8pm
Active Attitude, 9 Commerce Street Whangarei
Bring a friend, or just bring yourself — we’d love to have you.

#ThankYou #DistinguishedGentlemansRide #MensMentalHealth #ProstateCancerAwareness #SelfDefenceNZ #CommunitySupport #WhangareiEvents

We're almost there!

Monday 28th Apr 2025

I'm less than $300 away from hitting my fundraising target for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, supporting men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

Far too many men are lost each year to suicide and illnesses that are treatable if caught early. This cause is helping to change that—by funding research, supporting mental health initiatives, and encouraging men to speak up and reach out.

If you’re in a position to donate, even a little bit helps. If you can't right now (I know times are tough), sharing this post could help it reach someone who can. Every share, like, or comment really does make a difference.

We’ve also got a Self Defence Workshop coming up, with all proceeds going towards the cause — a great way to get involved while learning valuable skills.

Thanks so much for your support!
Here’s the link to donate or find out more: https://gfolk.me/AlanMcGregor627758

#DGR2025 #DistinguishedGentlemansRide #MensMentalHealth #ProstateCancerAwareness #RideForACause #SupportMensHealth

Workshop raising funds

Saturday 19th Apr 2025

Hi all,

Hope the wild weather is treating you all well and you manage to get some time time two wheels over this Easter weekend!

As you may know, a few if us are riding in the Distingushed Gentlemans Ride on the 18th of May. This should be a great Ride and it's raising funds for a fantastic cause! 

I teach a martial arts class I Whangarei, and as a part of the effort to raise funds, we will be hosting a workshop as an Introduction to Self Defense. This will be a "Pay as you choose" event where you can pay as much or as little as you want for the day but all donations will go to the Distingushed Gentlemans Ride to support that charity. Feel free to come along, share around and if there are any questions, please let me know.

Link to the Event details:

https://www.facebook.com/share/164hTFn4cz/

If you are unable to come along, please feel free to donate - we have a Northland team or Riyal Enfield Riders registered, so please take a look (as a Shameless plug, I've attached the link to my donation page 🙂)

https://gfolk.me/AlanMcGregor627758

 

Cheers,

Alan

Stormy weather - why I'm taking part in the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Wednesday 16th Apr 2025

The skies over Northland aren't looking promising at the moment, with a mess of dark clouds, high winds, and rain that soaks into everything. Not exactly ideal conditions for a motorcycle ride!

But on Sunday 18th May, rain or shine, I’ll be suiting up and getting on my bike, along with 23 other Northland riders for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride—a global event raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer.

It’s easy to let the weather put you off. It’s cold. It’s wet. It’s uncomfortable. But in many ways, that’s what makes it such a fitting metaphor for the challenges so many of us face with mental health.

Some days are bright and clear. Others feel like athe clouds just won’t break.

But the important thing: we ride anyway.

The ride goes ahead if its bright, or if its stormy because it matters.Too often, people suffer in silence, trying to struggle through and Men in particular are not great at talking about it. We don't want to look weak, or burden our friends, or we don't understand it ourselves, so strugle to express it. Because of this, too many lives have been lost to preventable conditions. And because, like any ride through tough weather, it’s easier when you’re not doing it alone.

If it rains, we'll ride wet. Either way, we'll ride together. Taht may sound a bit cheezy, but the sentiment stands!

So Sunday the 18th of May, I’ll be out there with countless others around the world—dressed dapper, possibly a little damp, but proud to be part of something bigger.

I'm not a fan of asking friends and family to give money to things - we all know times are tough and the idea of "spare" money is fairly far-fetched! but the point of this ride is to raise funds, so if you are able to donate, please do - this cause is important. 

One of the things I would like this event to help show is that mental health matters. Prostate cancer research matters.

And for me, showing up—even when the skies are dark—matters.

Thanks for riding with me in spirit.

https://gfolk.me/AlanMcGregor627758

Target change

Tuesday 8th Apr 2025

Hi everyone,

I wanted to add a post to thank everyone who has donated to this cause - it's a challenging time to be asking people to contribute, but people have jumped on board without hesitation which is amazing.

We have now hit the $500 target, so I will extend it out to $1000. Bit more of a stretch, but I think we can do it.

To further support the cause, I will be hosting an introduction to Self Defence workshop and will have the attendance being a donations based situation. If you are interested in attending, please let me know (as spaces are limited) and I will keep you in the loop as we set the date for this. There will be no minimum or maximum donation so  cost will be up to each participant 😁

Watch this space for any updates!

Cheers,

Alan.

Why I'm riding the Distinguished Gentlemans Ride

Sunday 6th Apr 2025

Why am I Riding this year?

For Mental Health. For Prostate Cancer. For Our Mates. 

This year, I’m proud to be riding in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, an event that brings together riders from around the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health. 

These are two issues that hit close to home for so many of us—quiet battles fought behind smiles, jokes, and busy lives. In New Zealand, we pride ourselves on being strong, stoic and independent. But sometimes that strength keeps us silent. Too many guys struggle with mental health on their own, unsure how to reach out, or convinced they shouldn’t have to. 

We lose good people every year to things that are treatable, preventable, and survivable—if only we talk, listen, and act. 

That’s why I’m participating in this Ride. 

Not just for the fundraising, (although this is vital too) but for awareness. For the conversations it raises and to help highlight a shift in how we look after ourselves and each other. 

This ride is more than suits on bikes —it’s about showing up in style for a purpose. Your health matters. Your mental wellbeing matters. And none of us are alone. 

So, if you’re reading this: 

• Share this post if it strikes a chord. 

• Donate if you’re able to and want to support the cause (all funds raised go to Movember). 

• Or better yet, look into joining the ride —be part of something unforgettable. 

And above all—check in with your mates. Not just the ones who seem down. All of them. Sometimes the best thing you can say is “how are you really doing?” And sometimes the most powerful thing you can hear is “I’m here, ya dick.” 

 

This Ride is a chance to get out on the bikes. It's a chance to look sharp while doing it. But most of all this ride reminds us that people don't have to suffer in silence. 

Find out more or support the cause here: 

https://gfolk.me/AlanMcGregor627758

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Wednesday 26th Mar 2025 On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.