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My Blog

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

Tuesday 26th Mar 2024

On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, 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 perhaps we can do something about that. If these causes hit close to home and if you are able, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness by donating what you can to help the men we love live happier and healthier lives.

The last time I did the ride was 2019, and while I was glad to do it, by nature I'm not a big group activity kinda guy - hanging out in large groups, particularly with a bunch of folks I don't know makes me kinda uptight. But there are two reasons for me doing this again.

I have lost two close gearhead friends to prostate cancer, and a few years ago a close friend of mine lost his battle with depression and committed suicide. In my own adult life, I have had my own struggles with severe depression and anxiety, and I have been very fortunate to have the health insurance that has allowed me to get the help that I need when things are at their worst. I know that not all folks are as fortunate, and I also know that men tend to be reluctant to reach out for help when it is needed.

So both issues hit close to home and I know it's not much, but it's a little something I can take part in that might make a difference over the long haul.

Secondly, I've come to a place in life where the only way that the things I own have any real value is if I can use them to make memories with friends, family, and loved ones; or to use them to participate in shared experiences, or to perhaps do a little bit of good in some kind of way.

I've owned Rosie, my 1953 Triumph since 2004, and I haven't had her on the road since ironically, the ride home from the last time I did the DGR in the fall of 2019. I got home and saw that there were cracks in the primary case that connects the engine to the clutch/gearbox from age and stress (I can relate!)

So she got disassembled to that point, and I worked on getting replacement pieces to get her back on the road again. However, a bunch of life events both good and challenging kept pushing her down the list. She dutifully stands in the garage, just patiently waiting for her turn. Her turn is now because I now have a deadline.

Rosie has been one of the few things that I've been able to hang onto through the years - so many things have been sold off to keep the wolves at bay, or cover an emergency. But she is a cherished mechanical companion, even if I haven't treated her as such the last few years. So this ride and cause is a good reason to pull her out of the garage, give her the care and feeding she needs to be roadworthy again, and to go off and make new memories.

Because Rosie is British, a couple weeks ago I started working on attempting to grow a mustache worthy of any British soldier from the Victorian era. Can't swing the monocle though- I need my glasses to see. 🙂 The day of the ride I will don the tweeds, the cravat, and the vintage Lewis-style riding boots and try to be as regal as my trusty steed merits.

I will update the blog with reports on the progress I'm making to return Rosie to the road, where she - and I - belong.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate it and I hope that the spirit that is intended has come across.

All the best,
Dean 
 
 

My Sponsors

Craig Seavers

Have a Happy ride but don't get any Bugs in your teeth.

$104 USD

Dan Rogers

Have a great ride

$104 USD

Brian McGuiness

$104 USD

Jim Walter

Dean, Can we ride old Yamahas or Hondas? I have a 1971 R5 and a 1977 CB 750 Super Sport.

$104 USD

Paloma Begin

$100 USD

KEITH COBEN

Do some wheelies!

$100 USD

Sandra Giarde

$100 USD

Kim Johnon

Loved your post Dean! I am honored to help you towards your goal for this great cause. Have fun and be safe!

$62 USD

Letische Bevan

Yay Dean!

$52 USD

Vickie Smith

Happy to help with an important cause.

$52 USD

Pattie Woodfill

Happy to support you and the important causes!!! Have a great ride, Dean!!

$52 USD

Marcella Huie

Have a great ride Dean! ❤️

$26 USD

April Constantine

Great reason to ride, Dean!

$21 USD

Dean Seavers

$21 USD

RJ Gallentine

Love you buddy, go get 'em!

$21 USD

Steve Faine

ride like the wind!

$21 USD

Tony Pagliaroli

$21 USD

Kevin Moorhous

my money is on Rosie make it happen my friend

$21 USD

Cary Rodda

Sounds like an excellent cause. Good on ya!

$21 USD

Karen Beck

This is a good omen…May 19th is my birthday! Have fun and we definitely want pictures.

$21 USD

Holly Durham

Have fun..good of you to support a good cause..

$20 USD

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