Erick Ballesteros

Start of DGR Journey

Thursday 16th May 2024

I joined this movement by accident last year. Thank goodness I did, I was in a dark place, going through my own mental struggles after losing Ruben (my brother) to Covid in 2021, my cousin Luciano to drug addiction (army vet), one of my troops committed suicide, and my co-worker passed away in a motorcycle accident here in Italy.

It has been a rough few years since 2021, but I found peace in riding.

See, my brother started riding motorcycles and the plan was to ride together when I got back to the states, that did not happen unfortunately. Nonetheless, I learned how to ride, and I take him with me wherever I go.

So, one Sunday afternoon, on the 19^th of May 2023, I rode my motorcycle into a little quaint town called Polcenigo here in Italy. As I pulled into the town, I was surrounded by at least 60 vintage motorcycles, I had no idea what was going on. I kinda just froze in awe of this spectacular moment, mind you I was in the middle of the street as they all rode past me to park. It turned out to be one of their social stops. The last motorcycle parked, and the road was clear for me to continue my ride, as I did, the parking attendant must have assumed I was with the group because he pointed at me and picked a spot for me to park with everyone else, I really had no where to go, so I parked.

That is the first time I felt a fleeting moment of happiness since Ruben had passed away. It was an unplanned fortunate event that made me feel like it was my brother saying, “everything is going to be ok bro.”

The group was so nice, took me in even though I was not registered, I did ask how and where I can donate. 

For me, it meant that I was exactly where I was supposed to be in my life, pivotal moment and supporting men's health is part of my journey. 

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

Tuesday 16th Apr 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 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.