Karen thompson

This one is for the Dad!

Tuesday 13th May 2025

This ride could be for my dad.

Prostrate Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Depression/Alcohol use/Suicide 

A young boy who found his dad hanging from the garage on Christmas Eve. He lived hard, trying to drown that memory, mad at so many, never given the listening ear, not knowing who or HOW to talk about it. Heck, I didn't even know until Dad passed.

Years of working hard, drinking, smoking, and being simply mad made a hardened man out of what was truly a soft-hearted man that, would do anything for anyone, except himself. Served our country in Korea, he worked the mighty Rock Island for decades, he ended his career laying track in his fifties because The Rock folded. He raised 3 kids and treasured his grands.

Never been to a doctor. Finally went when his testicle resembled a grapefruit. Don't know where the cancer started but both the prostrate and the testicle were full of it....as were his lungs. The hard life lived, made this an unlikely positive outcome. 

He fought, hard. 5 years he worked on his heart. He tried his best to be the man he wanted to be. 

He did his very best and I am so proud of his good-bye story!

He is one reason why I ride. 

Side By Side Worldwide...for men like my daddy!

 

 

2025... time to ride. 9 years.

Wednesday 26th Mar 2025

In 9 years you my good friends have help raise over $10k for the Mens health, Mental Health and 1st Responder initiatives. You Rock!

Here we go again, it is Distinguusged Gentleman time!

Let's keep this rolling!

 

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

Tuesday 25th 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.