Tim and Jane Sim

They say, "it takes a village to raise a child"

I am a very thorough person - to the point of crazy thorough. I cross every "t" and dot every "i". Sometimes I burn the candle at both ends, and the odd "t" gets dotted. But for the most part, when I have a goal I am full-steam ahead. And this has been me for the most of 2018 getting together the sequel to the wonderful 2017 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - Wollongong.

However...

There comes a point where you do need to start leaning on people. Months ago the founder of Illawarra Cafe Racers (ICR) - Aldrin - reminded me that they were there to help and the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was a priority. Well, they say it takes a village to raise a child and the DGR Wollongong is one fast growing baby! I have nurtured her long enough, but she cannot shine on the day without the help of volunteers. I knew when the time came that I could call on ICR and they have unreservedly offered their services.

On Sunday we had our practice run. Despite darkening skies the weather held off. Our group rode as one and it was a fabulous feeling. I get butterflies thinking about the numbers of people dressed to the hilt and riding on Sunday to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer and male suicide prevention.

What really hit home was an unexpected message and donation from a friend of Tim's. Pat previously rode with Tim in the top end of Australia and two weeks ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This type of stuff reminds us of why we are doing what we are doing. 

Today The Wollongong Ride passed $45,000 and my heart is so full. It is beating for Sunday. I know we are doing a really good thing here and can't wait to ride for the men in my life.

I am also grateful the publicity our ride is receiving with our third story coming up in The Illawarra Mercury in the coming days, and also a community service announcement running on WaveFM ♥

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored Tim and I so far; we are inspired by your generous support.

Jane

When a Small Thing is a Big Thing

So this arrived by registered post this afternoon; one of 650 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Host pins being worn around the world on September 30. It may look like a simple badge, but what it represents is many, many hours of my time given to planning the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong. I don’t have to do it – I WANT to do it.

Just over two years ago Triumph approached me and asked if I would be interested in running a ride. Tim is the Dealer Principal at City Coast Motorcycles and this gave us an opportunity to consider hosting the event. It was only a month out, with no Council approval, no publicity and it would have been a rushed, half-ditched effort. People who know me know I never do anything by halves; something my mother instilled in me, and her father instilled in her. I promised I would do it the following year, and that I would do it well.

In 2017, I presented to Wollongong City Council with my friend Michael Jobson dressed resplendently in his finery… and the rest is history. The inaugural Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride - Wollongong was a great success, raising over $20,500 for prostate cancer and male suicide prevention.

Knowing Round 2 will be even bigger, I started the ball rolling with Wollongong City Council and the Local Area Command back in March. Thankfully, the motorcycling community has embraced the event again whole-heartedly and we have already surpassed our 2017 fundraising total for The Movember Foundation. This year's Ride has received excellent pre-publicity thanks to The Illawarra Mercury, Wave FM, Motorbike Writer and Coal Coast Magazine.

I am thrilled by the possibilities of this ride – the way it brings so many people together for a common good. I don’t know of any other event like it and I know that by putting my heart into it, I am making a difference. And with every ride host, comes the hundreds of thousands of riders joining them on September 30. Each one of them making their own difference with every single motorcycle and every single donation.

While the pin is a small and simple gesture, it is a big deal to me. Your small change will also make a big difference. Please consider sponsoring Tim and I as we lead hundreds of dapper gents and ladies on the 2018 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Thank you,
Jane

Please support us in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - Wollongong hosted by City Coast Motorcycles

Last year, City Coast Motorcycles launched the inaugural Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - Wollongong. We had 172 registrations and our riders raised over $20,500 for The Movember Foundation. We have been working hard to organise the 2018 event which promises to be even more spectacular and are looking forward to riding for men's health on September 30. 

Once again we shall don fine attire with my fellow riders across the globe to join the fight in raising awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health. But before we press our tweed and polish our boots, we need you to donate what you can for this meaningful cause and help us reach my goal.

For your uncles, your brothers, your fathers and friends. Donate what you can, for their lives need not end.