The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride kicked off at Mornington Pier on May 18 with an impressive array of classic and vintage motorcycles as striking as their costumed riders and pillions.
The pack – men and women ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s – moved on to Arthurs Seat, completing the course at Jetty Road Brewery in Dromana. It was remarkable to consider that elsewhere in the world more than 120,000 riders in more than 1000 cities across 100 countries were taking part in the same event.
Underlying the fun of the annual ride is a serious cause: raising money for local and global prostate cancer research and men’s health programs by official charity partner Movember. One in six Aussie men are projected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some stage during their lives, while one in four will experience a mental health disorder.
Of the colourful turnout last month, Mornington ride host Gerard Penna said: “Some riders care about someone who has been affected by prostate cancer or mental health. They also love the camaraderie and bonhomie that comes from gathering and riding with like-minded individuals; and finally, I suspect everyone just loves showing off their shiny bikes and their cool threads.
“We probably have one of the most scenic and interesting ride routes in Australia, if not the world: starting at Mornington Pier, down the coastline past Mount Martha, up the windy Arthurs Seat Road and back down again.”
As the ride leader, Gerard often glanced in his mirror at the group motoring in convoy along the Peninsula’s rural and beach town roads. “I was so pleased to see this gang of good folk motoring behind me. The sound of our engines burbling and chuffing when we stopped at the lights was visceral, and we received many looks of amazement and delight from onlookers, pedestrians and kerbside cafe patrons as we rode in our dapper gear through the main streets of Mornington and Dromana.”
Australia was the third-highest fundraising country in last year’s event, and this year the distinguished riders of Mornington hope their contribution will help raise Australia further up the rankings.
For everyone who took part, it’s a matter of honour, after all.
