Illawarra's reputation as a generous community has been strengthened over the past three years with $180,000 raised for men's health through Wollongong's Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - now one of the largest events of its kind in the world.
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More than 200 motorcyclists dress up to take part in the annual event that combines their passion for vintage and classic bikes with a goal of raising much-needed funds to support men's mental health, suicide prevention and prostate cancer research. In 2020 the need is greater than ever.
COVID-19 means they won't be able to ride as a group this year. But organisers Tim and Jane Sim, of City Coast Motorcycles, are determined to proceed and raise even more.
Mrs Sim said the Illawarra has embraced the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. And the motorcycle community is determined to continue its support for men's health by staging the first solo edition on September 27 to raise more funds for men's health charity Movember.
Last year 116,000 motorcyclists in 100 countries took part. But with COVID-19 in 2020 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride founder Mark Hawwa said it is more urgent than ever for community's such as Wollongong to hold the event this year. He said coronavirus lockdowns have placed a strain on people's mental health and the need for funding support is great.
"Since our first year in 2012, The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has united riders all over the world, creating a spectacle and a statement from the motorcycle community in support of men's health," he said.
"2020 will not be any different. This year we will still unite and ride dapper. We will still do everything we can to help men stop dying too young, alongside our charity partner, Movember."
In recent years more than 200 motorcyclists have taken part in the Wollongong event and this year they are being invited to do it again but ride solo rather than in a group.
Mrs Sim said by doing so they still get to remain socially connected and united for the cause.
Social distancing means they can ride with a pillion passenger if that person is a family member or partner.
All taking part are being encouraged to share their adventure and fundraising efforts on social media and the DGR website.
Men's health charity Movember issued a statement saying "now more than ever we need to support men. We are living in challenging times, and we need to be focused on our goal to make men take action, seek help and connect".
Funds raised from the 2019 ride were invested in research and mental health programs that save lives.
It also funded initiatives focused on supporting first responders, who have work tirelessly in recent months during the coronavirus crisis.
Other grants went to initiatives to help men connect socially through motorcycling.
Mrs Sim said the need is great and registrations for the 2020 ride are being taken now.
"Given everything that has happened it is essential people sign up, raise funds and help to keep men's health issues in the spotlight," she said.
Mrs Sim said while there will be no procession of vintage and classic motorcycles through the streets of Wollongong this year the new format does have some advantages.
She said with no designated route or time riders will be popping up all over the Illawarra throughout the day.
Mrs Sim said 678 cities took part in the annual ride last year and Wollongong came 11th and had Australia's top three fundraisers.
"Wollongong and the Illawarra really gets behind this ride," she said.
"The community is just fantastic. I think they understand what a special event it is and who it helps.
"Participants keep telling me the ride is their favourite day of the year.
"And I think 2020 is still going to be special with great participation again.
"For those people who don't have a vintage or classic motorcycle please sponsor someone who does."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
