Asheville Motorcyclists Unite for Men’s Health

News Summary

Over 100 motorcyclists gathered in Asheville for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, raising funds for men’s health initiatives. Participants, dressed in formal attire, focused on prostate and mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of community and camaraderie. With global participation, this initiative has generated significant funds for research and support programs, emphasizing the emotional and psychological advantages of motorcycling.

Asheville Motorcyclists Join Global Fundraising Effort for Men’s Health

Asheville hosted the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on Sunday, bringing together over 100 motorcyclists dressed in formal attire to raise funds for men’s health initiatives, particularly focusing on prostate health and men’s mental health. This event is part of a worldwide gathering that took place in approximately 900 cities, highlighting a shared commitment to improving men’s health outcomes.

The Asheville leg of the ride commenced at Devil’s Foot Beverage on Sweeten Creek Road. Participants had the opportunity to admire a collection of vintage motorcycles and engage in various activities designed to enhance camaraderie among riders. The formal attire, which included jackets and ties, served to draw public attention to the cause while promoting awareness of men’s health issues.

Local motorcyclist and host of the ride, Michael Gouge, pointed out that the event provides both a social bonding experience and significant mental health benefits through motorcycling. The ride aims to emphasize the emotional and psychological advantages of community and adventure among participants.

A Growing Event with a Noble Purpose

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride began in 2012 in Australia and was established to boost awareness and raise funds for prostate health. Over the years, the event has expanded globally, appearing in major cities like London, Rome, New York, and Paris. In addition to its original focus on prostate health, the ride also supports men’s mental health through partnerships with the Movember Foundation.

Since its inception, the ride has seen an impressive growth trajectory, now being celebrated in over 1,000 cities across 108 countries on the same day. Asheville has been participating in this global initiative annually since 2014, consistently attracting more than 100 riders each year. The local group Beer City Blazers has been a significant sponsor of the Asheville ride and has organized numerous charity-related events and bike nights throughout the year.

Impact and Future of the Ride

This year’s ride is scheduled for May 18, with festivities kicking off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the ride itself at 1:30 p.m. Since the ride’s establishment, the global fundraising efforts have generated an impressive $57 million for men’s health issues, with Asheville alone contributing over $88,000 to this total. The funds raised are vital for ongoing research and support programs aimed at improving men’s health.

Gouge highlighted that the combination of formal wear and vintage motorcycles is fundamental not only for standing out but also for fostering discussion and awareness surrounding men’s health concerns. The act of riding is viewed not only as a hobby but as a means of promoting mental well-being, where the experience on the road acts as an “all-natural anti-depressant.”

Individuals interested in participating or donating to support men’s health can register through the ride’s official website, ensuring that they contribute to a cause that not only aids in the promotion of awareness but also directly impacts the lives of many.

The blend of community, style, and purpose encapsulated in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride continues to expand its reach and reinforces the importance of men’s health on both local and global scales.

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Asheville Motorcyclists Join Global Fundraising Effort for Men’s Health
• WLOS: Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Gallery
• WLOS: Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Cancer Research
• Google Search: Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
• Wikipedia: Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride