When Francis McLoughlan donned his suit to ride his classic Fatboy in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on Sunday it was to raise awareness of men’s health issues and raise money for the cause.
Francis who runs The Health Retreat at Kiel Mountain said by each participant talking to their friends about the need for men to seek help for mental health issues and prostate cancer the ride was spreading the message to hundreds of people.
“It’s about getting men if they have a mental health issue to get help,” he said. “It’s about men who are self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to get detox. “The quality of their life and the lives of their family depend on it.”
Francis suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a fatal accident. “Someone was chopped in half and died in my arms,” he said.
He “found a way back” through a combination of medical and natural health treatment.
Ferre De-Deyne has sponsored the ride since its inaugural event. “I’m an enthusiast and I’m involved because it’s a good cause,” he said.
“Us men don’t talk about it much but this raises awareness to have regular checks. It’s easy to dress dapper and ride with like-minded people.”
Carol Davies and Michael Barber have ridden their 1941 ex-military Indians in the past four rides.
“I’ve had a prostate problem, I know what it’s all about” Michael said. “I had a very good friend who passed away from prostate cancer and my father had prostate cancer. That’s the main reason for being in a ride life this – for family and close friends.”
Moto’s Kristy Weller said the cafe was happy to host part of the event for a second year and raise some money for the cause through sales of coffee and pastries.For more details visit www.gentlemansride.com then Sunshine Coast ride.
