Tickets are now available for the third annual Black Dog Ride to the World Superbikes at Phillip Island in 2020 to promote mental health issues.
Black Dog Ride Australia Victoria co-ordinator Bernie Garvey says riders get to see some spectacular scenery, participate in a parade lap of the circuit and promote mental health issues.
2019 World Superbikes at Phillip Island (Image: Jamie Morris/Geebee Images/2SNAP)
“In past years we had riders come from Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, WA, NT, QLD NSW and ACT,” Bernie says.
“Numbers build each year and we expect to offer 150 registered riders the experience this year.”
One of their more recent activities is the ride to the WSBK, costing $200-$440, depending on how many days you attend the event. Click here for the full details.
“There are two starting points at Marysville, Victoria, and Queanbeyan, ACT,” Bernie says.
Bikes line up in Marysville
“Both ride groups leave the Tuesday before the weekend and meet in Sale for a group dinner the Wednesday night before our group ride to Philip Island Thursday.
“The NSW group, takes a route over Mt Kosciusko through to Wodonga for a group and community dinner, and then over Hotham down to Sale. A wicked ride with some of the best roads and scenery.
“The Victorian group comes around Eildon, down through the King Valley to Bright.
“After a group and community dinner at Bright Hotel the next morning they head over the gap to Falls Creek, stopping at The Blue Duck Inn, before continuing down to Omeo, and then to Sale. Endless corners for the day.”
After lunch on Thursday at the Inline 4 Cafe, riders have exclusive access for a parade lap on the racetrack in the afternoon.
And who knows who they will meet!
Riders meet WSBK legend Troy Corser
Promote issues
Bernie says it is a “great mates’ escape” and fundraising is not their priority.
“Promoting a positive experience and facilitating an awesome group ride environment for riders is our goal,” he says.
“We also have a stand in the expo tent where we promote our rides and our charity message of raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention with positive messages and encouragement.
“We do a little tin rattling at the track over the weekend.
“Above all else, this ride’s priority is to promote positivity, an adrenaline injection, and a ride experience like no other.”
The latter also has a GoFundme page to raise $5000 to aid people still reeling from the February floods.
Organiser Dave Ross says many Townsville families lost “absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year”.
So they started the GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to buy more items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers, educational toys for toddlers, etc.
Join our Christmas list
We’re making a list and checking it twice, so make sure your Christmas toy run is included.
Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.
Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations?
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Safe toy runs
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Also, the Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run has warned riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
They say Ipswich Police they will access video of the event and fine offending riders or pillions.
We are unaware of any similar warnings at any other toy runs.
However, police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.
So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
November 23
Tabelands: The 23rd annual Tablelands Toy Run starts with breakfast from 7.30am at the Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade on Tinaroo Falls Dam Road. The ride starts at 9am starts and finishes with a barbecue at the Tolga Salvation Army Store on the Kennedy Highway. Prizes for best decorated bikes and riders.
November 24
South Melbourne: The Toy Run for Father Bob departs 10.15am from Seaford, Noble Park, Ringwood & Ring Road East service centre to 204 Gladstone St, South Melbourne for 11am. Donations – age appropriate – tots to teens, youths and families. New unwrapped gifts, plush (not fluffy) stuffed toys, books, puzzles, indoor/outdoor games, musical instruments, novelty accessories, festive season edible treats, gift vouchers, fun park/event/cinema tickets, and cash. Unavoidably they have had to scale down the event activities this year. 2020 we will be back at 1-7 Wharf Road, Port Melbourne, with food, stalls, raffles, music, a mystery main ride, and prizes.
Townsville: 39th Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run Appeal on Sunday November 24 at Village Boulevard Riverway Park under the trees with a 90km ride from 9am. Donations can be dropped at North Shore Woollies or Toyworld.
December 1
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 42nd running of the event, from 8am, leaving from Stockton to Wickam Park. Click here to register. This year’s theme is again superheroes!
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Bendigo: The Bendigo Toy Run, organised by Allies Motorcycle Club Bendigo, meets at Lansell Plaza at 8 for an 8.30 ride to Lake Weeroona for a barbecue lunch, activities and prizes.
Mt Lindesay:Register from 8am at the Middle Green Sports Club, Greenbank, for a ride leaving at 10am. Cost is $10 ($5 for pillion) which includes water, patch and a lucky draw prize entry. All proceeds go to Beckey’s Place which supports children and adults with special needs to develop a relationship with miniature horses. Bring unwrapped toys for children. There is a trophy for the best decorated bike.
December 7
Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.
December 8
Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!
Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 14
Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.
Sale: The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
December 15
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.
It might seem early, but we are already compiling a list of Toy Runs around the nation and need your help.
We have started listing several below, but this is in no way the complete list. In fact, we might have already missed some such as the Great North Brisbane Motorcycle Toy Run which was run last Sunday (27 October 2019)
Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations?
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Safe toy runs
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Also, the Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run has warned riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
They say Ipswich Police they will access video of the event and fine offending riders or pillions.
We are unaware of any similar warnings at any other toy runs.
However, police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.
So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!
Townsville GoFundMe
Townsville Toy Run
We have already published information about the 39th Townville Toy Run who have started a GoFundme page. to raise $5000 to aid people still reeling from the February floods.
Organiser Dave Ross says many Townsville families lost “absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year”.
So they started the GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to buy more items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers, educational toys for toddlers, etc.
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
November 16
Cairns: The fifth annual toy run starts at the cruise liner terminal at 11.30am, hosted by the Cairns and Tablelands Recreational Motorcyclists. This year the costume theme is “Beards and Blues”. Ride leaves at 1.30pm.
November 24
Port Melbourne: The Father Bob Toy Runhas starting points in all directions from regional and outer suburbs heading to 1 Wharf Rd, Port Melbourne for 11am. The Father Bob Maguire Foundation feeds and supports many homeless, and families, facing financial hardship. Donations of new non-fluffy toys, non-perishable food (ring-pull cans), UHT milk, toiletries, new clothes, clean second-hand blankets and cash are needed.
Townsville: 39th Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run Appeal on Sunday November 24 at Village Boulevard Riverway Park under the trees with a 90km ride from 9am. Donations can be dropped at North Shore Woollies or Toyworld.
December 1
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 42nd running of the event, from 8am, leaving from Stockton to Wickam Park. Click here to register. This year’s theme is again superheroes!
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Bendigo: The Bendigo Toy Run, organised by Allies Motorcycle Club Bendigo, meets at Lansell Plaza at 8 for an 8.30 ride to Lake Weeroona for a barbecue lunch, activities and prizes.
December 7
Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.
December 8
Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.
Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!
Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 14
Sale: The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
December 15
Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS store carpark in Keilor at 10am.
It might seem early, but we are already compiling a list of Toy Runs around the nation and need your help.
We have started listing several below, but this is in no way the complete list. In fact, we might have already missed some such as the Great North Brisbane Motorcycle Toy Run which was run last Sunday (27 October 2019)
Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations?
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Safe toy runs
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Also, the Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run has warned riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
They say Ipswich Police will film the event and fine offending riders or pillions.
We are unaware of any similar warnings at any other toy runs.
However, police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.
So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!
Townsville GoFundMe
Townsville Toy Run
We have already published information about the 39th Townville Toy Run who have started a GoFundme page. to raise $5000 to aid people still reeling from the February floods.
Organiser Dave Ross says many Townsville families lost “absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year”.
So they started the GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to buy more items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers,educational toys for toddlers, etc.
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
November 16
Cairns: The fifth annual toy run starts at the cruise liner terminal at 11.30am, hosted by the Cairns and Tablelands Recreational Motorcyclists. This year the costume theme is “Beards and Blues”. Ride leaves at 1.30pm.
November 24
Port Melbourne: The Father Bob Toy Runhas starting points in all directions from regional and outer suburbs heading to 1 Wharf Rd, Port Melbourne for 11am. The Father Bob Maguire Foundation feeds and supports many homeless, and families, facing financial hardship. Donations of new non-fluffy toys, non-perishable food (ring-pull cans), UHT milk, toiletries, new clothes, clean second-hand blankets and cash are needed.
Townsville: 39th Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run Appeal on Sunday November 24 at Village Boulevard Riverway Park under the trees with a 90km ride from 9am. Donations can be dropped at North Shore Woollies or Toyworld.
December 1
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 42nd running of the event, from 8am, leaving from Stockton to Wickam Park. Click here to register. This year’s theme is again superheroes!
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Bendigo: The Bendigo Toy Run, organised by Allies Motorcycle Club Bendigo, meets at Lansell Plaza at 8 for an 8.30 ride to Lake Weeroona for a barbecue lunch, activities and prizes.
December 7
Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.
December 8
Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.
Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at the Winston Glades Shopping Centre, not Brassall as in previous years. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!
Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 14
Sale: The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
December 15
Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS store carpark in Keilor at 10am.
Townsville riders have started a GoFundMe page to increase the fund raising for their 39th annual Toy Run next month to help families affected by February’s floods.
The floods, caused by a slow-moving cycling, was one of the worst natural disasters to impact the region causing two deaths, one missing person, 10 injuries and millions of dollars in damage.
Organiser Dave Ross says they hope to raise $5000 through their GoFundMe campaign.
Funds will be used to buy items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers, educational toys for toddlers, etc.
“So many Townsville families have lost absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year,” he says.
“Many families are still struggling with their loss and hopefully we can make the whole family smile on Christmas Day.”
Townsville Toy Run
The Townsville District Motorcycle Riders Association 39th annual Toy Run will start at the Riverway Precinct with registration and breakfast from 7am.
The 90km ride will start at 9am.
Apart from raising funds through crowd-funding, riders are asked to donate educational toys and puzzles, clothing, sporting goods, fishing gear, toiletries and beach towels.
Riders are also asked to decorate their bikes in a Christmas theme and include a stuffed toy bought form the Salvos store.
“These donations are handed to our community organisation which are then sorted into age groups for the parents to choose a gift for their children, that they otherwise may not have been able to afford,” Dave says.
“Unfortunately we are unable to stop during the ride to collect more donations.
“However we have donation points in Townsville which are advertised on our Facebook page.“
List your toy run
It might seem early, but we are already compiling a list of Toy Runs around the nation and need your help.
All riders on all types of bike are invited to take part in the third annual Ride Sunday on 10 November 2019 to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health.
The event has been held in winter the past couple of years and had been scheduled for June, but it now moves to November which is apt since funds are collected on behalf of charity partner, the Movember Foundation.
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and Ride Sunday founder Mark Hawwa
Last year, the event attracted 1300 riders to 239 events globally and raised almost $200,000 in funds for 59 charities.
Ride Sunday Pty Ltd kept 22% of donations as income in the first year, reducing to 0% over five years.
This year it focusses all fundraising efforts on the November Foundation and seems to be limited just to Australia.
2018 Ride Sunday in London
DGR praise and criticism
DGR has been immensely popular, raising more than $US25m for Movember since it started in 2012 and this year attracted 115,000 classic and vintage styled motorcyclists in 678 cities.
However, it is not without its critics who claim it is elitist because it restricts the types of bikes for the event, although many organisers still allow them to ride.
So the organisers started Ride Sunday which allows riders on all types of bikes to attend.
Riders can either join one of the flagship rides, host their own ride, or joining an existing group ride via www.ridesunday.com.
Participants can use the Ride Sunday peer-to-peer fundraising platform to connect to local dealerships and riders, to create, share, and view ride maps, and join fellow riders.
Ride Sunday incentives
There are also significant prizes such as a Yamaha R1 for the best fundraising participants.
Mark claims Ride Sunday helps to “positively change the global perceptions of motorcyclists by uniting motorcyclists around the world to collectively take to the streets for motorcycle awareness”.
He says the event “taps into the Australian passion for riding and is aimed to motivate those who own a bike to ride for a change”.
“Motorcycling is in our DNA. There is nothing else like it. No matter what riding niche you fall into, Ride Sunday is a day for you,” he says.
“Our vision is for every street in every major city to be packed with motorcycles. For one day, I want riders to be impossible to miss. For everyone in Australia to see our numbers, to notice us, and to see that there is more than just a rider beneath the helmet.”
To register to ride and make a donation, please visit the Ride Sunday website.
The Blood Bikes volunteer rider movement delivering blood to hospitals has spread to Australia and the co-ordinator is now calling for more volunteers.
Brisbane rider Peter Davis says he first heard of the service from a friend involved in Blood Bikes Scotland.
“I thought we should have that service in Australia,” says Peter who has started a service in Brisbane is now looking for back-up riders and volunteers in other states to start their own branch of the service.
It all began in 2011 with Blood Bikes Manchester in the UK.
“It was started because there were circumstances when a motorcycles can be a lot faster than a car in making urgent deliveries of blood to where it is required,” Peter says.
He found a similar service in Perth called AusServ, but efforts to contact them failed and the group’s charity registration was voluntarily revoked.
Blood Bikes Australia
Peter and his “blood” bike
“So I decided to start a Blood Bikes Australia service in Brisbane,” says Peter who contacted the Mater Hospital pathology section.
“They immediately saw the need and advantage.”
Peter is now the central co-ordinator of Blood Bikes Australia. He has fitted a weatherproof box to his Honda cruiser and organised a hi-vis vest with an embroidered logo based on the British service.
“We have now made our first whole-blood delivery from Mater Pathology at South Brisbane to Mater Private Hospital, Redland. Whole blood,” he says.
“It took just over an hour from call to delivery.”
Peter makes his first delivery
Mater Pathology delivers blood to Mater Springfield, Canossa Private Hospital Oxley, Mater Private Hospital Redlands, and Mater Pathology Chermside, all from Mater Pathology South Brisbane.
“We are only just starting and are still in the learning phase,” Peter says.
“So it’s just me but I already have a guy interested in Sydney, so I have started communication and inquiries about Sydney pathology requirements.
“I also need one Brisbane volunteer to take my place while I’m away from 18 October to 12 November.”
Mission statement
Peter has prepared a mission statement and some guidelines, including the note that while the service provided is urgent, riders must ride within the road rules and their bikes are not official emergency vehicles.
“As time goes by I am sure we will get more volunteers and more health care facilities on board,” Peter says.
“My plan for Blood Bikes Australia is to dovetail in with normal scheduling procedures the healthcare facilities have.
“Blood Bikes volunteers will become another option to call on when appropriate.”
Volunteers are not paid for their time, fuel, motorbike or embroidered vest.
“They will be required to form a relationship with one or more health institutions and communicate to those institutions their availability,” he says.
“It’s all about providing a service to the community.
“It does not need any infrastructure as the service of delivering blood is already offered. Blood Bikes just offers another alternative when required.”
Veteran dementia charity fundraisers Ken Eaton and his dog Chloe joined the recent 10th anniversary Black Dog Ride around Australia that raised more than $60,000 for depression and mental illness.
BDR manager Richard Brown says 100% of funds raised will be given to community based groups and not-for-profit service providers via their new Community Grants program.
He says there will be about $150,000 in funds available and he invited groups to apply for grants of $1000 to $5000.
Ken and Chloe
Meanwhile, Ken says he excited to be able to share his experiences with other mental illness sufferers and survivors and help the Black Dog Ride.
Ken Eaton, of Joondalup in Western Australia, and Chloe have ridden about 200,000km on their BMW R 1200 GS raising money for dementia research through their Ride With Chloe To Fight The Black Dog.
“My motorbike travels started after losing my wife, and Chloe’s mum, to younger onset dementia 12 years ago after a downward spiral that lasted six years,” Ken says.
“After my wife Sue passed away, my daughters gave me an option of either buying a motorbike, a lifelong passion of mine, or getting a girlfriend. I bought a motorbike.
“I would miss Sue’s little companion dog, Chloe, each time I would ride so quickly developed a little travel pod for her and we have travelled the roads together ever since.
“Motorbike riding is a wonderful place to reflect, and along with involvement with the fantastic group of the Ulysses Club, I have happily survived a dark period of my life.
Ken and Chloe also host a travel blog and have published a book, Who Are You – reflections of a dementia survivor.
Black Dog Ride
Riders at the end of the Around Australia ride in Busselton, WA
Richard says this year’s BDR around Australia was a celebration of 10 years since Steve Andrews did his solo lap of the nation to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
“Ride groups engaged in conversation about mental health through pre-organised community connection events, and impromptu gatherings,” he says.
“One example of a pre-organised community connection event was our Black Dog Ride stall at a market in Broome on 24 August, which gave our Around Australia Riders the opportunity to meet locals and talk about mental health.
“Typically, when people see our banners and our mascot, Winston, many people stop to ask what we’re all about.
“It’s hard to put a figure on how many community members we talked to about mental health, but between all our ride groups this year we stopped in over 250 towns across the country.
“With a mixture of large, pre-planned, community events and the impromptu discussions, it’s likely that we have reached many thousands of people through our long distance rides this year.”
Win a Bobber
Indian Scout Bobber
As part of the BDR mission to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, and raise funds, BDR is this year raffling an Indian Scout Bobber valued at $19,950 ride away.
The eight annual running of the successful The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride may be a little different with some rides announcing starting venues only 48 hours before the event to concentrate on fundraising efforts.
Some rides will also have a mandatory $20 donation from each rider.
The two voluntary moves were trialled in a few cities last year and will be added to more rides this year to ensure more fundraisers are involved and fewer ride-alongs.
More than 125,000 classic and vintage styled motorcyclists in more than 700 cities across 110 countries are expected to suit-up in their smartest attire for the ride on Sunday 29 September 2019.
DGR founder Mark Hawwa says he hopes to raise $US7 million for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives on behalf of official charity partner, the Movember Foundation.
That would be a substantial increase in fundraising on last tear’s total of $6.4 million.
Brisbane ride
One of the cities that continually “boxes above its weight” is Brisbane which was third highest global fundraiser in 2017 with a total of more than $150,000.
Jeff Gough who has been organising the Brisbane ride since the DGR started in 2012 says they are focussing more on fundraising this year.
Jeff and his distinguished family
They will have a $20 entrance fee and secret starting venue revealed by email to registered riders 48 hours before the ride.
“More riders does not mean more funds raised for prostate cancer,” the Triumph Thruxton rider says.
Jeff and his Trumpet
“We could have a lot more riders, but we cap it at 500 for insurance reasons.
“All the same, only 50% were fundraisers last year.”
The Brisbane ride will not start at Oliver’s Motorcycles this year, but Jeff says the dealership is still firmly behind the ride.
“Whoever turns up is welcome to take part,” he says.
“I haven’t got time to check, but I’d push for riders to follow the motorcycle style guide and stay with the distinguished theme of the event in dress.”
“There will be enough room to host all bikes in the biggest rolling bike show in Brisbane,” he says.
The 40km ride to the venue will be escorted by MotoMedics with a doctor and DC Motorcycle Transport breakdown van riding along. As usual, there is no police escort.
The Souths venue will also feature trade stalls, three food vans, Ballistic Beer on tap, Ungerman Brothers gourmet ice cream from the Ipswich runner–up in MasterChef and swing/jazz music by the Royal Australian Navy Band.
Fundraising boon
Mark says Brisbane is consistently a top fundraiser along with major cities such as London, New York and Sydney.
“The ride organisers are volunteers, they are passionate about the cause and as such dedicate their own personal time to make the events happen,” he says.
“It is really on each individual and the DGR core team to motivate fundraising. Fortunately we have so many passionate people around the world and that continues to grow.
“Australians are charitable people.
“We are always willing to lend a hand when needed and help those around us.”
The incentive to raise the most money has been raised this year with not one, but four, Triumph motorcycles as prizes.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website, www.gentlemansride.com, is a peer-to-peer fundraising platform allowing fundraisers to register, personalise, and share their online profiles. Riders must register on the website to take part and view their local ride details.
He says it is a world record for a motorcycle dog that may never be broken.
Bundy is the only dog in Australia with a Ministerial declaration giving her permission to ride on the front of a road bike.
Tex and Bundy training on the ‘Busa
The Australian stumpy tailed cattle dog is also the fastest motorcycling dog in the world at 283km/h on a Hayabusa.
“She’s now done around 30,000km since 2017 but has now retired from riding,” Tex says.
“I might add that her 1,030,000km has been without incident or mishap.”
Tex and his first dog Cash were inducted into the QBE national hall of motorcycling fame in 2006, the same year Bundy was born. Cash passed away in 2005 after being hit by a car, while crossing a road.
Time to retire
“Bundy is now 13 years old and has arthritis in her back from a farming accident when she was four and has cataracts in her eyes,” Tex says.
“Her vet is reluctant to operate due to a heart flutter and her age.
“She has officially retired from riding on the bike but is still carrying out work commitments as a therapy dog at the Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH) and other minor engagements.”
Watch this 30-minute documentary on Bundy’s 13 years or 91 “dog years”.
Hospital fundraising
Tex and Bundy have been working with the Sydney-based Prince of Wales Hospital for several years and Bundy is an Ambassador for their Delta Therapy Dog Program.
“I am particularly interested in the spinal injury unit and the motorcyclists that unfortunately end up in there,” Tex says.
“I have visited several patients in the spinal ward and have witnessed first hand how much difference it makes to the patients when they can talk to a fellow motorcyclist.
“I see the smiles on their faces when they spot a therapy dog, let alone a famous motorcycling therapy dog.
“Bundy and I cannot do this forever, we need to raise funds to train and obtain more therapy dogs and handlers to continue on with this work.”
The duo hope to raise $10,000 for the program and you can donate by clicking here.
“If you have been a hospital patient and have had a therapy dog visit you, I bet that made your day and took the worry and stress off your mind for a while.” Tex says.
“Those that have been fortunate enough to have seen a therapy dog and their handler at work in a hospital while they have been visiting would understand.
“Hospitals can be a lonely place for a patient, especially one with life-threatening or life-altering injuries.
“To be able to bend an ear, smile, pat a dog and more can make a huge difference to a patient and it certainly helps in the mental attitude to the healing process.
“I know only too well through the many hospital visits that Bundy and I have done the difference it can make.”
Rebel training
Bundy and Rebel
Tex is now training two-year-old cattle dog Rebel as a replacement. Rebel was a Rescue dog from South East Queensland.
“If successful, he will then take over the reins,” Tex says.
“If not, then he will go to a good home and the search for a suitable cattle dog will continue.”
However, he is now also looking for a replacement bike through sponsorship.
“I have pulled back from doing the big miles, but I will still ride for PTSD and selected charities,” Tex says.
He is a strong supporter of mental health and veteran health affairs having been diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a few years after leaving the military.
Tex is also working on another charity venture, refitting an old yacht.
Charity trio
“I can work with veterans and EMS/First Responders suffering from PTSD by taking them out to sea on day trips on a wellness program,” he says.
“They can learn a whole range of different marine-based skills.Orthey can just come onboard, relax and do nothing.
“As a retired Veteran with PTSD, I understand what they are going through.”
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