Gentlemen, don your bowties
DEVIN WEEKS/Press David Fairbairn straps on his gloves as he prepares to ride his 1971 BMW R60/5 in the 2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. The ride raised about $1,000 to support the Movember Foundation that year.
Riders gathered at Grumpy Monkey in Coeur d’Alene before the 2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Their bikes consisted of vintage and modern classics and included a Ural with a sidecar.
By KAYE THORNBRUGH
Staff Writer
Local motorcyclists will don their finest clothes and take their classic and vintage bikes for a ride Sunday to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global fundraiser supporting prostate cancer research and mental health and suicide prevention programs, in partnership with men’s health charity the Movember Foundation. More than 120,000 riders in 650 cities worldwide are expected to take part this year — including a group in Coeur d’Alene.
Don Walters, a longtime motorcycle enthusiast and teacher at Coeur d’Alene High School, is the host of the Coeur d’Alene ride.
“It’s a niche ride of classic bikes and classic-looking bikes, with riders who are dressed like gentlemen,” he said. “Bow ties and dress shoes are not what you typically see motorcyclists wearing, especially on Sherman Avenue.”
Given recent losses in the community, among them CHS principal Troy Schueller and legendary basketball coach and former CHS teacher Dean Lundblad, Walters said it’s more important than ever to address men’s health issues.
“This community has been touched by men’s suicide, particularly within the last year,” Walters said. “Having personal contact with that recently, it’s going to have a lot more meaning this year.”
According to Panhandle Health District, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Idahoans ages 15-34 and for men up to age 44. The Movember Foundation reports that globally, one man dies from suicide every minute of every day, and that six out of 10 suicides are men.
Prostate cancer, meanwhile, is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, after skin cancer. One in nine men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, according to the Movember Foundation.
“It’s a very serious issue,” Walters said.
In addition to raising funds and awareness for men’s health, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is an opportunity for niche motorcycle communities to connect. Walters will ride his 1978 Kawasaki KZ400 during Sunday’s event. When he bought the bike, he was 20 years old and the bike was “reasonably new.” By now, he said, it’s a classic.
“It’s green and really sexy,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve never seen another one of my exact model. It’s not something you see every day.”
Anyone who wants to check out the “cool old motorcycles” can do so between 11 a.m. and noon Sunday at Bakery by the Lake, 601 E. Front Ave.
Riders must register to participate in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Registration is free and open through tonight. The ride is open to people of all genders, as long as they have an appropriate bike or scooter and suitable clothing; a “style guide” is available online.
To register for the Coeur d’Alene ride, donate, or learn more about the event and the causes it supports, visit: www.gentlemansride.com