TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Tyler motorcyclists are preparing their classic rides and dapper outfits to participate in the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, seeking to bring awareness towards men’s mental health and prostate health.
The global event originated in Australia and has taken off across the world over the last 15 years. It began when a man saw a character riding a motorcycle on TV.
“There was a guy in a tailored suit riding a classic motorcycle and a dude by the name of Mark Howar happened to spot that on TV. And he thought to himself, man, that’s the kind of motorcycle rider that I aspire to be. And so, from there, combined with the challenges that he had had with prostate cancer, he organized an event in his local community,” Tyler ride host Pedro Tamez said.
This marks the 6th year Tyler is officially organizing to be part of the event.
“I think it’s important for most men to get themselves checked out and be in the best shape that they can be because they are normally the providers of their house,” Jason Glasscock, a Tyler ride sponsor said. “We want to make sure that you’re still up and running and everything’s oiled and greased and everything like that so you can perform at the highest level you can.”
Tamez said annual checkups are key.
“It is very unlikely that you will have a symptom that drives you to seek help. In other words, if it gets to that point, it might be too late. The best way to make sure that your health is in good standing, particularly when it comes to your prostate, as a man, is to participate in annual checkups with your general health care provider,” Tamez said.
The ride also aims to bring awareness towards mental health.
“There’s something that needs to be solved. There’s people to be provided for, but there’s no time to sit and analyze the emotional impact of that. So typically, when a man will do is go into problem solving mode and anything they’re feeling about it just gets pushed to the side because the emotion about it is not going to help anybody in their minds,” Glasscock said.
“I can’t say that I was directly raised to say, hey, don’t cry about it. But it was, it was even an assumptive thing. So, we just, we don’t talk about our feelings, right?”
The ride starts Sunday, May 17 at 10 a.m. at 1836 Texas Kitchen and ends at Bergfeld Park.
Several mental health specialists will also be set up as the ride finishes.
The Tyler event is one of seven in Texas contributing to the Movember Foundation. All donations go to the organization, not to cover administrative costs but to benefit cancer research and treatment in the state.
To register or donate, click here.
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