Adrien Ong

DGR 2025 takes over Hyde Park!

Hundreds poured through!

DGR 2025 a success!

Unusually, it was a clouded over and cool day in London. After weeks of warm blue skys, London returned to its usual cool grey.  But that did not deter the many hundreds of bikers who donned their tweed and dapper outfits to ride DGR 2025.

It was a fantastic turnout. We departed from Bermondsey and threaded our way past St Paul's, past the Royal Courts of Justice, up The Strand, around Nelson's Column at Trafalgar, and then up to Piccadily and Regent St.  The roads were packed with London tourists, and it was lovely to see everyone filming and waving in acknowledgement as the DGR convoy tooted their horns for mens health. 

There were bikes of all generations - from stunning pneumatic valved BSAs, to every generation of Triumph, a rather lovely Kawasaki green ZRX1200R reminiscent of Eddie Lawson, to Vespas, Harleys, Indians, and even modern adventure bikes including Ducatis and BMWs. Importantly, everyone knew why we were there - to raise awareness for prostate cancer, prevention of male suicide, and mens mental health. All 3 of these affect far too many men every year, and for reasons of social stigma, pressure, and unhealthy expectations - too many men suffer in silence, often until it is too late.

The hundreds of people who turned out for DGR 2025 was a wonderful testimony to the closeness of the biker fraternity and recognition of the challenges that men face. If DGR2025 prevented one suicide and gave someone hope, then the entire turnout and forced gridlock of London would have been worth it.

I am grateful to have ridden DGR with my wife, MaryAnn, who has been a rock by my side during some of the most difficult times. For her, I am grateful. Not everyone has the support they need to keep them riding through difficult times.  Watch out for your mates and loved ones. It just might save them.

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember.

Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that.

For prostate cancer

15 years ago, my late dad passed after a 6 year battle against prostate cancer. I remember his journey from initial embarrassment and not wanting to mention it or get seen by doctors (still too common an issue amongst men), to enduring 6 years of treatment, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Despite his prolonged battle, dad eventually passed at just 66 years young.

For mens mental health

10 years ago, I sustained a severe brain injury after surviving a bad motorcycle crash, and went through 3 years of cognitive and physical rehabilitation. My family and I battled mental health issues as I lost a successful 20 year career because of my injuries and had to rebuild our lives with a 'new me'.  

Since my crash 10 years ago, I have taken a detour of life learnings and discovering what is really important, many physical, emotional, and mental struggles through challenging times. I worked for a humanitarian NGO helping children, and I rebuilt my faith in God finding new strength and purpose as my focus shifted to people, their growth, and their well-being.  My journey has given me new purpose to the work I now do - back in the City, as a mentor and alumni club President at London Business School, and as a board governor of West London College with over 10,000 students.

It is with thanks to so many who supported me through my journey that I am able to write this and ride again - for others who need the support.

So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause - and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.

Thank you for your kind and generous support and to all those riding for mens health at the DGR 2025.

Adrien

Pic: together with my wife, MaryAnn, at DGR2024.