Al Martin

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...

that's the canned part, and it's good, I'm cutting it off to add my own story and those of others I know.

mens health seems to be something that we men ignore at an alarming rate, and while i personally know a few men who've fought prostate cancer and that's important to me, I'm even more connected to the mental health aspect.  Mental health is health, our brains aren't separate from our bodies and while men are some how conditioned to ignore pain and suffering we are also capable of supporting each others health by changing that socially imposed way of thinking.

I've lost a close friend to mental health issues, battled them myself and have met many others who struggle, and have known many who battled a long time with out help and with out believing they could remain "manly" and also ask for a hand with something tremendously difficult.

As a patient advocate in a few spheres I've come to see that men are not present in the same number as women.  Somehow women feel like they belong in that space and while they welcome men- we don't show up?!?

It's time to show up! I'm doing that and riding again in this wonderful event.  I see motorcycle enthusiasts of all genders, ages and backgrounds at this event and it puts a giant smile on my face.

Last year my life was rocked by health issues, but I'm still here.

so I'm going to show up again and I won't stop showing up!

if you're able please donate to this cause, shine your spats and get dapper on your bike!