David Ford

Electrified!

Thursday 24th Apr 2025

This is my BMW CE-04, won in a charity draw in 2024.
I won't be riding this on the DGR – since it's not exactly classic...
That said, it is a bit easier to "Ride Dapper" on it... and stay looking reasonably smart.
Thanks to this bike, I was able to consider starting to ride motorcycles once again, and it has really helped me.

Riding with Functional Neurological Disorder

Friday 18th Apr 2025

Very gradually, small, seemingly innocuous symptoms developed, and, unknown to me (but increasingly obvious to others), I became steadily more and more unwell from the end of 2019, culminating in a brain injury (TIA's) and a collapse in early 2021.

I now understand that the probable primary cause of that illness was significant workplace stress.

I didn't really know that workplace stress was even a "thing"... and whatever, it certainly didn't apply to me! 

I now have functional neurological disorder.
FND on a poor day is pretty debilitating, although I do have good/better days. I just never know from one day to the next if the day will be good or bad.

In part to celebrate that being alive is a good thing, when I was really ill I set myself the task of riding a motorcycle again.

By sheer luck rather than planning, I achieved that in 2024 on a fantastic BMW CE-04 electric motorcycle.

My progress continues this year by participating in the Distinguished Gentlemens Ride (DGR) on the 18th May 2025 on a 'classic retro' BMW R12 motorcycle.
It is a fabulous bike that's just good fun to ride, although I am no longer so enthused by speed!

I hope that the thought of me on a motorcycle again raises a smile in those that know me.

I therefore invite you to consider donating to the event if you can.

Thank you for reading.

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

Thursday 3rd Apr 2025 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. 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.