Guernsey Press

Bikers take distinguished route to fundraising

ALMOST £4,000 has been raised by Guernsey motorcyclists as part of a worldwide event to support men’s health.

Published
Roy de Jersey with his 1960 Triumph Trophy. (25994720)

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride saw more than 125,000 classic and vintage-styled motorcyclists across 110 countries worldwide suit up in their smartest attire and unite in their love of riding.

‘It was fantastic,’ said the Guernsey event host Andy Beausire – a local motorbike enthusiast and custom bike builder.

‘We managed to line the whole pier with bikes. It was really good, we had 147 registered.’

The bikes lined up at Les Beaucamps High School. (25994729)

So far, the Guernsey riders have raised £3,803 towards prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives.

The official charity partner is the Movember Foundation, which promotes men’s health.

Despite having to postpone on the planned date of 29 September due to bad weather, the sun shone for the new one.

Tim Dawson and his wife Anne-Marie Dawson on their Harley-Davidson. (25994703)

Mr Beausire said it was a cracking atmosphere.

‘It was beautiful. Everyone enjoyed getting dressed up, with this bike ride it is about the vintage style.

‘Les Beaucamps High School kindly let us use their grounds to start, which was a good central location.’

The bikers rode through King’s Mills as far as Le Mont Saint Garage and then turned to ride alongside the reservoir and then turned down towards L’Eree where they stopped for a short break to gather everyone together again.

Then they came along the coast turning inland at L’Islet to make their way to the halfway and finally along to North Beach.

‘There were people watching us and taking photographs along the way,’ Mr Beausire said.

All motorcyclists with the correct style of bike were encouraged to register for the gentle ride in their finest to raise money for the cause.

Mark Le Gallez on 'Spike' a 1965 Lambretta chopper. (25994712)

More than one million men lose their lives annually to suicide and prostate cancer.

The ride was initially formed in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Australia and has raised $18.5m. for men’s heath in that time.

This was the second year Mr Beausire had organised the event for Guernsey riders and he was looking forward to many more years distinguished ride to come.

n More information on the event can be found at www.gentlemansride.com where information on the Guernsey ride and fundraising is also available.