Pilots are taught from the very beginning that we must always be learning. We must always strive to improve ourselves.

As a man in aviation, I am always aware that pilots, and men in general, don’t like to talk about their health. We are particularly reluctant to talk about our mental well being.

Tragically each year we lose too many men in the industry due, in part, to our inability to have this discussion about our collective health and mental welfare.

That’s why we at AOPA AUSTRALIA and our AOPA PILOT and SPORT editorial teams, support the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, this year to happen on September 29th.

The DGR unites classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

The DGR was founded in Sydney in 2012 and has since attracted more than a quarter of a million riders around the world.

So far it has raised more than USD$18.5M for men’s health.

The DGR recognises that most of us pilots are also lovers of other big machines which make a lot of noise.

The funds get channelled into cutting-edge prostate cancer research and treatment programs, as well as funding innovative mental health programs.

To get involved, all you need to do it register you and your bike. Ideally, it needs to be a Cafe Racer, Bobber, Classic, Tracker, Scrambler, Old School Chopper, Modern Classic, Sidecar, Classic Scooter or Brat Styled motorcycles, bikes you might not regularly see.

Borrow or rent one to get involved, dress the part appropriately, and if you don’t ride make a donation or volunteer to help out.

AOPA Australia, including AOPA PILOT and AOPA SPORT, will be revving up in September to do our part.

Why not join us for a ride?  Call our Membership Support Team on (02) 9791 9099 and register your details.  We would love for you to join us!

For more information, www.gentlemansride.com.