Dressing dapper for a cause

AROUND one million men worldwide lose their lives annually to prostate cancer, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). On Sunday, 30 September, close to 100 bikers will be taking to the streets of uMhlanga and Durban for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
The ride globally sees 120 000 riders in more than 650 cities worldwide ride their vintage and classic motorcycles to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and men’s mental health.

One of those hoping to spread awareness is uMhlanga Ridge resident, John Aritho.

“This is my third time being involved but this year is set to be the biggest one we’ve done in Durban. We are the second highest contributors in South Africa behind Johannesburg. For me as I’ve gotten older I’ve realised how vulnerable men are in terms of health and prostate cancer.

“The ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney and each year it has grown in stature and size. It’s all about having a classic or vintage bike with your personality and your signature and dressing dapper with our ties, or cravats and getting behind the message of cancer awareness,” he said.

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Aritho, who is one of three founders of the Durban Cafe Racers, and who is general manager at Beverly Hills Hotel, rides a 1979 Honda Goldwing 1100cc bike.

“It’s a cruiser bike and comes from Japan. For me it’s also one of the most reliable bikes out there, it has a flat-four set up with the engine. It’s the perfect café racer bike, which originated in the UK in the 60s where these types of bikes were used for short, quick rides between cafés,” he explained.

In order to be part of the ride, which will begin from Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunday, Aritho encouraged participants to register at www.gentlemansride.com.

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