By Mal Butler
Around 150 motorcycles took part in the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride on Sunday. The rideout started at Newport Quay by the Riverside Centre and continued through to Shanklin, returning via a trip to the Havenstreet Steam Railway Festival of Transport.
Mike Upsell, has been organising for the event, a charity rideout in aid of Prostate Cancer Research, for the last 11 years, after it started on the Island 13 years ago.
He said: “The Distinguished Gentlemen’s rideout has been taking place worldwide for 15 years. We raised a record £5,500 this year to take our total over the last 11 years to around £45,000.
“There were probably fewer of us, compared to last year, but for various reasons, we couldn’t start at Dave Death Motor Cycles in Carisbrooke.
“However, our new venue showed just how many of us gathered together. I took a video on my phone of everyone setting off and it lasted nearly two minutes. There must have been around 150 plus pillion riders, it was great.
“One chap was there with his wife and they told me that the husband took part last year for the first time and because we promote Prostate Cancer Research, he followed up by having a PSA blood test.
“He was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and has since had the operation and is now cancer free. It’s stuff like this which makes the stress of organising the event so worthwhile. It’s a simple blood test and can save your life.”
Isle of Wight Observer