CHRISTINE WEBSTER
WAIKERIE’s Kym Webber recently took part in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Adelaide to raise awareness about men’s mental health and prostate cancer.
More than 450 riders took part in the event last month, raising more than $50,000 for Movember.
The Loxton Waikerie councillor said one of his motivations for taking part in the fundraiser was his close friend from Ramco, Brett Morgan, being diagnosed with prostate cancer in October last year.
He said fortunately Mr Morgan had regular blood tests for prostate cancer and was diagnosed early.
Cr Webber raised more than $300 from the event from family and friends.
The owner/director of Waikerie Crash is a newcomer to motorcycling.
He recently modified a 1982 Honda FT 500 to fit into the theme of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
“It has been stripped down to bare basics, I have minimised everything, gone for smaller indicators and a smaller seat, and gone for the bare basics,” Mr Webber said.
He said his aim was to use his motorbike to boost awareness about mental health.
“I just wanted something that stood out to be a conversation point,” he said.
“Ten minutes on your motorbike and your whole world changes.
“Once you have a bike, all the other motorcyclists acknowledge you, regardless of what you are riding.”
He said being part of the motorcycling community was a good way of making new friends.
“When you feel like a ride, it is not difficult to go for a cruise,” he said.
“It is a great community, the motorcycling community.”