It has been almost a year (October 1) since Charlie Morse “Land Elephant” passed. During his last months, he was talking about and planning to take part in “The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride”. He made that ride,... in a side car because he was too weak to handle the bike. He passed away just a couple of days later. What a great way to handle life! Right up to the end of the road and still working for a great cause! Fully involved in living every minute he was given.
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s, Ride
https://www.gentlemansride.com/rides is a charity supporting men’s health and particularly prostate cancer and men’s mental health. How many charities do you know that give a flyin flip about men? The DGR was set up by riders and they have rides every year in several countries. I am wondering if anyone is thinking about this ride. I know there are several of us in this group that have experienced prostate problems, might even be a few of us that have struggled with mental problems.
In Tennessee this year, there are rides scheduled in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. It might be a bit late to sign up, the ride is September 29, but I am considering it. On their website, you can just donate without doing the ride.
I first met Charlie in Bardstown, KY at a meet and greet not long after I purchased my Valkyrie. He was a big guy then. A few years ago, I met him again at Ram’s house in Frankfort, KY. Charlie was a skinny guy then and struggling with cancer. Determined to not let it get him down, he had finished a round of chemo and hit the road! He trailered his bike, a Ural (and it had a reverse) to Ron’s.
Charlie had contacted Ron about doing some ride therapy in the Kentucky area and Ron had put the word out for a gathering. I was encouraged to go and I did. At Ron’s, stories were told of great adventures, hard times, military times, and great times. It was a great weekend for a ride and we had a wonderful ride through the Kentucky countryside including a trip through the Red River Gorge and across a gravel road with pot holes big enough to swallow a wheel. Back at Ron’s we had more laughs, memories, and, of course, more stories. We laughingly referred to ourselves as “The Whizzer Gang”....... I’m just gonna leave that there. Of all the rides/gatherings I have attended, this is still my favorite.
So, Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride, I might sign up and head down to Chattanooga. Anybody else?
Bigwolf