Colchester Distinguished Gentleman's Ride for men's health

Frank’s Motorcycles, in Turkey Cock Lane, will bring the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to Colchester for its second year.

The worldwide charity event started in Australia and now takes place in 109 countries and more than 700 cities around the world, raising an incredible $56million USD since 2012.

Men’s mental health and prostate cancer are both very close to the hearts of the team at Frank’s Motorcycles.

Jon Stevens, 51, founded the business almost three years ago in his father's name, who passed away after a battle with cancer on New Years Eve, 1997.

Jon works hard to honour Frank's memory and keep his charitable spirit alive.

Last year, the Colchester motorcycle business gathered together 134 dapperly dressed riders before they rode through the High Street on vintage motorcycles.

Event - The fundraiser saw hundreds of people clapping and cheering as the motorbikes rolled down the High Street (Image: Seana Hughes) In total, Frank’s Motorcycles raised £14,626 for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

Jon said: “It was such a family environment, on a beautiful sunny day, with bikers all suited up with bow ties.

“It helps the biking community show we’re not all crazy people on motorbikes, we’re charitable and successful at doing that.

“Riding down the high street and seeing the families cheering and calling to us – that was fantastic.”

The firm has grown from offering motorcycles, servicing, clothes and parts into a “warm and welcoming community” which offers men “an ear to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to go out for a blast” with.

“We’re trying to do as much as we can for the community, to give back but also to create a welcoming space for people to come,” Jon said.

Bikers - Frank's Motorcycles has created a 'warm and welcoming' safe space for men (Image: Seana Hughes) Jon is working with Throttle Therapy, a men’s mental health charity which he hosts at the café to have their meetings, and Frank’s Motorcycles will also be fundraising for St Helena’s Hospice throughout 2025.

Sadly, Jon recently lost a friend after a battle with his mental health, who was also a big figure in the local biking community so that it was “a loss for everyone”.

Jon said: “The hardest part for me is that I just didn’t know.

“Everyone has a trouble in their life when they need support, and it’s about having someone to go to and to have a chat, because trying to do it by yourself is not good.

“This year, our charity work is even more relevant.”

This year, 124 riders have already raised almost £4,900 ahead of the event on May 18.

More can be found on the event’s Facebook page or The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website.