By Jed Lanyon
A Healesville resident who is taking part in a charity motorbike ride is calling on his town to get behind him ahead of his journey.
For many years Cliff Overton has taken part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a global motorcycle event raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health programs on behalf of the Movember Foundation.
“It’s a great social event. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has raised close to $30 million over the time it’s been running to support men’s health around the world.
“I really enjoy it. We get 500 riders lined up at the exhibition buildings on a Sunday morning and a small team of who manage them throughout towns so they don’t get lost or spread out too far and then we all finish up at a pub or somewhere else and celebrate the ride.
“When we have that group event, there’s nothing like getting there early in the morning, it gets really busy and you take a step back and see everyone dressed up and then there’s 500 beautiful bikes. And when everyone turns the key at the same time, 500 bikes kick into life and they all peel out and head into Melbourne. It’s just sensational.”
Last year Mr Overton took part riding around the streets of Healesville, which was all that was allowed at the time due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“You always hit up your mum, dad, brother or sister to chip in, but they’re getting a bit tired of me now.
“Over Covid, I invested a lot of money into Healesville, because I couldn’t go anywhere else during lockdown. I spent a lot of money on beer and gin and burgers and everything else the town has to offer. So I thought maybe Healesville could pay it back and sponsor me. It’d be really nice to be Healesville’s sponsored rider.
“It’s been great, Four Pillars Gin has already donated a gin and marmalade pack, which I will give to the highest donor. Monroes Burgers have donated two $50 vouchers and we’ll pick two randoms from all who donated and it’ll go to them.
Mr Overton said he aims to raise $1000 for the cause each year. He’ll be taking to the big ride on his new Kawasaki Z900RS.
“I saved a bit of money last year working from home… I thought, it’s about time I treated myself. I’ve never owned a new machine, car or bike. It’s a beautiful machine and perfect for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.”
Mr Overton considers himself lucky to live in Healesville as he has the best motorbike rides right at his back door.
“I’ve got so many rider friends, who say, ‘hang on, you live in Healesville? We spend a day riding to Healesville’… They all come up here to go for a ride whereas I pull out of the garage and think, shall I go left up the Spur or right up to Toolangi and back down Myers Creek.”
For more information and to donate, visit: https://bit.ly/3dQU6yn
