Laurence Nicholson

Another Year Done! What a Blast!!

So...it's all over again for another year!

The weather was beautiful, and we riders turned out in our finery, to the tune of over 730 registered (and many more unregistered) on the Guildford - Surrey Hills 'Distinguished Gentleman's Ride' raising support and awareness for Men's Mental Health and Prostate Cancer.

My usual montage of video from my ride is available at: https://youtu.be/r_b87r8oEmA

If you have a motorcycle (especially a classic or modern classic which would qualify you to register) and you've never taken part, it is humanity at it's greatest with folks from all race, colour and creeds, across every characteristic, all joining together to celebrate with only two things in mind: biking and the great causes.

Put the 3rd Sunday in May 2025 in your calendar and join us next year! but in the meantime, check out my ride video using the link above!

Roll on 2025!

'Getting Ready Ride' completed.

Well, the big weekend approaches, and I took advantage of the fine weather to take my steed for a run, making a quick foray to The Ace Cafe.

All is running fine, so now I am just holding out for a dry day, as the forecasts look a little ominous for Sunday.

As usual, I will put up a short video montage captured from my bike-cam, after the event on my youtube channel  and post the link on a post ride blog here, as well as on my LinkedIn profile and FB page (links to those will also be provided).

All that is left now is to wish for a dry day, safe riding for all and the usual fantastic day for everyone around the world taking part on Sunday.

Fast approach has me reminiscing!

Only a few weeks to go before the 2024 DGR, and my trusty steed is ready, my choice of suit is made, and the checks to the weather forecasts are increasing.

It made me think of my first ride back in 2017 with the Oxford cohort, which was when I got hooked on attending, hence my choice of photo for this blog post.

Having done Cambridge, Brooklands, and Surrey Hills (some more than once) since then, I am doing Surrey Hills again and already excited.

I'll be sponsoring myself (more, as I already did this a while back), as economic challenges are affecting everyone, these days, but I'd love some words of support and encouragement, if anyone finds a minute or so to put pen to paper (finger to keyboard, in new money).

I'll put something up just before the ride, so watch out for this in a couple of weeks.

Good luck to all riders around the world who are taking part, and ride safe, enjoy the atmosphere, have the easy AND difficult talks about what this is all in aid of (Prostate Cancer and Men's Mental Health), and encourage 'newbies' to join our growing family of year-on-year participants (DGR'ers).

Best wishes

Laurence

The Big Build Up Begins

The aim over the next few weeks will be to get the 'Ol' Gell' up to scratch for the big day next month.

A bit of elbow grease and lots of chrome polish will do the trick, so we should be ready in a few weeks time for a few day out rides to brush the winter cobwebs away.

Having earned my 'all weather rider' stripes many years ago, when I was commuting daily London to Bristol over winter, I have no qualms being a fair weather biker these days!

Keep checking in to see what progress is being made.

Hussar! - I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm again riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health.

I'll be getting my steed ready, and pressing my Distinguished Suit ready to ride out in Surrey Hills (again) this my 8th Year.