Mike Caputo

My brother Joe, and myself (sitting), circa 1980.

Wheel's up for The 2025 DGR

Every year on the third Sunday in May, hopefully a beautiful Sunday in May, over 100,000 motorcyclists across the globe ride together to honor those they love and those they lost, and to raise money and awareness for men's health. I ride in memory of my brother Joe, who was taken too soon and missed every day.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride raises money and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s physical and mental health. But for me the ride is more than that, and it's more than about remembering my brother. It’s a way to make the world a little smaller, the community a little bigger, and common fear and grief a little easier to bear.

It’s about shining a light on health problems that prefer to remain hidden. Motorcycle riders are mostly men, and the DGR is a way of bringing together in one group a kind of person who, maybe, likes being alone. Many riders like riding alone, and even those who ride in groups may not be as open as they should. There is vast strength in community, and we are all crew on the same boat. The DGR is a way of saying to each other, "Hey, we're the same, and love the same things, and face the same fears, maybe we can help each other navigate some rough roads."

I'll never know if my brother, gone five years now, would still be here if he'd gotten help sooner. He wore the same eyeglasses for literally decades because wearing them was better than not wearing them, and that was good enough. But good enough sometimes isn't.

He was wonderful, and kind, and patient, and accepting of others and of situations. But his acceptance of things may have made its way into his own health issues. Maybe he thought as he got older "Well, I guess this hurts now" rather than "This hurts and I should get it checked out." I'll never know for sure.

Not everyone gets to live a long and healthy life, but we can increase our chances by taking care of our selves and each other. Learn to monitor your mental and physical health. Movember has partnered with The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride since 2016, and money raised by the DGR helps power Movember’s work. Check out Movember.com - it is full of resources and tidbits to start conversations and guide anyone towards help, for yourself or someone you love.

In 2024, 113,000 riders in over 100 countries rode as one, side by side. 2025 will be my fifth year riding to honor my late brother. I’m grateful for all the love and support, and to Cross Country Powersports in Metuchen NJ USA.

Thank you for participating in any way, and any dollar amount helps:
https://www.gentlemansride.com/rider/forJoe

While the ride is fun, it's also bittersweet, important, and necessary.

Maybe someday we won’t have to ride to honor those we lost.

Maybe we’ll ride only to relish a beautiful Sunday in May.

Thanks,
Mike Caputo