Bikers ride in blue to raise awareness of prostate cancer

Partecipant at a charity ride for prostate cancer in Amsterdam. Photo/Getty

Hundreds of motorcyclists dressed in blue will ride through Waikato and Bay of Plenty this weekend to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

The Bikers in Blue event, as part of Blue September, will start at 9.30am on September 9 from PlaceMakers in Hamilton and finish at PlaceMakers in Mount Maunganui.

Blood testing will be available for men to get blood samples at the final stop in Mount Maunganui as well as having their PSA levels tested in a local laboratory.

PlaceMakers chief executive Bruce McEwen says the company is proud of its longstanding support of Blue September, with $1.9 million raised in the past eight years.

"It's more than just raising awareness and fundraising, we want Kiwi men to get checked and are giving these guys the opportunity to do so," he says.

"A quick blood test is all it takes to get a prostate cancer check, a simple and easy thing to do to get peace of mind for yourself and your family. All Kiwi men should man up and get checked this September."

McEwen says the annual bikers' event is recognised in five regions nationwide – Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill – with blood testing on offer at all ride destinations.

All funds raised contribute towards funding ground-breaking research projects, support services for survivors and their families and year-round education campaigns.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Bikers in Blue event organiser Dean McMillan, a Waikato-based policeman, says police will be out in force to spread the word about how important it is for men to get tested for prostate cancer.

"It's so easy to do, and we hope us getting out there and riding through the region will draw attention to the cause and encourage Kiwi men to get checked," he says.

THE DETAILS:
What: Waikato Bay of Plenty Bikers in Blue
When: Sunday, September 9, at 9.30am. Ride starts at 10.30am.
Depart: PlaceMakers Hamilton, 84-88 Clarence St.
Arrive: PlaceMakers Mount Maunganui, 25 Macdonald St.