Two Daves, One Ride: A Journey of Mateship, Motorbikes and Men’s Health
Written by Dave Richards (young Dave)
For many who take part in the Long Ride, it’s about more than just motorcycles. It’s about community, challenge, and a shared mission: raising awareness for prostate cancer and Men’s health across Australia.
Among this year’s riders are two generations of Dave’s, who originated from the opposite side of the world to join the journey to Esperance, WA.
Young Dave: Chasing Challenge, Finding a Cause
Originally from England and now living in Sydney, Young Dave joined the Long Ride in 2024 to Port Douglas, in search of more than just a new hobby. “I wanted to learn to ride a motorbike properly,” he said, “but I also wanted a physical challenge, to see more of the country, make new friends and do it all surrounded by like-minded people.”
What began as a personal adventure quickly turned into something much more. Along the way, hearing the stories of other riders and their connections to prostate cancer, the true cause behind the ride became clear.
“It really left an impression on me,” he said. “Raising awareness for men’s health—especially prostate cancer—took on a whole new importance. I came away understanding just how many lives this disease impacts.”
Inspired, Young Dave shared his experience with older Dave — a close relative who shares both his name and his passion for bikes — and encouraged him to join the next ride, Esperance 2025.
(Older) Dave: Returning to a Landscape He Loves
Originally from Scotland and now living in West Sussex, England, Older Dave has strong ties to Australia. He originally trained as an extraction metallurgist in Wollongong before spending several years working in the goldfields of the Murchison. In 1990, the family returned to the UK, but the red dirt never left his boots and the connection to Australia remained strong.
These days, Dave runs a plumbing business — but motorcycles have been a constant in his life. Whether out of necessity or as part of a new restoration project, bikes have always held a place in the garage. He currently rides a 1987 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario, parked beside his son’s 2010 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200cc.
When Young Dave called and shared his Long Ride experience, Older Dave needed little convincing. The ride wasn’t just an opportunity to tour Australia again, but also a chance to support a cause that had affected their own family.
Unbeknownst to Young Dave, Older Dave told him, “I lost my father-in-law—your great uncle—to prostate cancer in 2016”, and that he wants to support the prostate cancer cause.
A Ride Across Generations
So that’s the history…
For the two Daves, this ride is more than a road trip. It’s a link between generations and continents, built on family experiences, a strong identity with Australia and a cause that matters.
From the open roads to Esperance, they look forward to the community, the foundation, the lifelong memories and the friendships formed along the way.