Riders’ Stories

Paul, South Australia

"The Long Ride is not about the destination but the journey. There is generally a lot of banter at each stop during the day and then wherever you have a meal you will catch up with riders from different states and share stories and laughter. What I like the most about TLR is the camaraderie. Everyone riding for a common cause".

"Tasmania was my first Long Ride, and that was a fantastic trip. I was bunked with 3 sailors, non-serving at the time. We had so much fun. Plenty of time to see the sights and talk to people about what all the motorbikes were and all the blue shirts. Essentially sharing our cause and spreading the word and raising awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of getting checked.

"The Long Ride is not only for a good cause, it is a great reason to see the country and share those times with like minded people. Everyone knows someone who has a cancer story."

Paul will be taking part in The Long Ride for the fourth time this year when the ride departs for Esperance, WA.

David, Victoria

This year, David is riding The Long Ride for the sixth time!

David discovered a love of riding at 16, but that’s not the only reason he participates in this cross-country motorcycle ride. The Long Ride is raising funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

“In 2006, soon after my 50th birthday, I had a checkup with my GP, which included a PSA check. I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It was a shock. I was relatively young. But because it was caught early, treatment has been relatively successful. After I was diagnosed, I informed my siblings and encouraged my brothers to be tested. Two of my elder brothers were found to have cancer. One of them was treated, and the other is on active surveillance. My younger brother also has regular testing. I encourage all males to be tested, particularly if there is any history of cancer in the family”.

The Long Ride offers freedom, mateship and the chance to do something out of the ordinary. "The mutual support between riders is of great importance as we share not only a love of riding but the mutual goal of raising awareness and donations".

Riders depart from all States and Territories, travelling through regional Australia, before meeting to ride together to Esperance, WA.

"I am starting from Daylesford, which is a small town in central Victoria, and I look forward to catching up with my brother and other riders as we converge towards Esperance, WA.”

David, Adelaide

This year's Long Ride motorbike tour is going to be big! Around 200 riders have registered. This ride, developed by RAAF veteran Chris Dunne and his wife, Gail, offers the opportunity to experience freedom, mateship, and do something out of the ordinary, all for a good cause. The Long Ride raises funds and awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.  

David is a prostate cancer survivor. He has also had a number of friends go through the same journey which he has provided support, advice, and a shoulder when required, and he wants to help raise awareness to help other men affected by prostate cancer. 

This year will be the first time David is participating in the Long Ride. David served in the Defence Science and Technology for 38 years. He deployed with the Australian Army three times, twice to East Timor and once to Afghanistan. Now retired, David has gathered a few friends who also have gone through the prostate cancer journey to join him on the Long Ride from Adelaide to Esperance and looks forward to making new friends along the way.  

John, Adelaide

“Men being men, will always say, no matter who they are - I'm ok, don't worry or fuss about me.” That was RAF veteran John's attitude before a test at a new GP revealed he had prostate cancer.  
 
“My new GP had me have a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test; my previous GP had never asked me to have one. The result red-flagged.” A biopsy confirmed cancer.  
 
He was lucky in some ways; his cancer was contained, so in June 2024, he had his whole prostate removed. He is PSA negative now post-surgery and feels he can begin to live again.  

“Prostate Cancer should never be endured alone. Men of all ages need to be aware, and ask for help, there is no shame in it,” John says. John keeps on top of it with an annual blood test to confirm there is no sign of the antigen. “It’s as simple as checking regularly with a blood test”.  

With a love of classic motorcycles and the opportunity to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, joining The Long Ride was a no-brainer.  

It’s John’s first time participating in the Long Ride, in which over 200 riders from around Australia will ride from all States and Territories to Esperance, WA. John is looking forward to “experiencing the joy of the open road with a great bunch of blokes and ladies” as he rides from Adelaide. He’ll be supporting the Long Ride’s fundraising efforts to raise money for PCFA.