A group of motorcycle riders came to town on Tuesday to raise awareness of men's health for Movember.
The moustache-clad riders have been on the road from Auckland since last Wednesday, stopping in on Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin this week at free Movember events.
The eight-day, 1600-kilometre trip aimed to raise money for the Movember Foundation, the men's health charity, inviting people – especially motorcycle enthusiasts – to come together for food, drinks and yarns at partner Harley-Davidson dealerships along the way.
The team arrived in Christchurch on Tuesday at the Rolling Thunder Harley-Davidson store on Manchester Street.
The Harley-Davidson dealership put on a spread of food, drinks, a health station, giveaways and a pop-up barber for the visitors.
Guests tried out the health station, getting their blood pressure and BMI tested and were able to tidy up their facial hair at the Bundy the Barber pop-up barber shop.
For the last 13 years "Mo Bros" and "Mo Sistas" from all over the country have done their part by putting away the razors for the month of November to fundraise for the Movember Foundation.
Television presenter and former rugby union player Josh Kronfeld, broadcaster Jay Reeve and Olympic track cyclist Eddie Dawkins joined the cause to highlight men's health.
"I've been an avid supporter of Movember for the past 14 years because they are one of the only organisations that focus on raising awareness about men's health issues," said Harley-Davidson ambassador Jay Reeve.
"Riding a motorcycle is a great conversation starter. You share a common bond that transcends vocation or social circumstance. These types of events are critical in bringing together communities to raise much needed funds and awareness for key men's health issues in New Zealand."
Movember spokesperson Robert Dunn said it was important to break the silence around men's health issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
"Every dollar we raise and every conversation had takes us one step closer to delivering innovative, breakthrough programs that allow men to live happier, healthier and longer lives," he said.
The ride aimed to raise more than $10,000 for Movember and is currently sitting at around $7000. Movember supports 40 projects here in New Zealand to complete research and support for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical health.
The group will arrive in Invercargill on Thursday to complete the Burt Munro Challenge.
The above story was taken from stuff.co.nz at the follolwing link
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/86707617/Motorbike-ride-to-raise-funds-for-Movember
