The year was 1987. I had successfully navigated the safety and knowledge portions of a motorcycle training program. I obtained my Class 6 licence and bought my first bike.
A Yamaha Seca 650. Although I also had my Class 5 license, which allowed me to drive most cars by myself – it was the independence and a bit of a rebel reputation that drew me to fall in love with the idea of being a biker babe.
It’s funny the things you remember. I was 16-years old, had a job working part-time at Woolco (a retail chain company that has since closed), my favourite subjects in school were drama and music, I was playing rugby and managing a swim team, attended church and belonged to a sorority.
Being the overdramatic individual that I was, it’s no surprise I found a way to create interest and intrigue by aptly personalizing my motorcycle license plate to read ‘H0TJAZZ’. But what does all this have to do with my musings today?
Well, aside from my desire to be a pioneer of sorts, or to leave my mark in the history pages of life – I wanted to tie my interest in motorcycles, my stance as an empowered woman, and my position as an advocate of things I believe in into something enlightening.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global motorcycle event that raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. Why? Because men are dying too young. Globally, men die on average 5-years earlier than women – and for reasons that are largely preventable. Through platforms such as this column, I am trying to make an impact, support ground-breaking research, tests, treatments and programs that will change the lives of men. This year, I’m opening the throttle and riding the momentum of innovative ways to encourage others to take action on their health.
Life can throw us curveballs. In so much that in a recent ‘Big Conversations with Tee’, aside from the fact that I spoke about the realities and statistics of aesthetic surgery, I also spoke about the importance of including men in the conversation (even though the host platform is ‘Ladies Corner’).
Consider then, that even when things seem tough, there’s a lot we can do to look after ourselves and others. By example: Do more things that make you feel great and help you de-stress; spend time with friends; share what’s going on, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Untreated mental health conditions can carry an elevated risk for suicide among men.
There are a number of factors that have been linked to an increased risk of suicide that you should be aware of, and get help with, or limit your exposure to, including: Previous family or personal history of mental illness; harmful drug and alcohol use; isolation or loneliness; ongoing stressful life situations such as unemployment, relationship difficulties, or chronic health issues.
Although men and women experience many of the same mental health disorders, their willingness to talk about their challenges and feelings are quite different. The more we become comfortable talking about these challenges, the healthier our society will be. Let’s all try to support the people in our lives by being an advocate for reducing stigmas around mental health, and being a voice for them when they need us most.
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Jacqueline Biollo is among the booming number of female motorcycle riders who aim to ‘keep up on the road’ with industry trends, including safety, philanthropy, technology, and fashion. She is photographed with her 2006 Honda VT750 Shadow in her ‘Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride’ attire by Coral Konanz Photography. Jacqueline also rides a 2000 Kawasaki ZX-12R Ninja. She asks that you consider donating to this year’s campaign at https://www.gentlemansride.com/sponsor.
