Article – A bright autumn sun cast long shadows through Stanley Park as Liam Chen adjusted his tailored grey suit and vintage pocket watch. The 41-year-old IT specialist and two-time cancer survivor was one of hundreds who gathered Sunday for Vancouver’s annual Dapper Ride—an event where motorcyclists don their finest formal wear while riding through the city to raise awareness about men’s health issues.
“My doctor found my testicular cancer during a routine physical I almost cancelled,” Chen told me as riders around us adjusted bow ties and polished chrome. “That appointment saved my life. Twice, actually, since they caught the recurrence early too.”
Around us, the parking lot had transformed into something between a fashion show and motorcycle rally. Riders in three-piece suits, vests, and argyle socks stood proudly beside everything from vintage Triumphs to modern Ducatis. The air carried notes of leather polish, aftershave, and engine oil.
The Dapper Ride, part of the global Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride movement, draws hundreds of participants each year in Vancouver alone. Worldwide, the event has raised over $37.5 million since 2012 for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives through the Movember Foundation.
“Men are notoriously reluctant to discuss health concerns,” explained Dr. Anita Patel, a urologist at Vancouver General Hospital who attended as both a rider and health advocate. “Events like this create a community where those conversations become more comfortable. The motorcycles and fashion draw them in, but they stay for the brotherhood and support.”
Indeed, what began as a stylish motorcycle procession has evolved into something more meaningful. Between adjusting cufflinks and comparing bikes, participants openly discussed screening appointments, family health histories, and personal struggles.
Jason Whitefeather, a member of the Musqueam First Nation and veteran rider, brought cultural context to the gathering. “In many Indigenous communities, men’s wellbeing is tied to our role as protectors and providers. There’s strength in vulnerability—knowing when to seek help. That’s true warrior spirit.”
Statistics from the Canadian Cancer Society reveal the urgency behind the dapper facade: one in nine Canadian men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, and suicide remains the second leading cause of death among men under 50 in British Columbia.
As riders prepared to depart, the rumble of engines echoed against downtown buildings. The procession created a striking image—hundreds of formally dressed men and women on motorcycles flowing through city streets like a moving art installation.
“People stop and stare, take photos. That’s exactly what we want,” said event organizer Meredith Thompson, adjusting her vintage riding goggles over her tailored pinstripe suit. “Every confused look is an opportunity to explain why we’re doing this—to tell someone about prostate cancer screening or mental health resources.”
The route took riders through downtown Vancouver, along English Bay, and through neighborhoods where sidewalk spectators gathered to watch the unusual parade. At scheduled stops, volunteers distributed information about local health resources and screening programs.
What makes the Dapper Ride particularly effective is how it reframes the conversation around men’s health. Rather than focusing solely on illness, it celebrates masculinity through classic aesthetics while creating space for vulnerability.
“I couldn’t talk about my depression with my fishing buddies, but somehow I can discuss it here,” said 57-year-old construction foreman Terry McMillan, who rode his restored 1972 Honda CB750. “Something about the shared experience breaks down barriers.”
Vancouver’s health authorities have noticed the impact. The week following past Dapper Rides has seen upticks in appointments for prostate screenings and calls to mental health services, according to data from Vancouver Coastal Health.
As the sun began its descent over English Bay, riders gathered at the final stop—a waterfront restaurant where the formal attire continued to contrast wonderfully with the motorcycle helmets and gloves set aside on tables.
Chen, the cancer survivor I met at the start, raised a glass of sparkling water in a toast. “To health, to motorcycles, and to talking about the hard stuff,” he said as those around him echoed the sentiment.
As I watched these individuals—connected by tweed vests, silk ties, and a willingness to challenge stigma—I recognized something powerful in their community. The Dapper Ride has discovered that sometimes the path to discussing serious health matters runs through joy, beauty, and shared passion.
When I visited the ride’s fundraising page later that evening, I noticed they had exceeded their goal by nearly 30 percent. The funds will support research, awareness campaigns, and direct services—proving that sometimes, the most serious messages can be delivered with style.
