07 April 2025
In October, motorbike riders will take to the open road to raise awareness and funds for Aussie men impacted by prostate cancer.
The Long Ride is a national bi-annual motorcycle tour that has raised over $2.3 million for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) since it launched in 2007.
Rider Andy Holman has been taking part in the event since 2014 on his trusty Honda CTX 700 – but it wasn’t until his own diagnosis of prostate cancer in January 2024 that the cause really hit close to home.
“I had been getting my PSA checked since I was in my 40s, and I knew I was at risk of getting it even before my dad passed away with prostate cancer,” Andy said.
“I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, but I was fortunate that I was doing a PSA test every year, and I had told the doctor that I had.
“Luckily, they could only detect the cancer within the prostate.”
Andy underwent a radical prostatectomy in April last year.
“The surgery went well. I was right on the cusp of not being able to go on The Long Ride to Port Douglas last year. I still joined the group but as a passenger in a car, so I’m thrilled that I can ride again this year,” he added.
"After surgery, I regained my continence without any problems. I had virtually no pain, and I followed the right advice. I had my first six-month scan in January, and the results are still good.
“It’s really important to do regular PSA tests. I don’t know where my prostate cancer would have been if they detected it any later,” he said.
This year, the event will see riders depart from around the country in late October and make their way to Esperance, arriving on October 18.
“I have done every ride on my Honda CTX 700 since 2014. I’ve done nearly 160,000 kilometres on it, and it’s never missed a beat. As long as I keep going, it will keep going,” Andy said.
“They always say that the worst day on the bike is still better than the best day in a car. I love the open road and having my own space. Even with a group, it’s still just you and your bike.”
Andy added that The Long Ride was all about raising awareness of prostate cancer to encourage men to get tested.
“We find that blokes from the country are too busy working the land to get regular health checks. Talking to them when we stop for breaks, they come up and want to know what it's about,” he said.
“Sometimes, their head is in the sand, and you finally convince them of the realities, driving home the message that they should take care of themselves and keep on top of their health.”
PCFA CEO Anne Savage said the charity was extremely proud to be the recipient of funds from The Long Ride.
“The Long Ride has significantly expanded our work, supporting the growth of our prostate cancer support services and funding life-changing research to benefit Australian men,” she said.
“We encourage locals to get involved in the event or support riders along the way.
“It can be a long road when you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely road. With events like these, we can make sure that every man and their family have access to support when they need it most.”
To join The Long Ride, please visit www.longrideaustralia.au.
For more information on prostate cancer or to find a local support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a PCFA Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
