FARGO — On Sunday, May 21st, the group of about 50 people outside the parking lot of the Fargo Brewing company aren't going to a wedding, or a formal event of any kind even though they're dressed for the occasion. They're actually hopping on motorcycles and going around town, swapping the bandanas and leather jackets for bow ties and suit coats.
"Every year I have to look on YouTube and remember how to tie a bow tie," joked biker Mike Lacher.
This group always turns a few heads when they hit the streets of the metro.
"One of my favorite parts about group riding is just watching as the rest of the community kind of joins in on the fun and is able to watch all the people go by, wave and just create a really positive representation of motorcycles in the community," said Mia Chelberg, a social media specialist with Moon Motorsports, a motorcycle dealership in Monticello.
Branden Ashmore, owner of the Nice Barber Company, was here bright and early giving fresh cuts to some of the riders, making sure everyone looked suitably distinguished.
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"I'm usually covered in hair," said Ashmore. "And it's not every day I wear a suit coat. It feels good. Gives you an excuse to get pretty for one day."
But it's not all fun and games for the riders today, although it's plenty of fun. They're taking part in the Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride, an international event that began in Australia.
They're just one of many groups of bikers taking to the streets today, decked out in their Sunday best.
It's not everyday you see a guy with a suit and tie ride a motorcycle. It always gets a reaction, and that's by design. They're raising awareness, and funds for men's mental health and prostate cancer research.
Lacher's been riding since the event was introduced to Fargo-Moorhead back in 2015. He points out that stigma prevents men from being able to talk about their own mental health struggles.
"A lot of guys won't admit that there's a problem going on in their life, sometimes until it's too late," Lacher said. "It's nice to be able to just create an awareness and get it out there."
When the event started, Lacher estimates they had a group of about 25 bikers. He says this is their largest turnout ever.
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