Christopher Minks

What a glorious day for a ride!

Exceptional weather treated us all today, and we had a great ride, with nearly 200 others in our little town ride in Metuchen NJ...we're hoping that after all is finally tallied that our ride should hit $100,000 this year..a first for Metuchen.  And we are thus far sitting at number 10 WORLDWIDE for our fundraising efforts, and I'm still in the top 10 individually...thank you ALL for your generosity, loyalty to this important cause, and your response to my annual appeal.  God Bless you all!  

Hmmm…what to ride?

In prep for Sunday, I took some of the bikes out for a shake down....not sure if I'll ride the Norton JPS, the RZ350 (2 stroke!), the Harley XR750, or the Ducati Superlight (technically not yet registered so likely not the SL!).  The Laverda is still in need of some final wiring so that won't likely be ready (again).  

But, looking at our ride participants, it strikes that that so many haven't really taken to the fund raising spirit (yet)...please all, reach out to family, friends, social media contacts, and ask each person to pledge $25 to sponsor you and support this great charity!  In no time each person could raise $1000 with a little effort - that'd be $140,000 raised by Metuchen if we all just raised that little bit...I assure you, it is not that difficult, but you have to ask!  Give it a go, and the worst that can happen is you only raise a few hundred, maybe $750...but every dollar makes a difference!  There's still time for a final push...God Bless and good luck! 

May Flowers…

This year, as every year, my connection and commitment to the Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride and Movember Foundation is directly linked to my and my family's experience with the trauma and loss that so many suffer when a loved one is battling mental health issues, disease, and what often accompany those issues including loneliness, depression, drug abuse, and self harm.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as we support critical organizations like Movember, participate in events like the DGR and other programs sponsored by organizations like Stigma Free, and others that fight to bring the importance of mental health care to light, please be kind to eachother.  Reach out to those you love, those you know, your elderly neighbors, single parents, or those who you may see struggling to thrive day to day.  The effect of outreach and sharing a kind word can often change a person's outlook in a profound way.  Through events and organizations like the DGR and Movember Foundation, we can come together with those suffering directly, indirectly, and those who have overcome - who have learned to cope and thrive, those battling and those who have survived the ravages of disease and addiction.  Side by Side we fortify eachother to stand and offer support to those who can't support themselves. 

One day in, and THANK YOU

Truly, less than one full day of effort and I have to thank the three of you that have already committed to be Major Donors this year (one committing $5,000!) which generosity is truly humbling! Already approaching halfway to this year's goal...please - give if you can, participate if you can, and overall, keep those battling mental illness or simply having struggles - anxiety, depression, anger, sadness... in mind and offer a kind word or a visit and some good company.  We need eachother to make it through this life, and too many of us are lonely even in a crowd.  Reach out to those you may not have spoke to recently.  Check in often, and be present in each other's lives.  God Bless! 

Oh, and while you're out and about...do stop into the Minks garage - particularly if you know anything about vintage Laverda 750S electronics!? 

Better Late than Never? Let's honor Matthew Minks!

So I have been remiss...perhaps lost or preoccupied, with a skewed sense of priority or just plain busy with life and its daily responsibilities and inevitable challenges...but I am BACK.  And with two weeks to go, have set myself up with an insane, perhaps impossible challenge.  But this challenge is to honor my brother in a way that I believe fitting.  Achievable? Hopefully.  Worthy? ABSOLUTELY.   The DGR is not only a wonderful event filled with vintage and vintage inspired machinery and like minded motorcycle enthusiasts, but more importantly, is the single biggest fund raiser on the planet dedicated to raising funds to benefit men's health initiatives, and in particular, most meaningful for me and my family, men's mental health programs: an area of care that is woefully inadequate in our culture and world.  This year is particlarly solemn and somber for me in that it marks the 10th year since my younger brother's passing:  Matt would have been 53 this past February, and had suffered for many years with mental health challenges, ultimately fueling his drug addiction and abuse, which ultimately took his life. I know that Matt, and our Dad, who we lost in 2003 to lung cancer, would have been big supporters of this effort, and I miss them every day.

 This year, my goal (absurd as it may be in 2 weeks time) is to double the funds I have raised in the last few years, by raising $25,000 this year alone - from private donors only: meaning Lisa and I will continue to make our regular annual donation in addition to that amount I'm able to raise through your generosity to support the critical work of the Movember Foundation.  So please, dig deep and let's make magic in 14 days!  Your support means more this year than perhaps any other to me, and will not only help to provide aid and support to thousands of men in need, but will help you honor Matt's memory in such a profound and meaningful way.  I love you all and do so appreciate your continued support! 

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.