Gino Biervliet

Just a couple of days

Monday 13th May 2024

So, Just a Couple of Days Before We Ride!

Why I Joined This Fundraising Effort

First of all, have you ever witnessed one of these rides in person? It’s a breathtaking sight—the endless stream of gentle folks rolling by, the growl of the motorcycles mingling with the biggest smiles from both riders and bystanders.

Secondly, the cause is close to my heart. I've seen the struggles of men dealing with (mental) health issues firsthand—battles with (prostate) cancer, depression, addiction, and just the challenges of being a man in the modern world. In fact, I'm navigating my own mental health journey. Thank Kilby I’m in a better place now. It’s crucial that we raise awareness about these issues. Far too many men are afraid to voice their struggles, leading to a silent majority fighting their battles alone. I aim to help eradicate the stigma around discussing men's health.

Why I Thank Kilby?

Without Jack Kilby, the father of the microchip, I wouldn't even be able to post this message, let alone reach out to so many people. As a software engineer, I owe much to Kilby. without his innovation, I wouldn't have the best job in the world. My work has been a stable pillar during rough times, allowing me to focus on the puzzles within the code I work on. It also connects me with like-minded individuals, fostering discussions about life beyond code. The last two employers I've had played a significant role in supporting me through my mental health struggles, creating a safe space to be open and authentic.. An example many other workplaces could learn from.

So why I joined?
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A GROUP OF GENTLE FOLKS PASSING BY?????


Image created with dall-e

Ride or Die

Tuesday 7th May 2024

No anxiety,
When I turn left, I go right.
This is a fact.
No countering the counter-steering when going around the corner; just let the flow take over.
When I'm twisting my wrist risking to miss the twist no need to resist; just let the flow take over.
Going faster, going harder, or cruising at a steady pace.
It's up to me to decide.

Gently curving the wavy roads ahead,
My muscle memory gives me the intentional movements I need to move forward. Nothing forces me but the force in me that forces me to be me.
Nothing will change the outcome but the input that I give... But only when I'm riding.
When I ride I'm the one in control!
When I ride, I am alive...
Therefore, I Ride or Die.

 

 

Freedom

Thursday 28th Mar 2024

This year marks my first official ride alongside the esteemed gentlemen of Nijmegen, the Netherlands, in the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2024.

One of the causes at the heart of this event, raising awareness for men's mental health, is a personal crusade of mine and a significant reason behind my participation.

For too long, I've navigated the turbulent waters of mental health challenges, with the past year presenting some of the most daunting waves yet. It was a year where defeat loomed close, but choosing to voice my struggles transformed the battle. Opening up about my mental health journey invited an outpouring of support that became my beacon of hope for brighter days. This liberty to discuss our health, to acknowledge our struggles without fear, is the cornerstone of recovery and resilience. It's my hope that by sharing my story, we can chip away at the lingering stigmas surrounding men's mental health, encouraging open and healing dialogues.

Even today I still struggle on a daily base, but:

When I hear the rumble of a motorcycle engine, I smile.
When I cruise, shoulder to shoulder with 250 gentlemen, I feel.
When I ride, I'm free!

How do you find your freedom? I invite you to share your stories, to join the conversation and the cause. Together, we can break the silence that too often surrounds mental health. Your support, whether through donations, sharing this message, or simply engaging in discussions about mental health, can foster a community of understanding and compassion.

Let's ride not just for the thrill, but for a future where no one battles in silence.

Ik rij op mijn motor voor Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Thursday 28th Mar 2024 Op zondag 19 mei 2024 rijd ik in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride met andere mannen en vrouwen over de hele wereld om namens Movember geld en bewustzijn in te zamelen voor prostaatkanker en de geestelijke gezondheid van mannen. Mannen sterven gemiddeld 6 jaar eerder dan vrouwen en dit om grotendeels te voorkomen redenen. Het aantal mannen dat lijdt groeit, en daar moeten we iets aan doen. Dus, voordat ik mijn tweed druk en mijn laarzen poets, vraag ik jullie om samen met mij geld en bewustzijn in te zamelen voor deze doelen door te doneren wat je kunt voor dit zinvolle doel en om de mannen waar we van houden, te helpen een gelukkiger en gezonder leven te leiden.