Not just a gentleman’s ride: The Mo Sister making noise

Emily Cain is a Mo Sister on a moto mission to help stop men dying too young. As a key member of Auckland’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) hosting team, Emily has personally raised over $11,000 for the cause since 2022. She also supports efforts to raise over $80,000 among more than 400 motorcyclists who regularly attend. An active figure in the Royal Enfield community and a committee member of the Enfield Riders Club of Auckland, she’s also the behind-the-scenes engine of Auckland Motosocial. Come event night, though, you’ll find her flapping her arms and reminding you not to be a Dud!

In your own words, can you tell us what the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is and what it means to you?

I hadn’t been riding for very long when I started finding my place in the moto community.” A few months out from DGR 2022, someone casually asked me if I’d be attending. I had no idea what they were talking about. “What’s the DGR?” I asked.

They explained it as a charity ride where you dress up in your finest. That was enough to pique my interest. Once home, I hit the laptop and was instantly blown away—not just by how stylish everyone looked, but by why they were riding: prostate cancer awareness and men’s mental health.

That really hit home. My Nan, never one for perfect timing, walked into my 21st birthday party and announced that my Grandad had prostate cancer. Luckily, it was caught early and managed with medication. We got another 20 years with him. He passed recently—with prostate cancer, but not from it. He was one of the most important people in my world, and I’m grateful for the extra time we had thanks to the work Movember supports. I want others to have that chance too.

Then there’s men’s mental health. As the mother of a son who was once supported by the child mental health system—until he wasn’t—I’ve seen how hard it can be to find the right help. I came out of that experience wishing I could do more, feeling unsure of how to support him properly. Thanks to Movember, I now have access to new resources, and I feel much better prepared to walk alongside him in his journey.

Without being too rude, we understand you are not a gentleMAN. Do you have to be one to take part in the ride, and if not, why have you chosen to raise money for a men’s charity?

While we may be the minority on the day, being a Gentle Lady is pretty cool! Whether you’re riding solo or pillion, the vibe is like nothing else—so much effort, style, and spirit in one place. It’s truly a spectacle.

We all have special men in our lives—Dads, brothers, uncles, sons. None of them should be lost to something preventable, or to silence when they just needed someone to listen. Raising funds is a small gesture with a big impact.

How did you become a DGR host?

After making a bit of a splash with my fundraising in my first year, I was invited to be a guest host the following year—a lovely nod to the effort I’d put in. I quickly proved myself useful and threw my hat in the ring to help with the behind-the-scenes organisation. It’s not glamorous, but I love that kind of thing!

What’s your favourite part of DGR?

I love the buzz—the energy of everyone dressed to the nines, the genuine smiles, and the shared spirit of fun. And then, of course, there’s the bikes. So many absolute gems get dusted off and brought out just for the day—it’s a beautiful sight.

What’s your most memorable moment from any DGR ride?

I honestly love the moments when I pass young kids, especially little girls, and you see that flicker of surprise and excitement when they realise it’s a lady riding. Dressed up, lipstick on, and totally owning it. You wave, and you can tell you’ve made a little impact—it’s a magic feeling.

Do you have any fundraising tips?

Friends and family are great cheerleaders, but they’re not usually the big donors. I focus on my professional network and target businesses. It becomes a win-win: they support a good cause, and I make sure to give them shoutouts in professional spaces. It helps raise more awareness, inspires others, and keeps the momentum going.

Do you love classic and vintage motorcycles? Got a dazzlingly dapper suit or comparably sharp outfit? And most importantly, are you passionate about men’s health? Then you can register for a ride in your city.