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Bahrain’s bikers were pretty in pink at the weekend, cruising across the island on their decorated mean machines in support of breast cancer awareness month.
For the past six years, the local Harley Owners Group (HOG) has organised a Pink Awareness Ride to help raise the profile of the appeal and funds for the Think Pink Bahrain campaign.
More than 60 motorcyclists, men and women of all ages and numerous nationalities, set off from in front of the Harley Davidson dealership in Budaiya at 8am on Friday with pink coloured hair and over-the-top, fully-kitted bikes to make their two-wheeled statement.
Alaa Al Turk, HOG’s activity officer for the Bahrain Chapter, said: “The event went very well as it always does. We actually had more riders than expected. It was great seeing a lot of bikes decorated in pink ribbons and even the bikers were either wearing pink or had pink hair!
“We organise this ride annually to raise awareness for Think Pink and to support our community. It is our responsibility to be involved in the charity projects in Bahrain.”
The pink parade first made its way to the Royal Golf Club, with bikers honking their horns and revving their engines in harmony. They then visited the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland –Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI) and ended the trip at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa where they celebrated the day in pink unity.
At the hotel, the HOG’s donated a sum of BD400 to Think Pink Bahrain and members hope it helps with the funding of further medical equipment.
Saar couple, Gary Boyd, 43, who works at Aramco and his wife Tara, 42, dyed their hair pink in solidarity with the movement and have proudly taken part in the ride for the past three years.
Gary said: “We believe in the cause, raising awareness of breast cancer is the first key in generating funds so that they can purchase more equipment solutions for available treatment. Cancer can affect anybody at any time. It doesn’t just kill a person, it kills a whole family.
“This ride draws a lot of attention to breast cancer awareness because you have a group of bikers riding around in pink. We make such a visual spectacle of ourselves so that people will look and wonder why they are dressed so crazy.”
Fellow biker, Hatim Saif, 26, from Manama, who works in human resources for Salam Enterprises Bahrain, said: “I have been riding for seven years and we always do this for Think Pink. It’s a good way to donate and people can enjoy a ride in the process. This isn’t just for bikers, everyone can take part.”
Think Pink Bahrain’s goals main aim has remained unchanged since inception in 2004 which is education. According to platinum sponsors RCSI, education is the first step to prevention.
Adrian Lydon – head of Communications, RCSI Bahrain, said: “The core principle of Think Pink Bahrain’s philosophy is education. As a major leader in third level education in Bahrain, RCSI Bahrain is delighted to be supporting Think Pink Bahrain with its aim of increasing breast cancer awareness, especially early detection, which thereby saves lives.”
The next Think Pink events are on October 16 when men and women take part in the Royal Golf Club’s Ninth Ladies Texas Scramble and Royal Golf Club Men’s Night Golf.
For details, contact 17750777 or email info@thinkpinkbahrain.com
*More Think Pink events in Leisure Guide: Page 8
