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Fraser Coast's best dressed bikers suit up and ride off with an important message about prostate cancer

The Fraser Coast's best-dressed bikers suit up and ride off with an important message (ABC Wide Bay: Lucy Loram)

Forget the leather jackets and tattoos. These bikers are donning their best suit and ties to rev their way around the streets of the Fraser Coast.

They are not doing it to show off but rather to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.

Hervey Bay motorcycle enthusiast Lee Greenwood leads a distinguished gang of well-dressed men for what is proving a popular campaign.

"The first year we had it here, three years ago, we had five riders," he said.

"Last year, we had 26, but that was only spread by word of mouth.

"This year, we've got the Historical Motorcycle Club of Queensland also involved, and we hope to have upward from 50 to 80 or even 100 riders."

The group of men ride through the Fraser Coast every week, but on Sunday they will be dressing up to raise awareness.  (ABC Wide Bay: Lucy Loram)

Statistics from the Cancer Council show that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.

Mr Greenwood said the impacts of the illness hit close to home for many of the riders.

"We're here to raise awareness for men's health and prostate cancer research, and it's an easily detected cancer that can be treatable if detected early."

The men had a practice ride around Burrum Heads on Friday, before they meet again on Sunday.  (ABC Wide Bay: Lucy Loram)

The aim is to raise a few eyebrows as they ride down the street, prompting conversations about a disease less talked about.

"Go and get the finger test or a blood test, and check to see if you do have prostate cancer."

Many of the men riding either know someone or have been diagnosed themselves with prostate cancer.  (ABC Wide Bay: Lucy Loram)

Put on your Sunday best

The convoy completed a dress rehearsal in Burrum Heads on Friday ahead of the charity ride in Hervey Bay on Sunday. 

Des Janke from the Historical Motor Cycle Club of Queensland says the bike enthusiasts typically meet every Friday for a ride but are not always this well dressed.

"The dress-up is just to get our riders to stand out a little more than in their normal riding clothing," Mr Janke said.

Des Janke from Historical Motorcycle Club of Queensland says the men received a lot of attention on their practice ride.  (ABC Wide Bay: Lucy Loram)

Mr Janke said Hervey Bay residents would be sure to spot, if not hear, the gents on Sunday morning.

"We're hoping to get a big crowd of riders assembling at the service station at the airport, and we'll take things from there," he said.

The wider Hervey Bay community can support the cause on Sunday, by buying a sausage from Daymun Park.  (ABC Wide Bay: Lucy Loram )

Those without a bike or a three-piece suit lying around could also show their support on Sunday.

"At the Daymun Park, there will be a sausage sizzle put on by the historical motorcycle club," Mr Greenwood said. 

"There will also be a donation bin available there for the actual Maryborough and Hervey Prostate Cancer Support Groups, which are the ones who organise transport and accommodation for local people going through treatment for the illness."

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