George and Renata Zumberge were in a spot they’ve been hundreds of times before. Maybe even thousands of times.
On Saturday morning, the Bernville couple was sitting atop their Harleys, their engines growling beneath them. It’s a place of comfort for them, it’s a place of joy.
But something was different on Saturday. Something wasn’t quite the same as all those times they’ve mounted their bikes before.
That’s because this time, they were doing so in nothing but their underwear.
It may sound like the stuff of nightmares, the kind that jolt you awake in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. But the Zumberges were bearing nearly all with a smile on their faces.
That’s because their exhibitionism was for a very, very good cause.
The couple was one of many motorcycle enthusiasts who turned out to the Classic Harley-Davidson Saturday to take part in the 4th annual Undy 500. The event, in which participants do a lap around an obstacle course on their wheels of choice in their underwear, aims to raise awareness for colorectal cancer prevention.
The Zumberges said they were happy to take part, even if it meant showing off a little more than they’re used to.
“It’s more clothing than a bathing suit so what’s the difference,” George said while wearing a white undershirt and leopard print boxers.
George said the couple, who have been customers of the Bern Township dealership for more than a decade, had known about the event for a while but Saturday was their first ride in nothing but their underwear.
“This is for a good cause and for something we think is important,” Renata said with a smile as she stood by her bike donning a lacy undershirt and silky bloomers. “Besides, we’re always up for doing something goofy.”
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, affecting about 150,000 people each year — one-third of whom will die of the disease. That’s largely because 1 in 3 Americans, even those with insurance, are not screened when recommended.
Officials from My Gut Instinct are hoping to change that statistic. The nonprofit educated attendees of the event how easy it is to screen for colorectal cancer.
Dr. Aparna Mele, a physician with Digestive Disease Associates in West Reading, said she founded the nonprofit as a means of empowering people to take part in their digestive health and wellness.
“We’re really just trying to raise awareness about the importance of screening,” she said.
Mele said she teamed up with Classic Harley-Davidson in an attempt to reach an audience, particularly men ages 45 to 65, that needs to be educated about colorectal cancer. The idea behind the event, she said, is to use humor to tackle what can be a very daunting topic.
“This is a community that has a strong sense of camaraderie so having Harley’s endorsement is tremendous because if Harley thinks it’s cool to get a colonoscopy then it kind of puts a stamp on the screening process,” she said.
All who took a lap around the course received a free pair of boxers emblazoned with the Harley and My Gut Instinct logo, a free stool testing kit and coupon for a free motorcycle oil change at the dealership for those who commit to getting their first colonoscopy this year.
“We’re using the theme of cleaning your pipes,” Mele said with a smile.
Treatment is much more successful when the cancer is caught early, she said, and that is where regular screenings can help.
Source: Berkshire mont
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