DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE – RIDING DAPPER FOR A CAUSE:
A Brief Recap of the Event and Our Participation – 19th May, 2024
On Sunday May 19th, 2024, over 500,000 distinguished gentlefolk in over 650 cities, in 121 countries, worldwide donned their cravats, tussled their ties, pressed their tweeds, and sat astride their classic, custom and vintage styled motorcycles to raise funds and awareness for men’s health – specifically prostate cancer and men’s mental health. I have it on good information that to-date some USD $52.11 Million has been raised for these worthwhile causes.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) was founded in Sydney, Australia by Mark Hawwa in 2012. It was inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together.
That first ride in 2012 brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities throughout the world. The success of the event encouraged the founder to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause.
Influenced by the tragedy of losing one of the rides hosts to depression, from 2016 there was seen a change in their health fundraising goals. Now, the funding of men’s mental health programs is a DGR focus, in addition to prostate cancer research through their official charity partner The Movember Foundation. I would note Triumph Motorcycles have continued to support the DGR in a long-term relationship as a global partner.
As stated the DGR is a niche charity celebration that focuses on the art of being dapper with both men and women donning their finest outfits and getting a chance to air their vintage-inspired and classically designed Motorcycles. These bikes strictly include Café Racers, Bobbers, Trackers, Scramblers, Old School Choppers, Modern Classics, Sidecars, Classic Scooters, Classic Cruisers, Modern Classics, Electrics and Brat Styled motorcycles to raise awareness for prostate cancer and mental health programs on behalf of the mentioned and associated charities.
Members of our Branch have been participating in this experience since its inception. For this year and for a fair few before it we have participated in the Wollongong based ride. For various reasons, mostly beyond their control, several of the usual partakers were unable to take part. However, three riders were able to fly the Branch’s flag – namely: Rob ‘Tunnels’ Tunnicliff on his Mike Hailwood Replica Ducati in S.S. mode, Steve Turner on his Honda CX500 and myself ‘Bullfrog’ on a BMW R800G/S Paris Dakar, courtesy of Derek Sheppard of City Coast Motorcycles, Wollongong.
What a day! 195 plus gentlefolk united under Wollongong’s blue skies, dressed in their finery, raising smiles, forming friendships, and taking to the road on vintage and classic motorcycles; all in the name of men’s health. I have been advised that the amount raised was in the vicinity of $77,990 AUD – not too bad for a place like Wollongong.
Just for the record, this year’s Wollongong event featured 195 riders registered and probably included a few extras – raised $77,990 AUD. Derek and Danny of City Coast Motorcycles were the facilitators of the Wollongong ride.
The ride kicked off at Illawarra Brewery – Eastern Terrace, WIN Entertainment Centre, Crown St., Wollongong before travelling via Wollongong Lighthouse, south of Wollongong before doubling back again via Wollongong then up Mt Keira and culminating at Mount Kembla Village Hotel. Here there was more socialising, some had lunch and others imbibed in some well-earned liquid refreshments. AND, need I say it………….a good time was had by all.
Gerry Bloemen #1309, with help from the DGR website.
