The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride or DGR as it is more commonly known is a celebration of the art of being dapper and classic/vintage motorcycles.
Back in 2012, a guy named Mark Hawwa based in Sydney Australia took inspiration from the TV series Mad Men’s Don Draper, seeing him riding a cool bike dressed in his finest, he had the idea to create a themed bike ride to raise money for men’s health.
The idea being to ride in your finest, yes we know it isn’t overly sensible, but keeping speeds down and using local roads adds to the occasion.
In 2013, 11,000 riders across 145 cities raised $277,000.
Fast forward to 2019 and in a single day usually the last Sunday in September, 115,612 rode in 104 countries and 678 cities raising $5.79 million for prostate cancer research and men’s suicide awareness and prevention
3 Steps to success:
Dress dapper
Ride a classic style
Fundraise
It provides an opportunity for like minded folk to dress up in their finest, ride their finest and raise lots of money whilst at the same time having a laugh and entertaining all those around them. After seeing 300 or so bikes riding past relatively sedately all dressed to the nines, is a site to behold – just ask the members of the public waving and taking photos!
Since the first ride, lots of companies have joined to sponsor and Triumph are now a key worldwide supporter giving away new bikes for the top fundraisers.
Take a peek to check out what this year had in store.
Me, I have taken part in the Newcastle, England ride for the past three years which has grown steadily and this year topped over 300 riders.
Why do I do it, easy – enjoy making money for a great cause whilst doing something I love and bringing a smile to peoples faces. It epitomises what biking is all about, a kindred spirit which unites for a common cause – plus being a bike nerd, like looking at a complete range all at once and to be able to chat away about all things bike related.
So there you have it, a little insight into what goes on, on the last Sunday of September amongst the biking community across the world.
