Do Good: The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
Gentlemen, start your engines! Tally-ho!
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is a classy and classic motorcycling event. It calls on all proper gentlemen—and ladies, too—to don their most dapper suits and ride to spread awareness of men’s health issues.
This self-described niche motorcycle charity originates from Sydney, Australia. Inspired by the look of Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm) in the hit TV show Mad Men, the first DGR gathered like-minded individuals to ride in a fun way to raise money for a good cause.
And raise money they have. In the first decade of its existence, the DGR has raised $31.5 million to fund education and research of prostate cancer, men’s mental health, and suicide prevention through their charity partner Movember. The event has grown massively from 2,000 riders in 2012, reaching 116,000 participants in 104 countries in 2019 before the pesky pandemic put a slight damper on things.
This year’s DGR will take place on May 22. The organizers once again expect tens of thousands of riders around the world to get together in the spirit of refined riding—while following local public health and safety protocols, of course. To participate, you’ll have to register an account at the DGR website and locate your nearest ride. If you’re up for it, you may also apply to host a ride in your city.
The DGR is open to all riders but with fairly strict restrictions on the types of bikes. Participants must ride a classically styled bobber, brat, cafe racer, chopper, scooter, scrambler, sidecar, or tracker bike. You should also be appropriately smartly dressed. This isn’t to ruin anyone’s fun, but to maintain the DGR’s niche, vintage look and appeal.
As an incentive, participants have a chance to win fancy prizes for their efforts. The most accomplished fundraisers have a shot at winning—among others—a Triumph Thruxton RS, customized Belstaff jackets, and DGR-styled Hedon helmets.
To learn more about and participate in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, visit their website.
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