
On Sunday, September 25, 2016, streets will be abuzz with finely dressed gentlefolk upon their classic and vintage style motorcycles, united in their support of men’s health as the 2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is held.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 by Sydneysider Mark Hawwa after being inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike, wearing his finest suit.
It was decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, while connecting niche motorcycle communities together. That first ride brought together over 2500 riders across 64 cities, with the success of the event encouraging Mark to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. The rest, as they say, is eloquently attired history:
In 2015, over 37,000 participants in 410 cities in 79 countries raised over $US2.3m for prostate cancer research. This year, 50,000 riders in over 500 cities across 90 countries will take part in their local event.
The fundraising goal is $US5m, which will be invested in both local and global prostate cancer re-search and suicide prevention programs by the ride's official charity partner, the Movember Foundation.
“We are just blown away by the traction and the enormous support over the past four years," said Hawwa. "It’s fantastic to see so many different countries and cultures uniting together, to offer the much needed support toward global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programs.
"The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride truly is a reflection of the thousands of people involved in the event, we simply wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Along with the synergy and genuine support from world class brands such as Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches, and with passionate organisations such as Movember, together we will do everything that we can to support the cause and cover the globe with incredibly well dressed gentleman and genteel lady folk.”
For more information and to register and/or donate to the 2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, visit gentlemansride.com.