On September 28, 2014, those magnificent men on their flying machines gather for a global celebration of motorcycling, style, friendship and banter all in aid of giving a two wheel salute to prostate cancer. In over 250 cities around the world, groups of riders, all makes and models, will dress dapper and tour the town. This is the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride, a global phenomenon founded by a bunch of Australian friends in 2012 to offset the downbeat perception often linked to motorcyclists.
Triumph Motorcycles are proud to announce we have teamed up with the organisation and to be playing our part in accelerating the global growth of such a fantastic initiative. It’s all about the scramblers, café racers, classic styled bikes and bobbers, and the dapper chaps that own them – regardless of brand. What’s important is having a great ride and raising awareness and as much money as possible to combat a disease that kills one gentlemen every hour somewhere in the world.
The concept of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride began with a picture of Don Draper from television’s Mad Men. This picture inspired the café racer aficionado Mark Hawwa to thinking about a Suit Ride in Perth. The idea quickly took off, starting in just a one city and then quickly growing into the global event we know today.
“Our first focus was on fun but we also wanted to break the stereotypes a lot of society associates with men on bikes whilst also raising funds for men’s health issues. We believe fundraising and wanting to help one another comes from the heart, so we never force a rider to raise funds. It‘s a personal choice and we don’t charge those wanting to ride on the event” explains founder Hawwa. “Triumph is the perfect partner for us, not only because they are an authentic iconic motorcycle brand, but they are approachable, accessible and completely committed to enjoying the ride.”
Sales & Marketing Director for Triumph, Paul Stroud commented “The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a fantastic activity for us to support, base on riding bikes with friends and enjoying camaraderie that this entails. We are looking forward to digging out our tweed and taking part in the ride on 28th September”.
With the 2013 event raising $277,000 (AUS), running in 145 cities in 38 countries, Triumph’s support should provide the springboard and infrastructure to deliver the event on an ever growing worldwide basis.
If you’re ready to ride dapper, or just want to find out more, please visit www.gentlemansride.com. There is also a feature on the DGR in Issue 12 of Triumph’s digital magazine, Spirit - click here to riffle through.
via Triumph
