Dress up and saddle up for Sunday’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
A hackneyed stereotype to be sure, but say the word “biker” and images of grungy guys named Mongrel or Spike spring to mind.
Of course, as is the case with most stereotypes, the reality is quite different. That will be on full display Sunday morning in and around Metro Vancouver as the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride fundraiser hits city streets.
Vancouver is one of 650 cities worldwide taking part in the stylish event, which to date has raised over US$4.5 million for men’s health.
“Our focus is on gentlemen who have been dealt a tough hand in life,” explains ride founder Mark Hawwa of Sydney, Australia. “In particular, we raise funds for research into prostate cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention programs, as part of our mission to support men’s health globally.”
All monies raised are invested by the Movember Foundation, the world’s largest men’s health organization.
The concept is quite simple: find some family and friends to sponsor you with cash, dress up in your finest togs, hop aboard your steed and go for a natty ride with like-minded individuals.
The first Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride took place in 2013, with more than 11,000 riders in 145 cities raising more than a quarter of a million dollars. Last year, nearly 100,000 participants raised US$1.25 million in 581 cities scattered across 92 countries
Here in Vancouver some 250 dapper riders — male and female — took part in last year’s ride, and local organizers are expecting more than 300 to take part in this Sunday’s fundraiser. Last year, a large group of classic Vespas joined in too.
In addition to Sunday morning ’s Vancouver ride, there are four others in B.C. (Kelowna, Langley, Victoria and Whistler), and 15 others across Canada (Calgary, ChathamKent, Edmonton, Halifax, Hamilton, Lethbridge, London, Moncton, Montreal, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Toronto and Winnipeg.)
There’s still plenty of time to sign up for any of these rides. Visit gentlemansride.com for registration details and more information.
The website’s Style Guide features 10 bike styles with accompanying outfits as suggestions. These styles include: Cafe Racer, Classic, Modern Classic, Chopper, Brat Styled, Bobber, Scooter, Tracker, Scrambler and Side Car.
The Vancouver ride is sponsored by International Motorsports, High Road Vancouver and Rusty Hookers Rats and Rods.
Following the Vancouver rides on Sunday—which last about 90 minutes and are broken up into four routes due to the number of riders—there’s a block party for participants.
Our focus is on gentlemen who have been dealt a tough hand in life ... we raise funds to support men’s health globally.