The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Many of you will be aware of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR). Indeed, many of you may have participated over the years, but with the 2023 event now on our doorstep, we want to raise even more awareness of this amazing event and get more classic scooters involved than ever before.
But first, a bit of history about DGR and its main purpose. The year is 2011, and a gentleman and classic motorcycle enthusiast, Mark Hawwa, is watching the TV show Mad Men. The image of Don Draper astride a classic motorbike and wearing his finest suit inspired Mark to create a themed ride to connect two-wheeled enthusiasts and, in the process, raise awareness and funds to support men’s health.
Mark’s first DGR was held in 2012 in 64 cities and attracted 3000 riders – not a bad start. By 2014, this had grown to 58 countries, 257 cities, and more than 20,000 riders. By then, Mark had formed partnerships with a number of prostate cancer foundations in the UK, Canada, the US and New Zealand and had attracted Triumph Motorcycles to get on board as a global partner. By 2019, DGR had raised more than $25 million for prostate cancer and men’s mental health charities, and the ride was now held in 102 countries and 648 cities. After
Mark was impacted by the loss of one of the ride’s hosts through suicide, he made the decision to partner with the Movember Foundation to support the work it does for men’s mental health, a partnership that still flourishes today.
After a Covid break, things got back to normal in 2021 and 2022 and the event continues to go from strength to strength, bringing awareness and much-needed funds to men’s health issues, something that is likely to affect almost every reader of Scootering magazine at some point.
So,if you fancy doing your bit for men’s health and having a great day out into the bargain, register for the DGR today at www. gentlemansride.com
You’ll find a ride close to where you live, and if not, you can register to host your own ride. Encourage your scooter club to get involved as a group and share on social media to get people to sponsor you, attend the event, and raise more awareness for the ride and the charities it supports.
Let’s give the bikes a run for their money in 2023. Ride dapper!