Gents move from two wheels to four
Classic ’bike fans have enjoyed taking part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for the past decade, in the process raising more than $30m for charitable causes. This year marked the first time that classic car enthusiasts were able to join the fun, with the inaugural Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive taking place on 26 September.
The global event involved road runs in 145 cities spread across 55 countries and, like its two-wheeled cousin, encouraged participants to fire up their pre-’80 classics and get dressed up to mark the occasion: the more dapper the outfit, the better. An impressive 4000 entrants took to the roads as part of the celebration, everywhere from Moldova and Nepal to Algeria and Chile, with more than $200,000 raised for prostate cancer and men’s mental health charity Movember.
The UK hosted a number of drives, with the largest, in London, attracting 86 drivers and raising nearly £4000 for the charity’s health and research programmes.
“It’s been surreal to experience the success of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive within its first year,” says founder Mark Hawwa. “What we were able to achieve with the support of all our volunteers and participants is exciting. We surpassed every expectation for this first year, raising more than the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride did in its first year as a fundraising event. We’re proud to be able to bring so many classic automotive enthusiasts together and continue building upon our passion for men’s health and motoring.
“Every drive around the world features a unique selection of cars and people, and encourages folk to get out on the open road and celebrate the connections that are made through these machines.”