Bikers get proper dapper for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
100s defy rain for Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
Towns and cities around the world reverberated to the sound of classic and vintagestyle bikes on Sunday, as riders in over than 100 countries donned their finest tweed and took to the streets for the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Since its launch in 2012, the annual ‘DGR’ has gone from strength to strength raising in excess of £4.5m to aid prostate cancer research and improve awareness of men’s mental health. MCN joined over 600 participants who, despite damp weather, turned out for the UK’s largest event in central London.
“I’m astounded at the commitment people have shown,” said Ben Bowers, who along the Bike Shed’s Dutch Van Someren hosted DGR London. “We had a downpour of biblical proportions during the safety briefing and several rides elsewhere had to be called off, but everyone here’s dressed up to the nines on beautiful machinery and it’s gone incredibly well - we couldn’t be happier.” Former England footballer Ian Wright, who took part on his Triumph Bobber, shared his reasons for joining in, telling MCN: “I’ve lost a couple of mates to prostate cancer, so to be riding with so many wonderful people for such a great cause is just magnificent.”
It was a sentiment shared by Ducati Monster rider and marshal Nikita Gunnewegh. “I know many who have suffered from mental health issues so, with prostate cancer, two great causes, how could I not support the DGR?”
‘Everyone’s dressed up on beautiful bikes’