Worldwide: On Sunday September 25th 2016, streets will be abuzz with finely dressed gentlefolk upon their classic and vintage style motorcycles, united in their support of men’s health. ‘The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’, the world’s greatest motorcycling charity event, shines a light upon the bikes, fashion and ideals of a bygone era, all for a good cause.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia after being inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike, wearing his nest suit. It was decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together. That first ride brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities, with the success of the event encouraging Mark to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. The rest, as they say, is eloquently attired history:
– In 2013, over 11,000 participants in 145 cities around the world raised over $277k for prostate cancer research.
– In 2014, over 20,000 participants in 257 cities in 58 countries raised over $1.5M (USD) for prostate cancer research.
– In 2015, over 37,000 participants in 410 cities in 79 countries raised over $2.3M (USD) for prostate cancer research.
This year, 50,000 riders in over 500 cities across 90 countries will take part in their local event. Our fundraising goal is $5M (USD), which will be invested in both local and global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programs by our social charity partner, the Movember Foundation.
The Movember Foundation, the world’s largest men’s health organisation, is committed to helping men live happier, healthier, longer lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising $715m (USD) and funding over 1000 projects focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention. Their vision is to create a world where men are socially connected, comfortable talking about the big things in life and able to take action early when health issues arrive.
Triumph Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle manufacturer offers its continuing support in making sure The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’s wheels keep spinning. The most outstanding fundraisers globally will be awarded with a modern classic motorcycle as a thank you for their sup- port.
With a longstanding heritage in supporting charity and motoring events, Swiss luxury watchmakers Zenith Watches will make sure riders arrive in style and on time by providing truly remarkable time- pieces for top fundraisers globally.
The rewards continue for the top 100 fundraisers globally, with each receiving an exclusive handcrafted Hedon Helmet featuring a unique design developed for the 2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
Now in it’s fourth year as a charity event, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is at the forefront of encouraging men to take responsibility for their health, get checked and seek support in time of need. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and the Movember Foundation both share this common goal of giving more life to our fathers, sons, brothers and friends.
Mark Hawwa – DGR Founder
“We are just blown away by the traction and the enormous support over the past 4 years. It’s fantastic to see so many different countries and cultures uniting together, together the much-needed support toward global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programs. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride truly is a reflection of the thousands of people involved in the event, we simply wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Along with the synergy and genuine support from world class brands such as Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches, and with passionate organisations such as Movember, together we will do everything that we can to support the cause and cover the globe with incredibly well dressed gentleman and genteel lady folk.”
JC – Movember Co-Founder
“We are stoked to be partnering with Mark and the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for the next 6 seasons. Mark has been a Mo Bro since way back fighting the good fight with us for men’s health. We have watched the DGR team grow this epic event over the last four seasons into the incredible global ride and brand it is today. We are humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with the DGR team over the coming 6 seasons and look forward to our brands coming together, having fun and doing good. Movember has been changing the face of men’s health across the world thanks to the incredible support from our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas. The DGR partnership will further strengthen our journey with it’s incredible Gentlefolk across 90 countries. We can’t wait for the Mo crew to ride out with the DGR team and riding community to continue to support men’s health. Mo On.”
MALAYSIA – PENANG
This year, Malaysia is on board again alongside DGR worldwide with Penang edition. The DGR Penang edition is jointly organized by Riders Garage and Rotten Motocycles with full support from Art of Speed Malaysia. The convoy will take dapper riders on tour around UNESCO Heritage City of Georgetown from morning to afternoon. The ride is planned to push-off from Hin Bus Depot and make stops at Heritage buildings for photos & to create awareness. Last pit stop will be at Gurney Paragon for refreshments and awards presentation before the crowd dispersed.
