The worldwide benefit ride breaks participation and fundraising records
We’ve long held a special place in our hearts for the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. This worldwide benefit ride for men’s prostate cancer and mental health strikes close to home for several of us here at Road Dirt who have dealt with cancer and/or various forms of depression, either personally or with a loved one. So after two years of social distancing and solo riding, we were thrilled to see the event returning to its original form of riders across globe gathering together to ride for the cause in their “dapper best” astride vintage, classic and modern classic motorcycles.
From what we’ve learned, this year’s DGR was a smashing success. Fundraising and attendance records were broken as worldwide the event witnessed 93,456 riders in 802 global cities, across 104 countries raise close to $6M (USD) for the Movember Foundation. In North America alone, the participation was through the roof- 14,233 total riders from 183 cities in the U.S. and Canada raised nearly $2.5M (USD), over a third of the total donations globally. That is fantastic.
Photos from the 2022 DGR New York City and Philadelphia rides, respectively. Photos by DGR.
Compared to the last pre-Covid event in 2019, the 2022 DGR has raised 4% more, and compared to last year, the fundraising figure is 47% higher. Since its first ride back in 2012, the event has gathered more than 400,000 riders of vintage and classic styled motorcycles from 114 countries around the world and raised more than $37M (USD) for men’s health.
Triumph Motorcycles has been proudly supporting The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for the last nine years and for 2022 Triumph and Gibson Guitars joined forces to provide some incredible prizes, namely a one-off T120 Gibson edition that will go to the highest fundraiser, together with a Triumph-customized 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue. For a look at those two amazing prizes, check out our writeup on them HERE.
Shots from the Johannesburg ride. Photos by DGR.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2012 by Mark Hawwa. After inspiration from a “Mad Men” photograph featuring cast members in classic suits aboard vintage motorcycles, Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of motorcyclists, connect the global motorcycling community and more importantly, raise funds for causes important to so many of us riders.
The Movember Foundation is the charity partner of the annual DGR, an organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health programs. Triumph’s support of the DGR has added greatly to its success. Paul Stroud, the Chief Commercial Officer of the brand stated, “It is such an honor to be supporting The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and contribute towards this year’s incredible result, supporting prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. Next year will mark Triumph’s 10th anniversary as DGR main sponsor and we are working on something incredibly special to celebrate that milestone.”
Pictures taken at Southend UK, New Zealand, and Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam rides. Photos by DGR.
Mark Hawwa, DGR Founder, quipped after the annual ride, “What an incredible return to group riding! There really is nothing better than seeing tens of thousands of gentlefolk smiling and waving their way through city streets, in support of prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. It’s something we have missed dearly over the last two years. Our community returned with vigor this year, with the top 3 global fundraisers raising more than any previous year, which we have been proud to reward with the support of our global partner, Triumph Motorcycles. The next year will be one to watch, as we celebrate 10 years together with Triumph Motorcycles in spectacularly sartorial style!”
If you’d like more info on the annual worldwide event, and specifics on this year’s successes, click here:
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
For more on the work of the Movember Foundation, click here:
For more on Triumph’s offerings, click here:
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