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. The 1st ride brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged Mark to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. The rest, as they say, is eloquently attired history.
MAG Ireland has received the following press release from the organisers and we reproduce it here in full.
PRESS RELEASE
Residents in Clonmel, Cork and Dublin are in for a truly dapper experience on Sunday September 25th 2016. Streets will be abuzz with neatly 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, 25th September 2016
This year, 50,000 riders in over 500 cities across 90 countries will take part in their local event. To date, motivated Irish participants have raised over €2.5K, which will be invested in both local and global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programs by charity partner, the Movember Foundation. The total fundraising goal is $5M (USD).
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 €516 million 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.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, 25th September 2016
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.
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 support.
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 timepieces for top fundraisers globally.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, 25th September 2016
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.
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, to give much needed support toward global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programs. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride truly is a reaction 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.”
For more information or to sign up for your local ride visit – www.gentlemansride.com | www.movember.com