Distinguished Gentleman's Ride raises millions as 111,000 riders turn out in style

Thousands of riders around the world donned their finest threads to take part in this year’s annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), raising more than £5.5 million for men’s mental health and prostate cancer charities. 

Roughly 111,000 riders from 958 cities globally participated in the event on May 19, which saw them take to the streets aboard retro styled and classic bikes, with funds raised supporting Movember – the event’s main charity since 2016.

• Related: MCN’s pick of the best retro bike kit on the market

MCN spoke to DGR ambassador, Isle of Man TT commentator and BBC presenter, Grace Webb, about her first time joining the ride from London.  

“Being a part of the event really made me see the power it has – the mass groups riding dapper bikes through the streets made people turn their heads, switch their cameras on and cheer. And that’s exactly the aim of this event – to draw attention. 

“Even if just some of those people explore what it’s about and start a conversation about men’s health and mental health, then the event has worked,” Grace told MCN. 

Originating in Sydney, Australia in 2012, the event initially drew just 2500 riders together. By its second year, 11,000 riders from 145 cities had come onboard and as of this year, 105 countries are represented and a total of £41 million has been raised since its inception.

From 2014 Triumph joined up as the main sponsor to the DGR and have since contributed a string of high-profile prizes. This time around, the Hinckley brand awarded the top three global fundraisers a Triumph motorcycle apiece, with the overall winner receiving a 2024 Thruxton Final Edition. 

Fundraising remains open until June 2, visit the Gentleman’s Ride website if you are able to contribute.