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Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2024

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2024
If you cant make it this year please consider sponsoring us. We will be taking part again this year on the West Sussex Ride. Last year we raised £447 in our first year with your help we would like to beat that.  Click the banner at top of the page or head to https://gfolk.me/MCMNews

How to take part in DGR

Register
Register your profile and check out your updated dashboard and profile page. There are quite a few new features that will put the fun back into fundraising!

Fundraise
Make a donation or share your profile to raise funds and receive some unique rewards. It all starts with raising funds for the cause. Find out more here!

Ride
Get on your motorcycle and ride through the heart of your city for men’s health. Don’t forget to dapper up and take a photo or two!

About
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photo of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic motorcycle and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities while raising funds to support the men in our lives.

Information and images below provided to us by The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

DGR Achievements Since

2012

USD $45 Million – Raised for Men’s Health
500,000 – Classic and Vintage Riders
121 – Countries Around the World

DGR Story from 2012

2012

3,000 Riders

64 Cities

Our inaugural event started in Sydney and quickly made its way around the world with thousands of dapper folks riding in solidarity to positively represent the global motorcycling community.

2013

11,000 Riders | $277,000 AUD Raised

145 Cities

Carrying on the momentum from 2012, DGR began supporting Prostate Cancer Research by partnering with Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia. Participant numbers sky-rocketed, and DGR began to spread even further.

2014

20,000 Riders | $1,500,000 Raised

257 Cities | 58 Countries

After a successful campaign, DGR began partnerships with Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer Canada, Prostate Cancer Foundation USA and Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand. We also began our long-term partnership with Triumph Motorcycles, who continue to support DGR as Global Partner for 2020.

2015

37,000 Riders | $2,300,000 Raised

410 Cities | 79 Countries

After an exciting 2014, DGR showed no sign of slowing down in 2015. The event continued to grow in riders, funds raised, and the number of cities taking part. Our global community was forming, and the DGR passion boomed.

2016

57,000 Riders | $3,600,000 Raised

505 Cities | 90 Countries

This year, we began partnering with Movember as our official charity partner for DGR. In this year, impacted by the loss one of our ride hosts to suicide, we were driven to create change and awareness and funds for men’s mental health programs. Together with Movember, we have proudly continued to include a men’s mental health focus alongside our prostate cancer goals ever since.

2017

94,000 Riders | $4,850,000 Raised

581 Cities | 92 Countries

2017 surged ahead with fundraising reaching new heights. Driven by the inclusion of men’s mental health to our prostate cancer fundraising, the DGR community proved how meaningful its cause areas are, and how dedicated our riders are to making positive change.

2018

114,000 Riders | $6,100,000 Raised

648 Cities | 102 Countries

Reaching a new high, DGR raised over $6 million raised, over 600 cities, and 100 countries in 2018. These milestones continue to prove how incredible our community is!

2019

116,000 Riders | $6,000,000 Raised

678 Cities | 104 Countries

Backing up the achievements from last year, 2019 did not disappoint! We came together again to make a ground-breaking change to men’s health, and continue to fund life-saving research. And for 2020, we’re ready to do it all again!

2020

56,000 Riders | $2,700,000 Raised

2,531 Cities | 171 Countries

With COVID-19 affecting the world, we launched our Ride Solo campaign. Riding together on the same day, socially distanced but globally connected!

2021

65,000 Riders | $4,100,000 Raised

913 Cities | 116 Countries

As COVID-19 continued to limit group rides, we opened the ride to three formats allowing riders to take part together or individually.

2022

94,000 Riders | $6,040,000 Raised

804 Cities | 101 Countries

2022 marked the first year of returning to full-scale riding events. The DGR community rallied around the world to celebrate riding together again, reminding us all of the importance of social connections and physical events.

2023

106,000 Riders | $7,450,000 Raised

893 Cities | 107 Countries

A record-breaking year with the highest-ever fundraising for a single event, and the most cities taking place. 2023 celebrated a milestone 10-year partnership with Triumph and the continued funding of many incredible initiatives for men’s health.

For more info on what casues The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride supports head over to their website: https://www.gentlemansride.com/

Riding For Men’s Health
Movember Movember has been the official charity partner of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride since 2016. Both organisations share a simple goal: to bring people together and change the face of men’s health.

Funds raised by The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride help to power Movember’s work across two of the most complex issues facing men around the globe: prostate cancer and mental health.

PROSTATE CANCER

Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. Over 10 million men around the world are living with or beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis.

What is prostate cancer?
When cells in the prostate multiply too quickly and grow out of control, this creates a cancerous tumour. Often, this type of cancer grows slowly and doesn’t cause big problems right away. Sometimes, however, prostate cancer can be fast-growing and spread to other parts of the body, causing major damage. Catching cancer early, so that your doctor can keep an eye on it and recommend next steps, is ideal. If the cancer is caught later, you may still have options to work through with your healthcare team that put your quality of life first.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Prostate is particularly common in men over 50. If you’re 50 or over, it’s important to talk to your GP about keeping yourself healthy and any ongoing tests you may need as part of your health check-ups. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or sub-Saharan African ancestry, you need to start that conversation earlier at 40 to 45. Guidelines can be different, depending on where you live — so check with your doctor.

If you or someone you know are facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, click here to visit True North. True North is a website developed by Movember to help men find advice on prostate cancer treatments, common changes to sex and intimacy, unexpected bathroom trips, and much more.

MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
Globally, on average, we lose one man to suicide every minute of every day. That’s half a million men every year. The issue of suicide is incredibly complex. But we know this: improving overall mental health and helping men establish better social connections can reduce the risk of suicide.

Simple steps to important conversations
A conversation can change, maybe even save, a life. Our friends at RUOK? have developed a simple four-step guide to help you navigate a conversation with someone who might be doing it tough.

Ask. Start by asking how they’re feeling. It’s worth mentioning any changes you’ve picked up on – like spending more time at the bar or they’ve gone quiet in the group chat.
Listen. Give them your full attention, no distractions. Let them know you’re hearing what they’re saying and you’re not judging.

Encourage action. Help them focus on simple things that might improve how they feel. Are they getting enough sleep? Exercising and eating well? Have they got others in their life that they trust to speak with? If they’ve felt low for more than two weeks, suggest that they chat to their doctor.

Check in. Suggest you catch up soon – in person if you can. This helps to show that you care; plus, you’ll get a feel for whether they’re feeling any better. Starting conversations with men who are struggling may seem daunting. But getting them to open up can be easier with practice. Movember has built an online conversation simulator called Movember Conversations to help give you the confidence to talk with men who may be struggling. Take it for a spin.

For more info on what causes
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride supports head over to their website: https://www.gentlemansride.com

Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Triumph

I’m Riding for Men’s Health in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

On Sunday the 21st May 2023, we are teaming up to ride solo in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of Movember.

Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before we press our tweed and polish our boots, we are asking you to join us in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.

Please to https://www.gentlemansride.com/fundraiser/FrancisDuggan501583 to donate.

Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Triumph

Celebrating 10 Years of Triumph and The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

Celebrating 10 Years Of Triumph And The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride With The Launch of a Stunning New Bonneville T120 Black DGR Limited Edition.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) unites hundreds of thousands of classic and vintage style motorcycle fans all over the world to raise funds and awareness for men’s health. Founded in Sydney Australia in 2012, the DGR was created by Mark Hawwa as a wonderful new way to bring together motorcycle enthusiasts, focused on a common cause for good. Growing year on year, today the DGR spans the world with more than 90,000 riders taking to the streets in more than 800 cities, with more than $37m USD raised for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health to date.

Triumph became the official motorcycle partner of the DGR from 2014, bringing a commitment to increase awareness, grow participation and ultimately increase fundraising in support of this worthy cause.  Everyone involved at Triumph is proud to have played a key role, in collaboration with Mark Hawwa and his team, in growing this incredible community. From providing financial support and resources that have helped to raise the profile of the DGR globally, to rewarding its participants, sharing the passion and drive that has made the DGR the world’s largest on-road charity motorcycling event.

One of Triumph’s most significant contributions has been in growing awareness and motivating fundraisers around the world, by providing motorcycles from Triumph’s Modern Classic range as rewards for the top fundraisers. In previous years this has included unique motorcycles, such as a one-of-a-kind Triumph Thruxton RS DGR Edition and a custom ‘1959 Legends’ Triumph Bonneville T120 and matching Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar, awarded to the 2022 ride’s highest fundraiser as part of a collaboration between Triumph and Gibson.

2023 marks the 10th year of this incredible partnership and represents a huge milestone for Triumph and the DGR.  To celebrate this landmark anniversary and help make the 2023 DGR event the biggest and most successful to date, Triumph have created 250 exclusive new Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition motorcycles.

Designed with a stylish DGR metallic black and white paint scheme, featuring official DGR branding with a custom logo on the tank and side panels, gold detailing and distinctive brown seat, each one comes with a numbered certificate, signed by DGR founder Mark Hawwa and Triumph CEO Nick Bloor – with edition 001 being presented to the highest fundraised for the 2023 ride.

Additionally in our 10th year, we are thrilled to strengthen our relationship further by becoming an official clothing partner of the DGR, with an all-new limited edition range of lifestyle clothing to celebrate the DGR, created to raise additional funds for men’s health.

The entire Triumph community, from our network of dealers and fans across the world, to our staff, designers and engineers are committed to continue to grow the reach and impact of the DGR in support of this incredible cause for good.

Together we will make 2023 the biggest and most successful DGR yet.

DGR founder Mark Hawwa
“If anyone had said 10 years ago that we’d be celebrating a decade of partnership with Triumph Motorcycles, I would have laughed. That first year of signing with Triumph has always been a highlight for me. It felt exciting, and that excitement still carries on every year. Triumph has become like a family to me and to The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. They are passionate about getting classic styled bikes out for a ride and using the machines we love to make a positive impact for our cause. That excitement and passion has now been brought together in a product that speaks to our journey together. We are beyond proud to release the Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition motorcycle, to celebrate what we have achieved together, and to continue doing more of what we love.”

TRIUMPH Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud
“We are delighted to be celebrating the 10th-year anniversary of our unique relationship with the DGR, which is an incredibly important partnership for Triumph and the thousands of Triumph DGR fans across the world. From the beginning it was clear that the DGR and Triumph was a perfect fit, with a shared passion for motorcycles, style and riding for the people you love, something that is much more than sponsorship. Everyone involved over the last decade of the DGR, from the Triumph and DGR teams, to our dealers, the army of DGR organisers and ride hosts, and the legions of riders who passionately support this wonderful event and cause should be justifiably proud of the impact their efforts have had. With the launch of the new DGR edition of our Bonneville T120 Black our ambition is to mark this wonderful occasion with something truly special, that for me epitomises the spirit of the DGR and delivers a new way to delight riders and celebrate this incredible cause.

NEW 2023 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK DGR LIMITED EDITION
With just 250 available worldwide, this stunning and unique limited edition of Triumph’s most iconic motorcycle has been created to celebrate the landmark 10 year anniversary of the partnership between Triumph and the DGR, to help make the 2023 DGR the biggest and most successful to date.

  • BEAUTIFUL
    • Stylish and unique custom Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride edition paint scheme.
    • Sophisticated monochrome metallic Phantom Black and Crystal White two-tone paint scheme follows a distinctive ‘dress suit’ inspired design, drawing inspiration from ‘dressing dapper’ for dinner.
    • Beautiful gold fuel tank stripe detailing and hand-painted gold pinstriping on the side panels, inspired by the DGR’s dapper clothing and accessory style, such as the classic gold pocket watch or tie-pin.
    • Custom DGR 2023 gold script logo featured prominently on the fuel tank and side panels.
    • Elegant brown stitched bench seat with pillion strap, enhancing the vintage custom look.
  • EXCLUSIVE
    • Limited to just 250 DGR edition motorcycles worldwide.
    • Each bike coming with a collector edition numbered certificate of authenticity featuring the motorcycle’s VIN reference and DGR edition number, hand signed by the DGR’s Mark Hawwa and Triumph’s Nick Bloor.
    • Edition number 001 will be presented to the highest fundraised for the 2023 DGR.
  • CAPABLE
    • All of the latest generation Bonneville T120 Black’s specification, with its significantly enhanced handling, high specification Brembo brakes and rider technology. 

THE BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK – TIMELESS, CAPABLE, BEAUTIFUL
Significantly updated in 2021, the definitive British motorcycle icon takes its torque-rich 1200cc twin performance, sophisticated set up and beautiful Bonneville DNA to an all-new level, setting a new benchmark for timeless character and easy riding capability. With a significantly enhanced handling set-up, courtesy of a major 7kg weight saving over the previous generation, new lightweight aluminium wheel rims and new higher specification Brembo brakes, plus new rider technology, including cruise control and enhanced riding modes and an even more responsive throttle, the Bonneville legend continues.

Engine and performance
The engine of the T120 Black is Triumph’s signature 1200cc, high-torque British twin, which has been developed for an even better riding experience. The latest-generation T120’s engine mass has been reduced significantly through the use of a lighter crankshaft. Together with an optimised clutch and balancer shafts this has also reduced inertia, which provides the new generation with a notably more immediate and responsive throttle. The T120 has been specifically tuned to deliver high torque, from low down in the rev range all the way through the mid-range, giving exhilarating performance throughout.  The 1200 twin engine delivers 105 Nm of peak torque at a very low 3500 rpm and its power peaks 80 PS at 6,550 rpm. With its sensitively designed liquid cooling system, the engine exceeds EURO 5 requirements, giving lower emissions than the previous generation and excellent fuel economy.

The T120 Black comes with a very high service interval of 10,000 miles or 16,000 kilometres helping to keep the ongoing cost of ownership low.

Handling
The trademark confidence-inspiring ride of the T120 has been enhanced with a 7kg weight saving over the previous generation. The aluminium wheel rims (18’’ X 2.75’’ on the front and 17’’ X 4.25’’ on the rear) give a major reduction in unsprung weight and inertia, making the new T120 more agile and manoeuvrable when riding, and also when you’re moving the bike around at standstill.

The braking system has high specification Brembo front brakes, with a twin disc set-up and 2 piston sliding calipers giving excellent stopping power and improved feel. Safety and control have also been maximised thanks to Triumph’s latest generation ABS and switchable traction control.

The combination of weight saving, new wheels and higher specification brake set-up makes the latest-generation T120 the best handling Bonneville T120 ever.

Rider Technology
The Bonneville T120 Black comes high specification technology, with cruise control fitted as standard along with enhanced riding modes.

The cruise control is set via a dedicated button on the handlebar, making it extremely user friendly for the rider as well as the selection of the riding modes. The rider can select between the Rain and Road riding modes, which will adapt the behaviour of the bike to the riding conditions.

Other high spec rider focussed technology fitted as standard include a torque-assist clutch, which reduces rider fatigue in heavy traffic or on longer journeys, an engine immobiliser incorporated into the key, a handy under-seat USB charging socket and internal wiring ready to plug in the accessory fit heated grips.

The headlight incorporates a distinctive LED daytime running light, where market legislation permits, which makes it easier for the bike to seen by other road users.

Style
The unmistakeable Bonneville silhouette is enhanced by touches that blend the T120’s iconic style with Triumph’s latest premium features.

The twin clock set-up has a premium 3D dial face with Bonneville branding and traditional typeface and colours.  The multi-functional digital display provides the rider with all necessary information, such as riding mode settings, cruise control status, gear position indicator and much more, and it is all controlled through the intuitive and easily accessible scroll button mounted on the handlebar.

The iconic sculpted Bonneville tank with knee pads carries a 3-bar heritage chromed metal badge, adding a distinctive styling touch to the already unmistakeable T120 design.

The mean and moody Bonneville T120 Black features a host of premium blacked-out styling details and components, including wheel rims, grab rail, engine covers, mirrors, headlamp bezel, indicators, and exhaust.

And more than 100 genuine Triumph accessories are available for the T120 range, enabling riders to personalise their motorcycles.

Checkout our dedicated Triumph Motorcycles News page Triumph Motorcycles News/

or head to the official Triumph Motorcycles website triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Triumph

Triumph Motorcycles and The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride renew their partnership for five more years

Triumph Motorcycles are proud to announce that they will continue as main partner and supporter of The Distinguished Gentleman Ride (DGR), one of the world’s largest and most stylish charity motorcycle fundraising event, for another historic five years.

The renewal of this important partnership represents a natural continuation of what has been a great success story, both from the perspective of raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health, but also in the incredible participation and the riding community it has generated for hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists worldwide

As the DGR’s major sponsor since 2014, Triumph Motorcycles are proud to have played a key role in partnership with Mark Hawwa and his team in helping develop the DGR into the world-spanning event that it is today. Contributing support and resources across the years that have raised awareness, amplified the DGR’s voice and rewarded its participants has been at the heart of Triumph’s role. This in turn has led to legions of Triumph riders, Triumph dealers, staff, family, and friends enjoying their motorcycles, dressing dapper and sharing a common bond in support of their community.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’s was founded to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health, by uniting classic and vintage style motorcycle riders, old and new all around the world. Triumph Motorcycles embraced this cause and in early 2014, committed to support the DGR through their global marketing team and channels, and to provide The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride with Modern Classic motorcycles to be won as prizes to reward and promote fundraising.

Over 8 incredible years, Triumph Motorcycles and The DGR have worked together with the common goal of increasing the profile of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride around the world, to grow this amazing community of riders and ultimately increase the number of people participating and the level of funds raised to support the cause.

On 28th September 2014 the first Triumph-sponsored DGR took place in 58 counties, 257 cities and it was attended by 20,000 dapper-dressed classic and vintage riders, raising a total of $1.5m. Growing to 79 countries, 410 cities, 37,000 riders and $2.3m raised in 2015, and 90 countries, 57,000 riders and $3.6m in 2016, these numbers have just kept growing and growing – up to the DGR’s record breaking year in 2019, where 116,00 riders raised $6m by riding dapper together in an amazing 104 countries across the world.

The 2020 Covid-19 pandemic presented a challenging landscape for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and riders alike. Despite such difficult times and dynamics, the DGR worked hard to develop a new format that made it possible for riders to show their support and passion safely, with the Ride Solo Together event. This enabled the global DGR community to achieve its most global event ever, with 171 countries and 2,531 locations riding solo together, all connected together through social media.

As challenges persisted during 2021 The Distinguished Gentleman’s ride adapted its format again to reflect the different level of restrictions worldwide, where depending on the restrictions in place in each area DGR fans enjoy a normal group ride event, route only or solo ride.

As a result of this evolved approach, we saw a considerable increase in participants and funds raised compared to the previous year with 65,300 riders, almost 10,000 more compared to 2020, raising $4.1m, $1.4m more than 2020.

In 2021, the event moved from September to May, and every indication gives hope and confidence for an amazing ride in 2022 ride, which everyone involved is committed to making the most successful year ever.

Mark Hawwa. Founder/Director of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
“In 2014 when we first partnered with Triumph Motorcycles, I was incredibly excited. They are the only motorcycle manufacturer that I felt perfectly fit with The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. We’ve done some wonderful things since then; together we have been able to reward some of our top and most dedicated fundraisers with brand new bikes from the modern classic range and built the custom one-of-one 2021 Triumph Thruxton RS. Today, 8 years later as we announce the 5-year continuation of this partnership, I am even more excited than I was in 2014 because, with the next 5 years, I know that we can do even more together with the goal of raising funds and awareness of men’s health.”

Paul Stroud. Triumph Chief Commercial Officer
“From the very beginning we could see the DGR was something truly special that the team at Triumph were incredibly keen to be involved with, both for the cause it represented but also the great day of riding and fun of dressing dapper it delivered. We are proud to have been the main partner for the last eight years and honoured to have been able to play a part in helping grow  such a positive and impactful force for good. Across our world, from our dealers to our staff, to Triumph fans and DGR riders globally it’s very easy to see how much passion and engagement there is for this significant event and riding cause. The renewal of our partnership with The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was a natural decision to take, based not only on the success and growth of participation that has raised Triumph’s profile, but also because we share that passion and are committed to supporting Mark, his team and the DGR community worldwide in their mission, to reach ever higher”