This Sunday May 17 is your opportunity to see some of the country’s best-dressed motorcycle riders as Australia hosts The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, uniting classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders in order to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.
The idea was inspired in 2012 when Sydney-sider Mark Hawwa saw a photo of Don Draper, from the hit TV series Mad Men, wearing his finest suit astride a classic motorbike. Hawwa thought it would be a fun way to connect niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities: dress sharp, ride classic, and make a difference. Since then the idea has spread to 121 countries, included 500,000 riders and raised more than US$60m for men’s health.
On Sunday there will be rides across more than 1100 cities around the world. Forty of the rides are in Australia, covering everywhere from Adelaide to Yeppoon. The smallest number of riders will be in Broken Hill, where seven riders are taking place; the largest is in Sydney with 486. And all riders will be decked out in sartorial splendour, from the classic suit to a mix and match with a featured waistcoat, a classic timepiece and a jaunty neckerchief. Badges, brooches, cufflinks and tie-bars are encouraged – attention to detail is essential for these distinguished gentlefolk, who will be riding machines that range from vintage and classically styled to modern bikes inspired by heritage design.
To find out about The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride near you this Sunday, click here.
