The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

We all like an excuse to dress up occasionally, especially for a good cause

Words and photos by Matt

The Distinguished Gentleman’s ride was an idea thought up in Australia back in 2012 for riders of classic-style bikes to dress up once a year in their best attire, go for a ride, and raise money for men’s health charities such as prostate cancer and suicide prevention. In those 10 years, the idea has spread around the world to 115 countries, hosting multiple rides on the same day each year with more than 50,000 riders. And to date, around £30 million pounds has been raised – a remarkable achievement.

To support such a worthy cause, we all donned our best rags and rode down to join in with the Bury St Edmunds-based ride in Suffolk, organised by an old boss of mine, Bernard Adams, along with many others, including local motorcycle dealer Krazy Horse providing a back-up van for any breakdowns!

The machines were varied, from a huge number of modern Hinkley Triumphs, many sporting their personal modifications, through to a Honda C90 Cub and even a flat tank Raleigh. The ride itself took in parts of pretty Suffolk, then headed into the town in beautiful, hot, sunny weather.

With so many bikes, the ride is more a procession, but waving to hundreds of smiling onlookers along the road makes you feel, for one day a year, that being on a motorcycle is seen as a positive to others. And most importantly, it’s for a very good cause. If you haven’t taken part, look out for next year’s rides at gentlemansride.com