The Distinguished Gentleman’s Motorcycle Ride How-To 2019

Since The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was first started in 2012, it has grown to become a global motorcycling event supported by more than a hundred thousand riders and raising millions of dollars for charity. But unlike the elite, high-society attire worn by riders, anyone with a flair for style and a classic, or classic-inspired motorcycle can participate.

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Let's be clear, the preferred method of transportation is a classic, or classically styled, bike usually of European or Japanese descent. Think Triumph Bonneville, Honda CB750, Ducati GT 1000…or the bike that started it all: Don Draper's 1957 Matchless G3LS. Yes, founder Mark Hawwa of Sydney, Australia, got the idea while watching the show Mad Men and thought how it might be fun to get riders together to ride classic motorcycles in their finest formal attire. Since Triumph is the lead motorcycle sponsor of the event, you'll be likely to see a considerable number of the Hinckley-built machines in attendance.

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The concept quickly caught on and exploded all over the world. In only seven years since its inception, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has had over 250,000 riders participate raising more than $18.5 million for men’s health causes.

When it comes to fun bike events, it's sometimes tough to remember the organizations and causes that benefit from the ride, but The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was founded with the proper goal of raising awareness and funds to benefit men's health. The first cause undertaken by the ride, and the cause still at the heart of the ride, is prostate cancer research. In 2016, TDGR partnered with the Movember Foundation (us.movember.com), the largest funder of prostate cancer programs in the world.

New for 2019 is a partnership with men’s mental health programs, a cause that hit close to home for TDGR last year after it lost one of its ride hosts to depression. With three out of four suicides being men, and 510,000 men dying from suicide each year, the cause fits perfectly in line with the overall vibe of TDGR. 2018 fundraising alone saw $6.2 million raised and 114,000 riders participate. The goals for 2019 are even loftier with TDGR setting a target of $7 million and 130,000 riders.

So you want to participate in the ride and support some amazing men's causes while also having a fun day with other motorcyclists? Your first stop has to be gentlemansride.com where you can register to join a ride or donate to support a friend who's riding. Once registered you will then be able to access all the details about rides in your area and join up with one. TDGR does ask that all riders make a donation themselves as there is no entrance fee, however, some larger rides require minimum donations strictly due to capacity purposes.

Riders who raise more than $200 will receive a commemorative patch honoring their contribution. Additionally, prizes will be awarded to riders who complete a series of tasks that include completing an online profiling, donating money themselves, donating to another rider, and raising at least $200. Among the sponsored prizes are, to the highest global fundraiser, a yet-to-be-released Triumph TFC model which will be released after TDGR. The winner will receive serial number 001.

If you’d like to participate but there are no local rides for you to take part in, the TDGR has an easy application right on its website that will get you going to start your own.

This year’s ride is on September 29, taking place in more than 700 cities around the world. As of this writing, 82,373 riders are already signed up and they’ve raised a collective $3,703,254 so far! And if you can’t make it this year, you can still make a donation to support the amazing causes and create a profile to be ready for next year.