DGR to go “solo” for 2020

While the coronavirus pandemic will make a traditional, mass-participation Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) impossible this year, the event organisers are calling on riders to still dress dapper and ride their classic and classically-styled bikes this September, but do it solo or with a pillion only.

Riders are being encouraged to connect, too, but to do it safely via social media channels and the DGR website, where they can also showcase their fundraising efforts.

With, job losses, lockdowns and general anxiety over the impact of COVID-19 exacerbating men’s mental health issues, this year’s DGR is more important than ever.

“Since our first year in 2012, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has united riders all over the world, creating a spectacle and a statement from the motorcycle community in support of men’s health. 2020 will not be any different,” said DGR founder Mark Hawwa.

“This year we will still unite and ride dapper. We will still do everything we can to help men stop dying too young, alongside our charity partner, Movember. We invite riders to ride solo, but remain socially connected and united for the cause. For those riders that have previously considered taking part but never had a ride nearby, you can this year there’s no better reason and no better time to be part of DGR.”

Movember founder, JC, adds: “Now more than ever we need to support men all over the world. We are living in challenging times, and we need to be focussed on our goal to make men take action, seek help and connect. We look to the DGR community to unite with us, as they do every year, in combining their passion for motorcycles, riding dapper and raising much-needed funds to support men’s mental health, suicide prevention and ground-breaking cancer research.”

Last year’s DGR brought together 116,000 motorcyclists across 100 countries over a shared love of classic styled bikes and helping others. Funds raised from the 2019 event are being invested in research and mental health programmes that will save men’s lives. A new initiative being funded this year will support first responders on the front line of the pandemic who have been working tirelessly for the past few months.

Returning DGR sponsors include Triumph Motorcycles., Red Bull, Elf lubricants, Hedon helmets, SKRAM moto eyewear and media partner, Pipeburn. A new sponsor for 2020 is Belstaff, who joins as the DGR’s Official Motorcycle Outfitter.

For more details on this year’s special solo DGR on Sunday, 27 September, go to: https://www.gentlemansride.com/