Category: Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

New Record for Wollongong’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

Four Cure Team at DGR Wollongong 2022
DGR Wollongong’s Four Cure Team. Image by Biz Sites

On Sunday May 22nd, local motorcyclists rode in the name of men’s health and raised a bumper $164,032 – impressively smashing the city’s previous record of $155,225.

In 2022, the world-wide event held in more than 100 countries amassed over $5.8M USD for charity partner, Movember. The local ride, hosted by Jane and Tim from City Coast Motorcycles, has become a fixture on the calendar of classic and vintage motorcycling enthusiasts.

For two years running, the South Coast city has placed in the the global ten. Efforts by Wollongong participants has not gone unnoticed, with some special guests joining them this year. A 225 strong crowd greeted DGR Founder Mark Hawwa with applause and plenty of selfies ahead of Wollongong’s scenic route. Mark responded:

“I want to say a massive thanks for everyone that’s here today. This is one of our first rides out of COVID. I know that we did have a ride last year, but globally most of the world had still been shut down. It has been incredible to see everyone connect with the concept – everyone dressed up so fine. There’s so many guys and girls here as well and it is really special to our team to have you guys here and to be here,” Mark said.

DGR Wollongong 2022
L to R: Movember Country Director Rachel Carr, DGR Founder Mark Hawwa, Ride Hosts Jane & Timothy Sim from City Coast Motorcycles. Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Since 2018, DGR Wollongong has featured one of the world’s most successful teams – Four Cure – of which Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli placed second and third individually in 2021 and received new Triumph Motorcycles as prizes.

In 2022, the local ride has had three fundraisers feature in the global top 20 as well as five in Australia’s top 20; namely Phill Critcher (1st), Ermond Morelli (2nd), John Volcanovski (4th), Ray Tubman (7th) and David Critcher (19th). Wollongong’s Madylan Hannah also ranked as the world’s 6th highest pillion fundraiser.

Movember Country Director Rachel Carr was excited to experience the magic of Wollongong for the first time after two years of social distancing, restrictions and isolation:

“I think more than ever we all truly value the power of connection and community and that really is what Movember and DGR is all about and why this is so special.

“This small coastal town, this amazing event in Wollongong continues to blow our socks off every single year. You are always right up there with one of the highest fundraising events, globally – it’s just incredible!”

Madylan from Wollongong - pillion fundraiser 2022
Embraced by proud family and DGR Founder Mark Hawwa, Wollongong’s Madylan Hannah is one of the world’s highest pillion fundraisers for 2022. Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Rachel continued:

“The money that we raise this year is going to go towards directly funding projects that will help improve social connectiveness, life satisfaction, mental health and wellbeing for motorcycle riders, and that is just so special to me.

“I feel really proud that we have been able to cultivate something that will directly support members of your community – people that you would hopefully know over the years and I really look forward to celebrating the impact of that work with you,” enthused Rachel.

DGR Wollongong 2022
Ride Hosts Tim and Jane Sim lead #DGRWollongong 2022 on their Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Ltd Ed. Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Ride Host Jane Sim reflects on the success of Wollongong’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride:

“Every year, Tim and I are determined to create a special experience and we’re heartened by the support of the motorcycling community. We’ve seen families ride together, hope built and life-long mateships made. Above all, it is a great feeling to unite for such an important cause and help make a difference.

“This is a team effort. When Tim and I put the call out local riders, businesses and media care enough to get behind the event. We’d like to extend our gratitude to all volunteers, the Illawarra Mercury, ABC Illawarra, Wollongong City Council, Lake Illawarra Area Command and the generosity of our sponsors,” said Jane.

Thanks to:
Triumph Motorcycles Australia
Darcy & Emma at Biz Sites
Australian Motorlife Museum 
Andrew & Julieanne at Dapto Self Storage
 
Chi, Vinh & Lee at Clutch Moto
David Sirc & The Star Sydney
John & Belinda at Keogh’s Vision Photography
Tesh and Jess at Dapper Man London
Club Windang
Connor Pearce & Sylvia Liber at Illawarra Mercury
Mark Matthews & Natasha Hopman at ABC Illawarra
Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM & Wollongong City Council

DGR Wollongong 2022 Snaps

Take a look at some of our own snaps from The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong.
Were you there? Feel free to share; please remember to tag your proud ride host, City Coast Motorcycles.

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Triumph Motorcycle Prizes Awarded in Wollongong for DGR

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) hosts Tim and Jane Sim from City Coast Motorcycles were privileged to award a pair of new Triumphs to global top fundraisers, Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli.

2021 DGR Prizewinners Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli
Congratulations to 2021 DGR top global fundraisers Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli (2nd & 3rd place)

Given the event took place in over nine hundred cities and two of the three prize winners hailed from the same location – Wollongong, Australia – it was a double celebration, marked by the presence of Founder Mark Hawwa along with Ramsey Sayed and Mikey Stojcevski from DGR HQ.

“What a fantastic day down here in Wollongong with City Coast Motorcycles giving away two new Triumphs – a Bobber and a Bonneville T120 – to Phill and Ermond for being the two highest fundraisers in Australia and two of the three highest fundraisers, globally,” said Mark.

“It shows just how well Wollongong punches above its weight in regard to the riding community, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and people helping other men in need.”

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Prizewinners
(L to R): ) DGR Operations Manager Ramsey Sayed, 2nd global prize winner Phill Critcher, Team FC’s Ken Smith, DGR Founder & Director Mark Hawwa, 3rd global prize winner Ermond Morelli, Team FC’s Colin Carr, DGR General Manager Mikey Stojcevski and DGR – Wollongong Ride Host Jane Sim

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a niche event uniting classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world. Participants raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention programs on behalf of charity partner, The Movember Foundation.

Phill and Ermond have participated since 2018 when they established their team of four, The FC’s (Four Cure). It has grown to seven-strong and in 2021 it ranked the third highest fundraising team worldwide.

DGR Fundraising Team "Four Cure"
Distinguished Fundraising Team “The FC’s”

2021 marked the fifth year our family-owned Triumph dealership has presented DGR – Wollongong. In that time the local ride has amassed some $350,000 (AUD) for men’s health. Dealer Principal Tim is humbled by the result:

“It’s been an honour having Mark, Ramsey and Mikey from DGR join us in delivering these magnificent Triumphs, today,” said Tim.

“Jane and I couldn’t be prouder of our local event which gets so much love and support from the Wollongong region.”

Tim and Jane Sim - DGR Wollongong 2021
Tim and Jane lead the 2021 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong. Image courtesy of Jay Dubbs for Keogh’s Vision

Phill Critcher who placed second globally said DGR 2021 was a terrific day for all:

“This time we started at Stanwall Park and finishing at the Mt Kembla hotel really topped it off. The venue and afternoon of good music, drinks and plenty of conversation with fellow riders was great. All I spoke to were impressed with the day.

“Firstly, thank you to our hosts Tim and Jane from City Coast Motorcycles and congratulations on the successful effort they put in to organising this day.

“A big congratulations to the Wollongong participants that put in, yet again, a great fundraising effort.

DGR 2017
The inaugural DGR – Wollongong held in 2017. Since then Ride presented by City Coast Motorcycles has gone on to raise $350,000 (AUD) for men’s health.

“To Mark and his team at Basecamp DGR, congratulations! I hope you guys are proud of the team you have, and the continual growing success of this fundraising event. The international attention this has created is phenomenal. An idea created by a ‘few guys in Sydney’, well done fellas!

“To all the sponsors that support this event, thank you. You are a big part of the success of this totally admiral charity event that I’m sure touches most in society today in some way.

Triumph DGR Partner
Triumph is the Global Sponsor of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and has now committed to another five years.

“Finally, to our team “Four Cure” – warm up your engine boys for 2022; we’re off again. I would like to thank the members that didn’t turn up to the presentation at City Coast Motorcycles last Thursday. Our team donation to start the fundraiser, commences at $4,000. Your generosity should be acknowledged.

“Anyone that would like to have a great little ride in good company with some vintage and classic bikes to look at, come and join us all on the 22nd of May and support prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

Phill Critcher riding Bonneville Bobber
DGR Global Prize winner Phill rides his new Bonneville Bobber

Phill could not wait to take in our beautiful coastal scenery on his new Bobber and reported back within the hour:

“Just got to Kiama and it honestly feels great,” said Phill.

“The only road bikes I’ve ever ridden are the Z900 and Harleys. This is beautiful, I really am so happy with the bike!

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2022 will be held on Sunday May 22nd. Registrations will open on March 28th at gentlemansride.com

Save the Date for DGR 22 May 2022

DGR Wollongong 2021 reaches $150K for Men’s Health

With fundraising due to close on Sunday June 6th, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong has passed the incredible milestone of $150,000! Meanwhile, it has been in a tight contest with London for 2nd position out of over 700 cities worldwide.

DGR Wollongong 2021

Participants Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli are on track to come 2nd and 3rd globally out of over 65,000 riders, while their team – The FC’s – is also ranking 3rd. Since City Coast Motorcycles introduced the ride to Wollongong in 2017, almost $350K has been raised to support Movember. This is an outstanding achievement and we could not be prouder of our riding community who have wholeheartedly embraced this niche event for classic and vintage motorcycles.

Below are some images we captured on the day – click on the thumbnail to open the gallery. We are happy for you to share them on social media; please give ride hosts City Coast Motorcycles a nod if you do so.

Professional photographs are available for sale from Keogh’s Vision Photography and The Illawarra Mercury

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Mark Hawwa: DGR Social Connections Challenge a “World First”

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) have partnered with Movember for a new community program aimed at better connecting male motorcyclists. We chat with Mark Hawwa – the Founder of DGR, Throttle Roll and Ride Sunday – about this special initiative.

Mark Hawwa - Founder of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride
Mark Hawwa – Founder of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) has been going since 2012. How did it start, and how have you seen it change over the years?

I had just come back from a trip to Japan and fell in love with their mix of a classic and custom motorcycling scene. When I got back, I was determined to get a bike that could bring that style back here to Australia, but none of my mates rode that kind of bike, so I started the Sydney Cafe Racers. As the custom style caught on, I started seeing people from around the world get into these groups and we connected over a joint love of custom motorcycles. Then the idea for DGR hit me when I saw a poster of Mad Men’s Don Draper sitting on a Matchless motorcycle in his beautifully tailored suit and thought it was a really interesting way to show a motorcyclist. At the time in Australia, we had a lot of issues with public perception of “bikies”, so it motivated me to spread the word throughout these groups and get everyone riding on the same day on their classic and vintage style bikes to dress dapper and ride together to break down that negative stereotype. That was 3,000 riders in 64 cities, and now we’re connecting 116,000 riders in 678 cities, so quite a lot has changed!

DGR Wollongong
DGR Wollongong. Image by Garry Gao

DGR has a special relationship with its global charity partner the Movember Foundation. How did the idea of the DGR Social Connections Challenge come about?

The relationship with Movember formed in 2016. We were working with various Prostate Cancer Foundations around the world to localise people’s donations and provide them with tax deductibility, but it was a tough job. We connected with Movember and everything just moved forward naturally. We have really similar goals in how to provide support for men and are actively funding a wide range of prostate cancer research and mental health programs to connect men in motorcycling.

The DGR Social Connections Challenge came about with us knowing how dedicated our community through DGR was in fundraising and in changing the way men communicate, so we thought it was finally time to help bring specific programs targeted at all riders to make a difference to them directly. This program isn’t just for people in DGR, but for every single male motorcyclist. We’ve never done anything like this before and Movember was really excited to build out a program that helps us better connect with riders as a part of their “going to where men are” approach to mental health. It really is a world-first and we’re honoured to be able to bring this to the global riding community.

What countries are involved?

Currently, we are accepting pilot programs in Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, and Canada as these are the areas that we can directly offer funding and support. Once the pilot programs go through the Challenge, there is definitely an opportunity for them to scale further and operate in more areas.

Are the grants open to groups as well as individuals?

Absolutely anyone is welcome to submit an application. Groups or individuals. We’d also recommend you have a mate or two helping out as this is potentially a 15-month program if you get through to Phase 2, so having a bit of friendly support wouldn’t be a bad idea.

DGR Sydney
Image by James Macintyre

How will the Challenge be carried out?

The Challenge will be carried out in two key phases at this stage. It’ll be broken down as Phase 1.1, Phase 1.2, Phase 2, and Phase 3. A maximum of 25 grants valued at up to AUD $7,500 will be awarded internationally under Phase 1 of this opportunity.

Step 1 asks applicants to submit an Inspiration Statement. The applicants with the most creative and innovative ideas will be invited to pitch their idea. Successful pitches will be considered upon receipt of a signed, short-form Movember funding agreement which will lead them into Step 2.

In Step 2, development funds will be provided to assist in research, engage with the targeted group, design and create an initiative plan over a 9-week period that has the potential to be piloted. This is the core period where we can really give attention to people’s ideas and see if they can work.

From here, the best candidates will be invited into Phase 2, where we really get into the nitty-gritty of the program.  A maximum of ten pilot project grants valued at up to AUD $75,000 will be awarded internationally under Phase 2 to carry out implementation of pilot project plans over a 12-month period.  This is where programs will really scale up and take serious shape to test out the ideas and try to bring riders together in the process.

Continued investment may be forthcoming in Phase 3 for those projects that show the greatest promise for ‘scaling up’ at the end of the pilot period. This is an extended piloting phase, so the continuation is really dependant after Phase 2.

The great thing about this is event programs that are not invited into Phase 3 will be in a position to keep working at their ideas. The support that we’re looking to provide over the course of the next 15 months will give our applicants a huge level of insight into how they can scale and succeed their ideas.

DGR Wollongong 2017
Image by Keoghs Vision Photography

How will the grant applications be judged – what are you looking for?

We definitely have a few things we’re looking out for in this. If the name is any indicator to you, we’re looking for ideas that help connect riders socially, outside of the DGR community. This is a really wide-net to men in motorcycling, so it should be something that connects all men, and especially, those guys that may be a little harder to reach when it comes to connecting. With the focus on connections, we are also looking at programs that strength peer-to-peer support and can allow us to provide positive role models and mentors to all riders, and improve everyone’s knowledge about mental health and suicide prevention.

What’s involved in submitting an idea?

All you need to do to get this off the ground is register online HERE and submit an Inspiration Statement by July 6th. From there, you may get invited into Phase 1.1 to pitch your concept with a few other pieces. You can find a more detailed breakdown of this at www.gentlemansride.com/blog/dgr-scc

How soon will the funds be allocated?

Funding will be provided within the Phase stages by Movember, so successful applicants will be able to allocate those funds to areas that will help them succeed best. The great thing here is Movember will be with them all the way to help identify where these funds might be best placed.

Is this something DGR and Movember plan to do on an annual basis?

Who knows?! This is a first-time for us, so once we get through it, we’ll absolutely be reviewing and seeing just how successful the concept is. In some way, I’d like to though. It’s really important that we’re funding programs where our riders need it most, so this will absolutely be a test of that.

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, Wollongong
Some very distinguished Wollongong gents. Image by Keoghs Vision Photography.

Given that the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global event, what changes can we expect for 2020 with varying COVID-19 social restrictions worldwide?

Worldwide, we’re looking at a Solo Event for 2020, which will eliminate mass events and have riders taking to the streets on their own to raise funds for the event. It’s a tough one, because some are able to hit the road in groups or alone, and others may not be allowed to ride at all, so we need to find a way to engage everyone. To achieve this, riders around the world will be encouraged to dapper up and either hop on their bikes if they’re able to, or to snap a shot of themselves with their classic and vintage styled motorcycle and join us online. The focus for this year will be to connect riders from all around the world, despite their COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. We want riders to know that we may be socially distanced, but we can still be connected digitally.

We not only need to take people’s local lockdown restrictions into consideration, but we also needed to consider how riders and hosts have been financially affected in losing jobs and security, and how this may have impacted their lives. It’s a three-degrees of separation thing, some hosts either had COVID-19, or knew someone who did, and even have family members who lost their lives because of it. We wanted to be sensitive to those who spend countless hours volunteering to run their ride, who may not be able to get involved. The main thing we’d want people to be aware of here is that we know that some areas of the world might be opened up by the time DGR hits in 2020, but DGR isn’t only a local event – it’s a global movement – and when we have so many folks who are integral in running their rides who have been heavily impacted by this, we need to look out for them and each other.

You can pre-register now or find out more at www.gentlemansride.com.

DGR 2020
Connect with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on Facebook
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Connect with Movember Australia on Facebook
Connect with Movember on Instagram

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong Gallery

City Coast Motorcycles proudly presented Wollongong’s third Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. This worldwide phenomenon is for vintage and classic styled motorcycles and supports The Movember Foundation.

Our local ride feature’s Australia’s top fundraisers and in  2019 it has already raised $93,000 for men’s health… and counting! Fundraising continues throughout October. If you wish to sponsor our ride or a participant please click HERE.

Below are some images we captured on the day – click on the thumbnail to open the gallery. We are happy for you to share them on social media; please give City Coast Motorcycles a nod if you do so.

Professional photographs are available for sale from Keogh’s Vision Photography and The Illawarra Mercury.

DGR 2019 hosted by City Coast Motorcycles

Wollongong’s DGR “Keeps Getting Better and Better”

On Sunday September 29, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Wollongong is tipped for another bumper year fundraising for charity partner, The Movember Foundation. In 2018 – just its second year – the Ride more than tripled its inaugural total to raise $65,215. In 2019, it is set to skyrocket further.

Distinguished Gentleman' Ride Wollongong
Image by Jesse Saunders

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney and has since become a worldwide phenomenon. It was introduced to Wollongong by Jane and the team at City Coast Motorcycles in 2017.

Dealer Principal Timothy Sim says it is special to watch how the The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride brings vintage and classic motorcyclists together to help people in need. Enthusiasm for the Illawarra event has grown rapidly; in 2018 Wollongong ranked 20th in the world out of 648 rides.

“Every year it just keeps getting better and better,” Timothy said.

Jane and Timothy Sim
Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride Organisers Jane and Timothy Sim

Organiser Jane Sim describes The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride as emotional on many levels:

“On the surface it is a colourful spectacle with people dressed in their finery and showing off their beautiful bikes. On the next level there is the comradery, with friendships formed and new memories made. But at the heart of it all we’re riding for a very serious reason: Over one million men are losing their lives annually to suicide and prostate cancer. This touches us all. We are riding for awareness of these causes and to help Movember to help more men.”

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - Wollongong
Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Movember Community Ambassador Mark Kelly struggled with mental health in his early twenties. He didn’t have any strategies in place to handle his depression. After seeking help from his GP and getting a mental health plan, he hasn’t looked back.

“Knowing that there were others out there like me who did not have the tools to deal with mental health issues, I found Movember as a fun way to help spread awareness and use my story as a motivator for others to seek help,” Mark said.

“The DGR is an excellent event as it helps to keep the message of Movember going year-round. It is an event that promotes friendship, enjoyment and catches the eye of the public in a unique way,” he said.

Mark Kelly Movember
Movember Community Ambassador Mark Kelly

Jane acknowledges the Wollongong event would not be possible without the support of local sponsors and clubs.

“We are so fortunate to have the region’s businesses backing our event; Clutch Moto, Coal Coast Emporium and Towradgi Beach Hotel have all supplied prizes to give further incentive to participants. Official photographers, Keogh’s Vision Photography donates 50% of their revenue from images purchased on the day and Sarah’s Coffee Van also shares a portion of her takings. We are also indebted to the Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club who contribute a sizeable donation every year.

Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club
The Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club delivers their support to The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong

Preparation for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride begins months in advance, working with Wollongong City Council and the Wollongong Local Area Command. A lot of thought goes in to planning a route suitable for vintage motorcycles and sidecars requiring slower roads.

“There is a lot to take into consideration when organising the Ride. Not-to-forget our region’s divine scenery – we really are spoiled in the Illawarra! I think you would be hard-pressed to find anything like it anywhere else in the world,” Jane said.

Wollongong’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Triples!

DGR Wollongong

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong has more than tripled its inaugural total. Fundraising closed on October 31 and the official figure raised is $65,215, compared to $20,568 in 2017.

On September 30, scores of dapper ladies and gents donned their finest attire aboard classic and vintage motorcycles. The annual event raises funds to support research into prostate cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention programs via the Movember Foundation.

Organiser Jane Sim with husband Tim. Image: Sylvia Liber for The Illawarra Mercury

Organiser Jane Sim from City Coast Motorcycles says the result is testament to the way the motorcycling community will band together for an important cause.

“In the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, we ride with a purpose. We want to help stop men dying too young.

“We had 227 registrations. 648 rides were held around the world and Wollongong ranked in the top 20.

“Caps off to participant Phill Critcher who raised over $12,300 and placed 15th globally,” said Jane.

DGR Wollongong top fundraisers Ken Smith and Phill Critcher

The Wollongong ride also places the Illawarra on the map as a fantastic motorcycling destination.

“It’s not hard to find beautiful scenery, but I also try to come up with a new route every year so that the participants have a different experience each time.

“It delivers the ride to new spectators and spreads the message, further. We were honoured to feature in the global wrap-up video once again,” said Jane.

View 2018 Global Wrap-up Video

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Wollongong
Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

City Coast Motorcycles would like to thank the following individuals, community groups and businesses that assisted with planning, sponsorship and publicity:

Triumph Motorcycles
Zenith watches
Merlin Bike Gear
Coal Coast Emporium
Towradgi Beach Hotel
Illawarra Café Racers
Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club
Wollongong City Council
Destination Wollongong
Wollongong Local Area Command
The Illawarra Mercury
96.5 Wave FM
Coal Coast Magazine
Keogh’s Vision Photography
Sarah’s Coffee Van

Aaron Huisman

View 2018 Photo Gallery

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong Gallery 2018

Our heart-felt thanks to every rider, volunteer and sponsor for making our second Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unforgettable. Together we have forged new friendships, raised awareness for men’s health and more than tripled last year’s fundraising for prostate cancer and male suicide prevention. And a fine way to do it, too.

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - Wollongong hosted by City Coast Motorcycles

Join the Gentry with City Coast Motorcycles

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - Wollongong hosted by City Coast Motorcycles
Image by Adam McLean courtesy of The Illawarra Mercury

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong hosted by City Coast Motorcycles will return on Sunday the 30th of September. Scores of dapper ladies and gents will don their finest attire and pack their manners aboard classic and vintage motorcycles.

The annual event is part of a global sensation, shining the spotlight on men’s health in over 650 cities across 95 countries on the same day. With close to one million men losing their lives annually from suicide and prostate cancer, riders raise funds and awareness on behalf of the official charity partner, The Movember Foundation.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together. His brainchild has already raised over $13M USD for men’s health.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - Wollongong

Wollongong is preparing for its second year. In 2017 there were 172 registrations and $20,568 was raised. Ride organiser Jane Sim from City Coast Motorcycles is confident participants will be able to double that amount on September 30.

“I could not have been prouder of our inaugural event last year. The riding community embraced the event whole-heartedly. The smiles were broad, the bikes were brilliant and I was really affected by the comradery.

“It was wonderful to see new friendships formed in the name of charity. We had under-estimated the numbers and ended up having to cap the registrations!

“I have worked closely with Wollongong City Council and the Wollongong LAC and secured larger venues to accommodate more dapper riders and their steeds,” Jane said.

SPONSOR DGR WOLLONGONG RIDE ORGANISER JANE & TIM

The DGR Style

In keeping with the classic lines of Don Draper’s 1957 Matchless G3LS, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a niche charity event with gentlefolk riding their Cafe’ Racer, Bobber, Classic, Tracker, Scrambler, Old School Chopper, Modern Classic, Sidecar, Classic Scooter and Brat styled motorcycles. Participants spend months perfecting the look of both their bikes and their costumes.

DGR Style Guide -Cafe Racer
DGR Style Guide - Classic
DGR Style Guide - Modern Classic
DGR Style Guide - Bobber
DGR Style Guide - brat styled
DGR Style Guide - Chopper
DGR Style Guide - Scooter
DGR Style Guide - Scrambler
DGR Style Guide - Side Car
DGR Style Guide - Tracker

If you ride a vintage or classic styled motorcycle and wish to participate or would like to make a donation to the Wollongong Ride please register via this link:

REGISTER HERE

Fundraising rewards include motorcycles and luxury watches from major partners Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches. Wollongong’s top fundraisers will receive prizes thanks to Towradgi Beach Hotel and Coal Coast Emporium.