Darren Bobella

The Thanks are on the way

Wednesday 22nd May 2024

We're just awaiting delivery for the momentos for our sponsors and since they come from overseas it will take just a bit. As soon as they arrive you may be contacted for an address or the best way to get your recognition item delivered.

Some of you are close by so that knock on the door will be me while others will visit and get it then.

 

Again, so many thanks,

 

Darren and Carol.

THe ride was fantastic.

Monday 20th May 2024

One of our neighbors donated while we were out and we came back to that wonderful surprise in our mailbox. That donation made it in for this year.

So much gratitude for our donors, thank you Thank you.

One of the rider had a drone to cpature parts of the event. As soon as they post that up each of you will get a link via text, email or personal mail delivery so you can see first had the event pictures and videos taken.

All the riders were dressed up nice and dapper. THe entire event lasted quite a bit longer than scheduled, everyone was so busy getting to know each other time just flew by.

Each donor will get a special DGR branded gift, something to show your participation made this all possible.

SIncerely,

Darren and Carol

The night before...

Sunday 19th May 2024

The Triumph now sports the backrest...Amazon came through. Of course the bolts that needed to come off and go back on to make it all work needed the one size torx driver I did not have. Some creative effort and its all done.

Tonight we had a dress rehersal of sorts, which helmets, jackets and so on. We can't head out not looking dapper or at least trying.

For our neighbors, you'll hear the Triumph spring to life around 9:45ish, the ride up is about 30 minutes/

We'll take plenty of picture to share and hopefully this blog remains active after the ride is over. No matter what we'll make sure each donor gets some pictures, a short video clip from the helmet camera and a personalized photo that can be printed out as a gesture of thanks.

 

We had a small glitch and my pillion rider

Saturday 18th May 2024

As sometimes happens, we had a small technical issue and some of you might not have been able to view the site but that seems to be fixed now. :)

With luck I'll have a pillion rider or as also commonly said in the USA, a passenger. Pillion rider sounds so proper through doesn't it? This will be the first time I've taken along a pillion on the Triumph; that will be different. The bike can handle that easily and a great ride shared is so much better anyway.

My pillion rider will help with video and picture taking and sharing those moments with my sponsors will be a treat. I have a helmet camera I've been waiting to try out so this ride is a good time to do that.

Excitment for the ride is building here. For comfort and confidence, if shipping cooperates, the Triumph will wear a small backrest. That help the pillion enjoy the ride more which of course is part of the whole point.

The blog picture is of the flyer I passed around to gain some interest.

The update for tomorrow might be the last before the ride starts but some additional pictures will be included.

Just an update

Friday 17th May 2024

Thanks to my sponsors, the donations mean a lot to me and in the end we all benefit from your support.

The ride is one day for participant riders but this summer each of you will get an invitation to take a ride with me on the Triumph T120 Black or my Honda VFR1200XD Crosstourer. I have a special route that I'll be sharing with you only and you'll experience the thrill and joy of motorcycling and I promise it will be exciting and relaxing at the same time. Stay tuned.

About my Triumph T120 Black: This bike is the epitome of classic motorcycling in the British tradition. With a 1200cc fuel injected parallel twin cylinder engine that thanks to modern manufacturing and design is butter smooth and powerful, it's at home on any road for any distance. I typically ride it closer to home while the Honda takes care of longer rides.

The "Black" in the model name refers to the livery where many of the parts that would be chrome are subdued so it doesn't refer to the color of the tank or body which on my bike is a pewter metallic silver.

Although it has the traditional classic style, it's modern in every detail with heated grips, a 6 speed transmission with an easy clutch, a great seat, ABS brakes and Traction Control.

The bike came to me as brand new from my elder Brother as a gift. Now I'm using it in part to pay forward through participating in the DGR, hopefully for many years to come.

Again, thanks to my sponsors.

My 2024 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Thursday 16th May 2024

It seems everyday there is yet another cause to support but prostate cancer awareness and research isn't a new cause it just doesn't get much attention. For many men, prostate cancer will affect their lives in one way or another and the older men get the higher the risk this cancer will become part of their lives. Too often though, this cancer is life ending despite being treatable if it's caught in time. Also too often, this cancer isn't spoken about and as it turns out the rough and tough part of men can hinder awareness. Men tend to want to protect their families and loved ones but that also means being around to do that. For many, this type of cancer through lack of attention cuts short the lives of even the strongest most vibrant men even through it's often treatable when discovered in time.

There is good news though, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride through a global awareness campaign supported by Triumph Motorcycles and it's partners, seeks to get the word out. The message? It takes almost no time out of any schedule to get checked and in so doing help be there for family and loved ones.

The other good news is that what could be better than taking a motorcycle out for a spin on a beatiful Sunday and if you ride, I urge you to join up and show your support while having a great time. If you don't ride then I hope you'll support this noble cause in anyway, donations are tax deductible. you can.

Thanks for reading.

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Thursday 16th May 2024 On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.