Kevin Krzemieniecki

The distinguished gentlemen ride

Saturday 22nd Apr 2023

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is a global charity event that takes place on the last Sunday of September each year. It's a celebration of classic style and culture, bringing together thousands of riders around the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men's mental health. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history, purpose, and impact of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.

History

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa, an Australian motorcycle enthusiast. Hawwa was inspired by a photo of Don Draper, the protagonist of the TV series Mad Men, sitting on a classic motorcycle in a sharp suit. He wanted to recreate that sense of style and sophistication on the streets of Sydney, and he invited his friends to join him on a ride. The event quickly gained popularity, and in its first year, it raised $45,000 for prostate cancer research.

Since then, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has grown into a global phenomenon. In 2019, over 116,000 riders in 104 countries raised $7.8 million for charity. The event has become known for its distinctive dress code, with riders dressing in dapper suits, ties, and hats to create a timeless sense of style. The ride itself is usually around 30-50km long, taking in some of each city's most iconic landmarks.

Purpose

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has two main goals: to raise funds for prostate cancer research and men's mental health, and to raise awareness of these important issues. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one in eight men developing the disease in their lifetime. In addition to funding research, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride aims to encourage men to talk openly about their health and seek help when they need it.

Men's mental health is also a significant issue, with suicide being the biggest killer of men under the age of 45. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride aims to break down the stigma around mental health and encourage men to seek support and treatment when they need it. By bringing together thousands of riders in a celebration of style and culture, the event aims to create a sense of community and support for men's health.

Impact

Since its inception, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has raised over $30 million for charity. These funds have been used to support prostate cancer research, as well as mental health initiatives such as Movember and the Black Dog Institute. The event has also had a significant impact on raising awareness of men's health issues, with thousands of riders and spectators learning more about prostate cancer and mental health.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has also become an important cultural event, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate classic style and culture. The event has inspired a sense of community and camaraderie among riders, who share a passion for motorcycles, fashion, and social responsibility. Through its fundraising and awareness-raising activities, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has made a significant contribution to improving men's health around the world.

Conclusion

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is much more than just a motorcycle ride. It's a global movement that brings together riders, supporters, and charities in a celebration of style, culture, and social responsibility. By raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men's mental health, the event has had a significant impact on improving men's health around the world. Through its distinctive dress code, iconic ride routes, and sense of community, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has become a truly unique and inspiring event that embodies the best of human spirit

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

Friday 31st Mar 2023 On Sunday the 21st of May 2023, 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.