Latest news with #DistinguishedGentleman'sRide
The Advertiser
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
'It started as a lark': Motorcyclists in suits inspired by Mad Men
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride began with a publicity photo of Mad Men's Don Draper wearing a suit while perched on a classic motorcycle. Mark Hawwa started the themed ride 13 years ago, after being inspired by the photo. This year's event, which raises money for men's mental health support and prostate cancer research, involved about 127,000 riders in 1038 cities. The event features classic and vintage motorcycles, with riders dressed in suits. It aims to foster a different perception of riders to that of outlaw bikie gangs. The Newcastle event, delayed by a month due to heavy rain, was held at The Station on Sunday. Organiser Stephen Meek said it was "perfect weather, thank god". "The ride went well. It's a bit of camaraderie and looking silly in our suits," Mr Meek said. "Motorcyclists are always good for supporting a cause." The ride went through town, alongside beaches, up to Fort Scratchley and through Darby Street, Parkway Avenue and Tudor Street. About 120 people did the ride, which returned to The Station for lunch. The Newcastle event raised $21,000. Maitland's Glenn Behnke, an event co-organiser, was among the riders. His dad overcame prostate cancer after surgery. "My grandfather had prostate cancer as well. He died with it, not from it. It's one of those things where I need to be aware. "I'm 50 now but started getting checked early. "I was sent for an ultrasound that was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. That came back clear. It wasn't a pleasant process to go through." As for the mental health side of the ride, he said "it's one of those age-old stigmas that guys tend to keep their feelings to themselves". "I think now the younger generation is more open and vocal about it. Any light shone on that is a good thing." The inaugural gentleman's ride was held in 2012. Mr Meek - host of the Newcastle event - has been involved from the beginning. "It's phenomenal how it's grown. It's raised a massive amount of money for Movember," Mr Meek said. "It started out as a bit of a lark - dressing up in a suit inspired by the TV show Mad Men. "The first year we went to Vinnies to buy a suit and pinned the receipts to our lapels. That was the charity side at that point. It took off from there. "Sponsors who thought it was a nice idea came on board and away it went." Worldwide, the event raised $12 million for Movember this year and almost $70 million since it began. "Each year, we're blown away by the scale, generosity and heart behind this ride," said Mr Hawwa, the founder. "We are building a movement that saves lives and reminds folks around the world that men's health matters everywhere." Mr Hawwa, of Sydney, said men die on average six years earlier than women from "largely preventable reasons". "The number of men who are suffering is growing. We need to do something about that." The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride began with a publicity photo of Mad Men's Don Draper wearing a suit while perched on a classic motorcycle. Mark Hawwa started the themed ride 13 years ago, after being inspired by the photo. This year's event, which raises money for men's mental health support and prostate cancer research, involved about 127,000 riders in 1038 cities. The event features classic and vintage motorcycles, with riders dressed in suits. It aims to foster a different perception of riders to that of outlaw bikie gangs. The Newcastle event, delayed by a month due to heavy rain, was held at The Station on Sunday. Organiser Stephen Meek said it was "perfect weather, thank god". "The ride went well. It's a bit of camaraderie and looking silly in our suits," Mr Meek said. "Motorcyclists are always good for supporting a cause." The ride went through town, alongside beaches, up to Fort Scratchley and through Darby Street, Parkway Avenue and Tudor Street. About 120 people did the ride, which returned to The Station for lunch. The Newcastle event raised $21,000. Maitland's Glenn Behnke, an event co-organiser, was among the riders. His dad overcame prostate cancer after surgery. "My grandfather had prostate cancer as well. He died with it, not from it. It's one of those things where I need to be aware. "I'm 50 now but started getting checked early. "I was sent for an ultrasound that was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. That came back clear. It wasn't a pleasant process to go through." As for the mental health side of the ride, he said "it's one of those age-old stigmas that guys tend to keep their feelings to themselves". "I think now the younger generation is more open and vocal about it. Any light shone on that is a good thing." The inaugural gentleman's ride was held in 2012. Mr Meek - host of the Newcastle event - has been involved from the beginning. "It's phenomenal how it's grown. It's raised a massive amount of money for Movember," Mr Meek said. "It started out as a bit of a lark - dressing up in a suit inspired by the TV show Mad Men. "The first year we went to Vinnies to buy a suit and pinned the receipts to our lapels. That was the charity side at that point. It took off from there. "Sponsors who thought it was a nice idea came on board and away it went." Worldwide, the event raised $12 million for Movember this year and almost $70 million since it began. "Each year, we're blown away by the scale, generosity and heart behind this ride," said Mr Hawwa, the founder. "We are building a movement that saves lives and reminds folks around the world that men's health matters everywhere." Mr Hawwa, of Sydney, said men die on average six years earlier than women from "largely preventable reasons". "The number of men who are suffering is growing. We need to do something about that." The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride began with a publicity photo of Mad Men's Don Draper wearing a suit while perched on a classic motorcycle. Mark Hawwa started the themed ride 13 years ago, after being inspired by the photo. This year's event, which raises money for men's mental health support and prostate cancer research, involved about 127,000 riders in 1038 cities. The event features classic and vintage motorcycles, with riders dressed in suits. It aims to foster a different perception of riders to that of outlaw bikie gangs. The Newcastle event, delayed by a month due to heavy rain, was held at The Station on Sunday. Organiser Stephen Meek said it was "perfect weather, thank god". "The ride went well. It's a bit of camaraderie and looking silly in our suits," Mr Meek said. "Motorcyclists are always good for supporting a cause." The ride went through town, alongside beaches, up to Fort Scratchley and through Darby Street, Parkway Avenue and Tudor Street. About 120 people did the ride, which returned to The Station for lunch. The Newcastle event raised $21,000. Maitland's Glenn Behnke, an event co-organiser, was among the riders. His dad overcame prostate cancer after surgery. "My grandfather had prostate cancer as well. He died with it, not from it. It's one of those things where I need to be aware. "I'm 50 now but started getting checked early. "I was sent for an ultrasound that was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. That came back clear. It wasn't a pleasant process to go through." As for the mental health side of the ride, he said "it's one of those age-old stigmas that guys tend to keep their feelings to themselves". "I think now the younger generation is more open and vocal about it. Any light shone on that is a good thing." The inaugural gentleman's ride was held in 2012. Mr Meek - host of the Newcastle event - has been involved from the beginning. "It's phenomenal how it's grown. It's raised a massive amount of money for Movember," Mr Meek said. "It started out as a bit of a lark - dressing up in a suit inspired by the TV show Mad Men. "The first year we went to Vinnies to buy a suit and pinned the receipts to our lapels. That was the charity side at that point. It took off from there. "Sponsors who thought it was a nice idea came on board and away it went." Worldwide, the event raised $12 million for Movember this year and almost $70 million since it began. "Each year, we're blown away by the scale, generosity and heart behind this ride," said Mr Hawwa, the founder. "We are building a movement that saves lives and reminds folks around the world that men's health matters everywhere." Mr Hawwa, of Sydney, said men die on average six years earlier than women from "largely preventable reasons". "The number of men who are suffering is growing. We need to do something about that." The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride began with a publicity photo of Mad Men's Don Draper wearing a suit while perched on a classic motorcycle. Mark Hawwa started the themed ride 13 years ago, after being inspired by the photo. This year's event, which raises money for men's mental health support and prostate cancer research, involved about 127,000 riders in 1038 cities. The event features classic and vintage motorcycles, with riders dressed in suits. It aims to foster a different perception of riders to that of outlaw bikie gangs. The Newcastle event, delayed by a month due to heavy rain, was held at The Station on Sunday. Organiser Stephen Meek said it was "perfect weather, thank god". "The ride went well. It's a bit of camaraderie and looking silly in our suits," Mr Meek said. "Motorcyclists are always good for supporting a cause." The ride went through town, alongside beaches, up to Fort Scratchley and through Darby Street, Parkway Avenue and Tudor Street. About 120 people did the ride, which returned to The Station for lunch. The Newcastle event raised $21,000. Maitland's Glenn Behnke, an event co-organiser, was among the riders. His dad overcame prostate cancer after surgery. "My grandfather had prostate cancer as well. He died with it, not from it. It's one of those things where I need to be aware. "I'm 50 now but started getting checked early. "I was sent for an ultrasound that was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. That came back clear. It wasn't a pleasant process to go through." As for the mental health side of the ride, he said "it's one of those age-old stigmas that guys tend to keep their feelings to themselves". "I think now the younger generation is more open and vocal about it. Any light shone on that is a good thing." The inaugural gentleman's ride was held in 2012. Mr Meek - host of the Newcastle event - has been involved from the beginning. "It's phenomenal how it's grown. It's raised a massive amount of money for Movember," Mr Meek said. "It started out as a bit of a lark - dressing up in a suit inspired by the TV show Mad Men. "The first year we went to Vinnies to buy a suit and pinned the receipts to our lapels. That was the charity side at that point. It took off from there. "Sponsors who thought it was a nice idea came on board and away it went." Worldwide, the event raised $12 million for Movember this year and almost $70 million since it began. "Each year, we're blown away by the scale, generosity and heart behind this ride," said Mr Hawwa, the founder. "We are building a movement that saves lives and reminds folks around the world that men's health matters everywhere." Mr Hawwa, of Sydney, said men die on average six years earlier than women from "largely preventable reasons". "The number of men who are suffering is growing. We need to do something about that."
United News of India
13-06-2025
- General
- United News of India
Prashant Singh wins Gentleman's Ride in Dehradun, Championing Mental Health and Environmental Consciousness
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 10: In a celebration of style, solidarity, and social responsibility, Prashant Singh stole the spotlight in this year's Distinguished Gentleman's Ride held in Dehradun. The annual event, renowned for its unique blend of elegance and advocacy, saw riders dressed in sharp suits, waistcoats, ties, and vintage attire riding through the city streets on classic motorcycles—all in support of a noble cause. This year's theme focused on raising awareness about mental health, a subject gaining much-needed attention across the globe. Prashant Singh, a familiar face in both adventure circuits and ecological campaigns, led the ride with poise and purpose, echoing the message that emotional well-being is just as vital as physical health. Participants rode through key parts of Dehradun, turning heads and starting conversations—not just because of their dapper appearance, but because of the powerful message they carried. Singh, ever the thoughtful leader, said, 'Mental health is not a private burden, it's a shared concern. This ride is about showing that we care—and we are here for one another.' Though this ride wasn't an extreme expedition, Singh's reputation as a daring adventurer precedes him. Earlier in February, he had braved the unforgiving winter conditions of the Lahaul and Spiti Valley, completing one of the most challenging solo rides in the Himalayas. His journey through snow-covered passes and remote high-altitude terrains had earned him accolades from biking communities across India. Yet, beyond the biker helmet lies a deeper identity—that of a passionate nature conservationist. Singh is also the founder of the Doon Litchie Campaign, a local ecological movement that has been revitalizing the Dehradun and Mussoorie landscape by planting hundreds of Doon Litchie tree saplings each year. This rare and indigenous tree species had once faced the threat of extinction, but Singh's consistent efforts have helped restore its presence, offering shelter to native birds, bees, and wildlife. 'Everything is connected—our environment, our mental health, our sense of purpose,' Singh remarked after the ride. 'Riding a bike in a suit today and planting a tree tomorrow are both acts of care—for ourselves, for our community, and for the future.' The event concluded with a gathering at a local café, where participants shared stories, discussed mental health challenges, and pledged to keep the conversation alive year-round. With his polished boots, vintage motorcycle, and unwavering commitment to both inner and outer well-being, Prashant Singh continues to redefine what it means to be a true gentleman rider—elegant, empathetic, and ever in service of a greater cause. If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.
The Courier
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Courier
Aberfeldy's 'distinguished gentleman' digger driver rakes in £10k for charity
By day he's a hoodie-wearing digger driver. But inside Geoff Mumford there's a 'distinguished gentleman' just waiting to be unleashed. For 10 years now, the Aberfeldy biker has indulged his alter ego, raising thousands of pounds for men's health charities along the way. Geoff, 62, is a proud ambassador for the worldwide Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. Once a year, he and fellow classic and vintage motorcyclists dig out their most dapper togs and set off in style. For Geoff, that means trading his grubby jeans and work boots for a tweed suit with matching bunnet and accessories. It's quite a gear change. But Geoff is so devoted to the cause he even joined in on a holiday to Christchurch in New Zealand with his other half Heather Conway. 'We got the gear in a charity shop then took it back the next day,' he laughed. There's a serious reason for all this dressing up. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride raises money and awareness for men's mental health and prostate cancer research. It has raked in more than £44 million in 108 countries since its inception. Participants show off their classic and vintage motorcycles, the older the better. And when Geoff's not at the controls of his digger, his vehicle of choice is his Harris Magnum II or his Honda CBX 1000. He is one of more than 127,000 bikers who took part in the 2025 Distinguished Gentleman's ride in May. And over his 10 years, he's raised more than £10,000. Geoff's first Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was just along the road from Aberfeldy, at Killin in 2016. It was the first time he'd heard about the event. And his wardrobe isn't exactly crammed with fancy gear. So a pal supplied him with a tweed jacket, tie clip and shirt with all the buttons. Geoff has since taken part in rides in Edinburgh, Glasgow and now Inverness, as well as New Zealand. He even ran the Perth event for a couple of years. 'We go at a steady speed, and normally stick to city centres,' he said. 'People notice you when you're dressed up like a gentleman so it's a really good way to make the public aware. 'A lot of men don't like talking about their health. But one in eight men will get prostate cancer and if you do something about it sooner rather than later it could save your life.' You can still donate to Geoff's Distinguished Gentleman fundraiser by clicking here.
Daily Express
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Express
32 distinguished gentlemen ride for a purpose
Published on: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 20, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Amirshah flagging off the event in Sandakan. SANDAKAN: Tuxedo and classic motorcycle are a rare combination, but it's a sight to behold at the annual Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR), here, on May 18. For the 32 members of Rascamoto Inc, DGR is more than just a ride. It's a chance to don their finest 'gentleman attire' and take to the streets on their vintage and classic styled bikes, celebrating style, camaraderie and a meaningful cause. Held annually across the globe, DGR raises vital funds and awareness for men's health, focusing on prostate cancer research and mental health support. It's a ride with purpose where looking dapper helps drive change. According to the organiser, Mansur Kundang, the DGR is held simultaneously by thousands of riders in more than 90 countries. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Vancouver riders take to the streets for men's health
Over 220 dapper Vancouver riders participated in the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, raising $52,456 for men's health, contributing to a national total of $383,498. Globally, the event saw 125,000 riders across 108 countries, raising $7.17 million USD for prostate cancer and mental health initiatives. The ride, starting at International Motorsports, aimed to break the silence surrounding men's health issues. Dressed in sharp suits and riding vintage motorcycles, more than 220 Vancouverites took to the streets as part of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Whether it's a quiet battle with depression or a delayed checkup for a growing concern, silence has long been a killer for men. Over 220 Vancouver riders put on their finest suits and kicked up their kickstands to break that silence as they participated in the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride on Sunday, May address these issues, this global event aims to raise funds and awareness for men's health issues, particularly prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men along with mental health , in partnership with the Movember Vancouver ride successfully raised $52,456, contributing to Canada's national total of $383,498, with 1,869 riders participating across the the 2025 event saw over 125,000 riders across 1,038 cities in 108 countries, collectively raising $7.17 million ride route commenced at International Motorsports in East Vancouver, winding through the scenic Stanley Hermansen, fundraising director for Movember Canada, noted the positive public reaction: "People would stop and stare, honk their horns, and wave. It was good because that's the whole point. It captures people's attention."'It's always hard to know how these events will turn out in Vancouver, it could be raining or sunny, but we still had plenty of riders out today all wearing their dapper outfits, so all in all we're pretty happy,' he Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia, inspired by a photo of Mad Men's Don Draper astride a classic motorcycle while wearing an expensive its beginning, the event has supported numerous men's health projects, including 12 in Canada, seven focusing on prostate cancer, and five on mental Thiene, part of the organizing committee for the Vancouver ride, emphasized the event's dual purpose: "The idea was to have a themed ride, getting riders together in one big community to ride classic and vintage rides. A themed ride where people dress up dapper to create interest and raise awareness."
