Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Raises $1 Million for Prostate Cancer Research

If you see a smartly-clad-chap tooling along the highway on a classic motorcycle, do not be afraid–he is clearly a distinguished gentlemen. This years event, set for Sunday, September 28, will include many such dapper gentleman–and some gentle-ladies too

One day per year riders of classically-styled bikes get the opportunity to dust off their formal digs, gas up, and hit the roads with other finely dressed motorcyclists. Starched tweed, a waxed ‘stache, and wingtips are acceptable and encouraged. Think of it as an opportunity to show the community what a proper cafe racer looks like. British Customs is happy to be a part of this amazing event.

Founded ‘Down-under’ in 2012 by Mark Hawwa, the first ride brought together 2,500 riders in 64 cities. Initially founded with the goal of combatting the negative stereotype of men on motorcycles and bringing niche motorcycle communities together, the ride has became a worldwide fundraiser to help  find a cure for prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “about one man in seven will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.” With figures like this, us men need to stick together.  The gathering aims to raise $1 Million USD this year for prostate cancer research and awareness, a disease that kills 1300 men a day. Rides have been organized in 254 cities worldwide so there’s no excuse not to get involved.

Ways to support:

• Sign up to ride in your city
• Sponsor a rider
• Make a generic donation

If you are in the Los Angeles area, join up with our friends Mark Gamo & Rahoul Ghose on the LA ride. These two have put in many hours and pounds of sweat to organize the LA portion of the event and we are proud to support them in their efforts. Recently featured in the LA Times, Rahoul said, “The interested thing about this dress concept is it doesn’t matter what you’re riding. Dressed like this, you get a smile.” The ride this year is an opportunity for riders of all stripes to get out, dress up, and support a great cause.

THE LOS ANGELES RIDE DETAILS

The Los Angeles ride will start at the Griffith Park Observatory Sunday Sept. 28, with riders meeting at 10 AM and kickstands up at 11 AM. The route will take the group through the heart of Hollywood, down the Sunset Strip, following Sunset Blvd out to the PCH before turning south to Santa Monica. A pit stop at Deus ex Machina (at Venice and Lincoln) is planned before riders head downtown via the 10 and 110, then through downtown LA and out to the ACE Hotel for the official after-ride party. The ride will put an emphasis on safety. This year, along with a team of shooters documenting the ride, portrait photographer André Pinces will be donating his time and effort to photograph a formal portrait of each rider in attendance at the 2014 DGR.