LIVE FROM LONG ISLAND, NY
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is a global motorcycle event that brings together thousands of riders in support of men’s health and prostate cancer research. It was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia. Hawwa was inspired by a photograph of actor, Jon Hamm, in character as Don Draper, (from the television series “Mad Men”); dressed in a suit and riding a classic motorcycle. Hawwa decided to organize a ride where participants would dress dapperly and ride classic and vintage motorcycles. The event would combine the joy of riding with a philanthropic purpose.
The inaugural Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride took place on September 30, 2012, with just over 2,500 participants across 64 cities worldwide. Since then, the event has grown exponentially, attracting tens of thousands of riders from more than 800 cities around the world. This year’s Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride took place today, May 21, 2023 with riders gathering in their respective cities globally to embark on a synchronized ride.
Good Folks For A Good Cause
The event not only celebrates the culture and camaraderie of motorcycling but also aims to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives. Participants register for the ride and raise funds by seeking sponsorship from friends, family, and their local communities. The funds collected are donated to charity partners, such as the Movember Foundation, which focus on addressing the health challenges faced by men.
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride has become renowned for its distinctive dress code. Participants don their finest suits, vests, bowties, and accessories, emulating the elegant fashion of yesteryear. The unique combination of classic motorcycles and dapper attire creates a visually striking spectacle that captures the attention of onlookers and the media.
The Ride And Beyond
The ride itself is typically a leisurely and scenic route in the vicinity of the host city, allowing participants to showcase their well-maintained motorcycles and share their passion with the public. The event’s emphasis on style, etiquette, and safety has helped shape a positive perception of motorcycling while promoting responsible riding.
Beyond the ride itself, the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride community has fostered a sense of belonging and support among participants. The event has become a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share stories, and support one another. The camaraderie extends beyond the ride day, with participants engaging in social gatherings, charity events, and local initiatives throughout the year.
Thinking Globally • Acting Locally
I had the pleasure of attending the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride on Long Island, NY this morning. This local alliance of the global event was organized by Wayne Buess. Wayne is also the current President of the Long Island BMW Riders Club, of which I am a member. Wayne arrived for the ride on his 1984 BMW R100RS, one of the many bikes in his stable.
Wayne and his beloved R100RS
The meetup for the start of the ride was in front of 20th Century Cycles in Oyster Bay, NY.
Local motorcyclists know this location well. It is the garage, restoration shop and museum for an extensive collection of fine motorcycles belonging to “The Piano Man” himself, Billy Joel.
Step inside 20th Century Cycles and get greeted by this view
Mr. Joel is quite the avid collector and visitors will find examples of nearly every marque ever produced. For some fine photographs of the real gems in his collection, and to learn about his inspiration to collect certain styles of motorcycles, you should visit the 20th Century Cycles website. Better yet, take a trip out to my native Long Island and visit the museum in person. The museum is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.
A stellar 1952 Vincent. You don’t see these every day!
The Museum Outside
All of the great iron wasn’t inside the museum today, though. Some fine specimens showed up for the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride, with BMW’s taking center stage. The oldest motorcycle to make the ride was this perfectly-restored 1952 (that’s 71 years old, folks) BMW R52/3, belonging to James Wonder:
World-renowned BMW collector, Peter Nettesheim, showed up in style with this 1965 BMW R60/2 equipped with a Steib LT200 Utility Sidecar…just one of the 120+ BMW motorcycles he holds in his private collection!
James Dubarry is a former Long Island BMW Riders Club president, and the owner of Second Wind Cycles in Patchogue, NY. He made the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride in style on his 1991 K100RS:
A couple of “Modern Day Classics” came along for the ride. In the picture below you’ll see Preet Singh with his 2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT, as well as a great custom bobber derived from a late model Triumph Bonneville 1200.
Kickstands Up!
The ninety minute long Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride took the riders on a scenic route through the best of Long Island’s “Gold Coast”. Leaving Oyster Bay the riders were treated to scenic waterfront views in Mill Neck, Bayville, Lattingtown, Matinecock, Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor and Huntington Bay.
If you live on Long Island you know what these locales are like. For the out-of-town readers: a quick search of real estate listings in these towns will pretty much tell you the whole $tory.
A Toast To Friends…Old & New
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride ended a block away from where it started. Some members of the group gathered at Teddy’s Bull Bar for brunch after the ride.
Teddy’s is named for Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, who called Oyster Bay home. His “Summer White House”, Sagamore Hill, is now a National Historic Site.
Brunch at Teddy’s after the ride
Until Next Year
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride has been rolling for 13 years now, and has raised in excess of $45 million dollars for men’s health initiatives. You can visit the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride website for information on registering for a 2024 ride near you, to initiate a new ride in your area, or to simply make a donation to this worthy charity.
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Awesome pic of JW on his classic. Thanks Wayne for setting this up! I hope to make next year’s ride. Mike, did you catch how much was donated to DGR’s Charity?