This year, for the first time ever, Hamilton hosted it's very own Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride through the downtown streets of our fine city. We had over 150 riders come out despite unseasonably warm weather and collectively, our Hamilton ride raised over $50,000 USD for prostate cancer research and male suicide prevention through Movember Canada.
Corsa Motocicletta in Burlington, in partnership with Bell Helmets, has kindly donated a stunning Bell Bullitt helmet to be awarded to the Hamilton rider who raises the most money for charity and the boys at Godspeed Company have donated one of their kick-ass Shop Rag Shirts to be awarded to the most dapper dressed rider on the day. Sturgess Cycle, one of Canada's oldest motorcycle dealers, donated a slick Leather Bobber Triumph Riding Jacket to the Best In Show award.
What Is The DistinguishedGentleman’s Ride
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a celebration of the art of being dapper and classic custom motorcycles.
What does that mean, you ask?
Think: Monocles, jaunty trimmed moustaches, silk vests, crisp shirts and tailored suits.
Ride: Cafe' Racer, Bobber, Classic, Tracker, Scrambler, Old School Chopper, Modern Classic, Sidecar, Classic Scooter, Brat Styled motorcycles. Visit our style guide to check out the bikes that make The Distinguished Gentleman’s the unique event that it is.
Do: Bring your finest manners, neatest facial foliage, a sense of fun and a smile.
Pay: The ride is free however we encourage those riding to make a donation to the cause as well as consider helping reach our fundraising goals by getting friends, family and colleagues to donate via your personal fundraising page.
Why We Ride:
Our focus is on gentlemen who have been dealt a tough hand in life. In particular, raising funds for research into prostate cancer and suicide prevention programs as part of the mission to support men’s health globally. These funds are invested by The Movember Foundation, the world’s largest men’s health organization.
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men (after skin cancer). In some western countries, more men die of prostate cancer than women do breast cancer.
Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged 20-39 and 75% of suicides are male. 510,000 men die from suicide globally each year. That’s one every minute. This has to change. The results of poor mental health can be deadly. Men, regardless of age group, often don't recognise when they’re experiencing a mental health issue, and may not be comfortable asking for help. The uncomfortable truth is that some stereotypical forms of masculinity are killing men.
