Throttle, Tweed, and Tribute: Riding in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
Today, I had the privilege of participating in the 2025 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) in Portland, Oregon—an unforgettable day of community, style, and purpose. Over 370 riders took to the streets dressed in their most dapper attire—three-piece suits, ties, sport coats, vests, and polished boots—all in the name of raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research through the Movember Foundation.
We weren’t just riding—we were riding for something.
What Is the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride?
If you’re unfamiliar with DGR, it’s a global motorcycle event held each May, where riders gather in cities around the world to dress sharply and ride classic and vintage-style motorcycles. Founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia, the ride was inspired by a photo of actor Don Draper from Mad Men sitting astride a classic bike in a crisp suit. The idea? Break stereotypes of motorcyclists while raising funds for serious men’s health issues.
Today, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride spans hundreds of cities and tens of thousands of riders, united by a simple mission: to support and fund programs focused on prostate cancer research and mental health, specifically suicide prevention.
The funds raised go directly to
Movember, a leading global men’s health charity. To date, DGR has raised over $45 million USD worldwide.
The Portland Experience: 40 Dapper Miles Through the City
This year’s Portland route can be seen here and covered about 40 miles, beginning and ending at Triumph Columbia River.
We looped through industrial areas and descended into the heart of downtown Portland. Riding across bridges and past city blocks, we were met with cheers, stunned stares, and plenty of camera phones. It's not every day that several hundred well-dressed motorcyclists parade through town in unison.
At one point downtown, traffic came to a halt—not from a roadblock, but from sheer awe. The sound of engines and the sight of so many bikes moving together in style was enough to stop people in their tracks.
Some stood still, some smiled and waved. Others simply watched, mouths open. That’s the power of this ride—not just the fundraising, but the visibility.
Why I Ride
This cause is deeply personal to me. I’ve had family members battle prostate cancer and friends who took their own lives. Those losses stay with me. So when I put on a jacket and rode today, I wasn’t just showing up—I was showing support.
Thanks to generous friends, family, and supporters, I was able to raise $3,363 this year. Portland as a city raised $30,888, placing us 47th in the world for fundraising totals. That’s not just impressive—it’s a testament to how strong and committed this community is.
If you donated—thank you. If you’re reading this and haven’t yet, consider it for next year. Even $10 can help support programs that save lives.
More Than Just Motorcycles
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride isn’t only about motorcycles—it’s about brotherhood, community, and showing up. Riders from all walks of life join in, many on classic Triumphs, BMWs, Ducatis, Moto Guzzis, Nortons, and custom builds that reflect their personal styles.
It’s also about visibility. Men’s mental health is often overlooked or ignored. This ride brings it front and center in a way that’s hard to miss. When 370 riders in suits flood downtown Portland, the city takes notice.
And the beauty of it? There’s no gatekeeping here. Whether you ride a vintage Bonneville or a newer café racer build, whether it’s your first ride or your tenth, there’s a place for you in DGR.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’ve never done the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride before, I highly encourage you to sign up next year. You don’t need a massive network or a high-end bike—just a passion for riding and a heart for the cause.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Visitwww.gentlemansride.com and sign up to ride in a city near you.
- Start a fundraising page or donate to an
existing one.
- Spread the word—on social, in your community, or just over coffee with a friend.
- Support Movember year-round atus.movember.com.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycles are about freedom, expression, and connection. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride channels all of that into something truly meaningful.
Today, we didn’t just ride. We honored the past, supported the present, and helped shape a healthier future for men everywhere.
If you saw us out there—thank you for the waves, the cheers, and the smiles. And if you missed it? We’ll be back next year. A little louder, a little sharper dressed, and just as committed.
Ride dapper. Ride for a reason.
About the Author
William Flaiz, passionate about European motorcycle brands, shares his expertise and stories on RunMotorun.com. He offers detailed insights and reviews, aiming to educate both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. Flaiz combines personal experience with thorough research, welcoming visitors to explore the rich world of European motorcycles alongside him.
