Motorcycle riders from across the city will be taking to the streets in dapper duds on 25 September to raise money for solutions to two key men’s health challenges.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was launched in 2012 in Sydney with 2,500 riders in 64 cities. Support has grown rapidly over the past four years, with almost 27,000 riders already registered for the 2016 Ride.

Local organiser Andy Burchall of motorcycle dealership First European explains that all the funds raised here and abroad are directed at prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programmes through official charity partner The Movember Foundation.

“Last year blokes on bikes in 410 cities in 79 countries raised US$2,300,000 towards prostate cancer research. The 2016 fundraising goal is US$5,000,000, so we’re trying to reach as many riders as possible and throwing in a few new ideas too.”

Burchall cites the eponymous Barber Queue fundraiser the day before the Ride as one such idea that fits in with the event’s aim of raising money while celebrating classic custom motorcycles and the art of being dapper.

From 1pm on Saturday 24 September barbers Padraic Ryan and Maximilian Rooney from Pure Hair on Colombo Street will be installed on First European’s showroom floor at 114 Carlyle Street for the afternoon, enhancing the personal style of riders while raising extra funds towards the US$5,000,000 goal.

Burchall says getting onboard is easy: “Just head to www.gentlemansride.com/register and set up your personal fundraising page and register for the Christchurch ride or pitch up on Saturday afternoon to be styled by Maximilian.”

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is described by the organisers as a niche charity event “with gentlefolk riding their Cafe' Racer, Bobber, Classic, Tracker, Scrambler, Old School Chopper, Modern Classic, Sidecar, Classic Scooter, Brat Styled motorcycles”.

Riders are encouraged to consult the Style Guide on the website to truly get into the spirit of the event and to get ideas on how to trade up their leathers for a more tailored look on the day.

“The Ride is a rare chance for the blokes to get a bit dapper astride their motorcycles, with a look that’s much more vogue than rogue,” says Burchall.

ENDS

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