Ride Report- DGR Gauteng

We were very fortunate to be part of another successful Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. For those that are unfamiliar with this event, the DGR is a global event that was initiated in 2012 by Australian Mark Hawa, where riders dressed as dapper gentlemen ride their café racers, brat/street/flat trackers, bobbers, classics, modern classics and steel scooters on the same day along organised routes all over the world. This event grew rapidly in the last two years with over 57 countries taking part in 258 rides. This year there was a goal set to raise 1 Million US Dollars for research for prostate cancer. The goal has been reached, and looks set to raise more than 1.5 Million Dollars.

Photography by : Reinardt Nel Creative Emporium

Photography by : Reinardt Nel Creative Emporium

Photography by : Simon McDonnell

With the overwhelming turn out and support from the previous two rides in Gauteng, we were uncertain what to expect for 2014. This year we saw more custom and vintage motorcycles making their rounds compared to last year, with 200-250 riders attending Gauteng’s Ride. We also had three journalists joining in the fun; Charley Cooper and Simon Fourie from BikeSA and Skinny van Schalkwyk from Tank Girls.

Andrew Robertson shared the sentiments of most riders when he said, ”I have been looking forward to the ride all year, and was up two hours before my alarm went off.”

Of the many different makes of motorcycle on this year’s event were classic Triumphs ranging from Speed Twins to Bonnevilles, a few BSAs, BMWs ranging from R50s to the new RNineT, Sport Classic Ducatis, Moto Guzzis both old and new, Honda CB400s to CBX1000’s. The oldest motorcycle taking part was a Panther Sloper.

The chance to wear your most snappy clothes and ride around on cool  and classic creations brings out all sorts of flamboyant characters. It was the ideal opportunity to dress up, clean up, smoke cigars and pipes and grow and groom facial hair whether it was real or fake.

Most importantly everyone made new friends and acquaintances and had a splendid time whilst making a contribution to a good cause.  Make sure not to miss next year’s event and remember to stay dapper!