Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2023
By Donovan Fourie
Pics By Don and Jolandi Mentz
The bone-cold weather on 21 May – the coldest weather so far this year – was not enough to chase away the galant Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride attendees who attended.
Indeed, more than 100,000 people worldwide, and 1315 people throughout South Africa, gathered to dress dapper, celebrate classic and retro motorcycles, and raise money towards prostate cancer and men’s mental health.
The Jo’Burg run met at Mall of Africa in Midrand with a variety of interesting old, classic, custom, stylised and retro motorcycles. From 2023, Triumph South Africa has taken the helm for the SA runs, a fitting role given that Triumph is a global sponsor of DGR. The event was not only well attended and well organised, but somehow more chilled, relaxed and easygoing.
Triumph SA boss man, Bruce Allen, gave a welcoming rider’s briefing before more than 700 motorcycles carrying a variety of waistcoats and bowties made their merry way on a 30km mass ride through Sandton, Bryanston, Fourways and Lonehill before settling at the Prison Break Market (opposite Leeuwkop Prison) where the lunch tab was on Triumph.
South Africa raised more than R360,000 for men’s mental health and prostate cancer. Globally, R131 million was raised. Motorcycling worldwide has a reason to feel good about itself.
For more information and for notifications on next year’s DGR, and donate towards the cause, register at www.gentlemansride.com
