More than 200 dapper gents and dolled-up ladies will take to the streets of the Illawarra on motorcycles on Sunday, May 21 for the 2023 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR).
The ride was the brainchild of Sydney motorcycle enthusiast Mark Hawwa, who brought his vision to life in 2012. It's now the world’s largest charity motorcycle event, with riders from more than 900 cities taking part in the annual event.
Last year’s ride – the first at full capacity since the start of the pandemic – saw more than 94,000 vintage or classic motorcycle riders take part to raise money for men’s mental health, suicide prevention and prostate cancer research on behalf of charity partner The Movember Foundation.
Given the opportunity by global sponsor Triumph Motorcycles, Jane Sim of Wollongong's City Coast Motorcycles launched a local ride seven years ago. She's since seen Wollongong grow into one of the ride’s top global cities, beating New York and London in 2021 to place second behind Sydney.
“Inspired by a photo of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit, Mark created a themed event with the aim of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities while raising funds to support the men in our lives,” Jane says.
“Triumph is the official motorcycle partner and as the Illawarra and South Coast Triumph dealer, [my partner] Tim and I want to give back to the riding community and the community at large.
“This is a generous community willing to dig deep for men’s health, so much so that DGR Wollongong has raised over $535,000 collectively for men’s health and counting… it always features as one of the top global rides and we’re humbled by its success.”
In 2021, two of the top three global fundraisers hailed from the DGR Wollongong, raising more than $75,000 between them. Each were awarded Triumph Motorcycles.
Fundraising for a worthy cause is not always the sole draw for participants. Jane says riders often tell her that it’s their favourite day of the year.
“This is a special day bringing together good people for the good of others,” she says.
“New friendships are forged and it’s a fun excuse to get dressed up, fundraise and increase awareness for an important cause.”
This year, Chris Allen, a former army major and author of the bestselling action-thriller Intrepid novels, will join DGR Wollongong.
“Like many of us, and not just those of us with military and emergency service backgrounds, I have struggled with my own mental health issues and have benefited greatly from having the right support and networks available,” Chris says.
“In terms of prostate health, any man… myself included, eventually has to contend with the inherent complications of ageing and the multitude of scenarios relating to prostate health.
“A number of my closest friends are currently dealing with the scourge of prostate cancer … I’ve seen the impact of this protracted issue wearing them down over many years as they and their families have fought to deal with it."
As a father of two sons, Chris is hopeful a better future lies ahead.
“I want to know that we are doing everything we possibly can, not just for men now but for the future generations, to understand as much as we can about men’s mental health and prostate health issues,” he says.
“That is my motivation to become involved in DGR.”
The full route for May 21's Wollongong ride will be released to registered participants closer to the time. Jane says it promises to be one of the most exciting and high-profile rides yet, with the after-party taking place at North Gong Hotel. Prizes for riders who raise more than $100 for charity by the evening of May 20 will be up for grabs on the night.
If you’re not a vintage or classic motorcyclist, Jane says there are still plenty of ways to support the cause.
"There are other ways to get involved, such as sponsoring a rider, borrowing the correct style of motorcycle or volunteering,” she says.
“I think it’s also important to get conversations going about men’s health.”
Participants can register online at gentlemansride.com and share their fundraising page with family and friends. They can check if their bike meets the criteria by checking the Style Guide.
