Ride for a cause

There’s nothing that beats the feeling of the wind at the break of dawn and these city bikers and bikernis are a testimony to that. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) that was founded in Sydney, Australia by Mark Hawwa, inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike in his finest suit has since become a tradition across 90 countries across the globe.

The idea quickly took off, starting in one city and growing into the global event we know today. Come Sunday, many cities across the country, including Bengaluru will see mean machines from Bangalore Riders Association of Triumph (BRATs) and other bike enthusiasts to raise funds for men’s prostate cancer and also spread awareness on the increase in number of suicidal deaths among men in recent times.

Talking of this annual affair in over 500 cities that started with a themed ride to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together, Vishal Singh, founder, The Bangalore Beard Club says, “The ride is open to all males and females but limited to classic and vintage bikes only, no sports bikes. BBC members and other avid bikers will be taking part in the world’s largest charitable motorcycle event for owners of classic and vintage styled bikes on September 25. Worldwide DGR brings together over 50,000 well dressed gentlefolk on stunning motorcycles. We’re raising funds for prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programmes. The ride will begin from Cubbon Park and end at Holiday Inn, Whitefield with a brunch, wellness sessions and cancer awareness talks.”

Entrepreneur Balaji Suryanarayana, who runs a software business and loves his bike rides, states, “I will be riding my Triumph Bonneville this time and have participated in all the DGRs since past two years. There are so many causes for women like Pinkathon etc, but hardly for men. Also, it’s a specific biker community and is a great forum to meet like minded bikers.”

It’s all about the scramblers, café racers, classic styled bikes and bobbers, and the dapper chaps that own them. What’s important is having a great ride and raising awareness and as much money as possible to combat a disease that kills one gentlemen every hour somewhere in the world.

Grandmaster Akshar of Akshar Power Yoga who is also riding on his bike, will be conducting a mind, body and soul session after the ride. “We believe in leading a balanced life. Health is the most important aspect and we feel through these kinds of events, we will be able to create good awareness amongst our youth,” states Akshar.

Naveen Pishe of PN Rao adds, “I love the thrill of bike rides and this is a good cause. Most of the bikers including me will be in dapper suits from the biker collection, as DGR is associated with dapper men in suits worldwide.”