The seventh annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on 30 September 2018 will double their allocation of funding toward mental health.

Founder Mark Hawwa of Sydney says they have increased their allocation of funding toward mental health from 20% to 40% for The Movember Foundation.

That means 60%, rather than 80%, will go toward prostate research.

However, there should be more funding to divvy up this year with organisers expecting to raise a massive $US6m from a 30% increase in registered riders.

That’s almost half the $US13M DGR has raised in total for charity since starting in 2013!

Mental health

Marks says he decided on the funding allocation shift after “overwhelmingly positive feedback from the DGR community and as a show of solidarity with those, and their loved ones, who are battling with mental health”.

“We ride this year for the men of the world who struggle with mental health and for the families and individuals whose lives are affected by prostate cancer,” says Mark.

Up from 90,000 riders last year to a forecast of over 120,000 in 2018, dapper men and women in over 650 cities worldwide will ride classic and vintage styled motorcycles on Sunday, 30 September 2018.

“On this day, streets across the world – including Sydney, Paris, New York and London – will be humming with the tune of a united front against killers of men,” Mark says.

In Australia, suicide rates are three times higher than that of women.

“As a result, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride are on a mission to raise awareness globally, in their crusade to make life better for men everywhere,” he says.

2018 DGR event

The official launch video (above) highlights the huge number of men that die every year from suicide and prostate cancer.

Organiser Stephen Broholm says prostate cancer and mental health issues affect all men and the people in their lives, “whether they ride a motorcycle or not”.

“With the imagery showing men disappearing as they ride past the lady on the street, riding under the overpass and the general public when the riders go past them, we wanted to hit the message hard.

“If this video encourages more men to get checked and be aware of the health of their prostate, and to also seek assistance when experiencing mental health concerns, then it’s our job done.

“If these people also help contribute to raising funds for prostate cancer research and mental health programs then that is a bonus.”

Fund-raising rewards include motorcycles and luxury watches from major partners Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches, and other reward prizes.

If you ride a vintage or classically styled motorcycle and wish to participate in your nearest event, or make a donation to the cause, visit www.gentlemansride.com.

Check out the bike style guide below.