Hamish Bruce with grandson George, 2, check out the bikes ahead of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in Timaru on Sunday.

An annual international fundraiser that aims to raise $6 million this year got a $4500 boost from Timaru.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride held on Sunday saw 36 South Cantabrians, about 1400 New Zealanders, and about 106,000 people worldwide, dress up in their Sunday best for a motorbike ride to raise awareness of mens' health issues - with prostate cancer and mental illness the main focuses.

Co-organiser Richard Brown, who was motivated to get involved with the ride after losing his twin brother to suicide, said the number of people that converged on Timaru's piazza for the event had jumped "50 per cent" since last year.

DOUG FIELD/STUFF Donovan Stewart, Phil Sanders, and Shane Newton at the start of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in Timaru on Sunday morning.

"This event is about raising awareness, so the more bikes we have the more of a scene we can make."

Two South Canterbury riders, Ashley Buchan and Paul Cooper, raised more than $1000 each in support of the cause.

"That was pretty cool," Brown said.

SUPPLIED From left, Jonty Penney, Sam Robinson, Shannon Sim and Richard Brown are behind the Timaru Distinguished Gentleman's Ride on September 30.

Riders left the piazza about midday, looping around Stafford St before heading to Washdyke, turning around short of Seadown Rd and back into town for a barbecue at Speight's Ale House at 1.30pm.

"It's just a fun day. It's about wearing Sunday's best and going for a ride," Brown said.

"It's not normal to ride without safety gear so it's a slow ride."

Brown was worried about the weather prior to the ride, and while it was not as sunny as Saturday, was glad rain had not postponed the event.

"We want to be part of the worldwide movement so as long as it's safe we ride."