The local Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride started in Sheffield and finished in the picturesque surroundings of Wentworth.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a worldwide event that raises money for Movember, the leading charity changing the face of men’s health.

It was founded in Sydney, Australia by Mark Hawwa in 2012 and was inspired by a photo of TV show Mad Men’s Don Draper (Jon Hamm) sat on a classic Matchless motorcycle wearing his finest suit.

Each year on a dedicated day, thousands of motorbike enthusiasts take to the roads in their finery and ride to raise money and awareness for worthwhile causes, from prostate cancer to mental health. 

This year’s event took place on Sunday 18 May with almost 100,000 riders having signed up to take part in over 1,000 cities and 110 countries around the world. 

Close to home, Sergio Tornese organised a Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), which started in Sheffield and finished in Wentworth. 

Sergio first got involved in 2015 through his son, Giovanni, first as a spectator but then as a participant and then as the chief organiser. Giovanni, affectionately known as ‘Gee’, became involved with DGR as manager of Savills Barbers, who are famed for their dapper styles and perfectly suited to the vintage fashions worn by the riders. Sadly, Gee took his own life in 2021.

“I bought a Harley to ride in 2016 and took over the ride in 2015,” said Sergio. “The ride and causes mean so much more, every ride I now do for Gee.”

This year’s event started at Barkers Pool in Sheffield city centre with around 250 riders taking part – all riding classic/vintage-style bikes and dressed in their finest, of course.

From there it headed out to Hillsborough and Grenoside before passing through Wortley and Thurgoland. From there the riders headed to Hoyland Swaine, Dodworth and Stainborough before turning back to Hoyland Common and ultimately finishing in Wentworth. As well as supporting the Movember charity, Sergio also teamed up with Andy’s Man Club who had a stall at the finishing point to raise further awareness about male-related mental health issues.

Movember has been the official charity partner of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride since 2016. Both organisations share a simple goal: to bring people together and change the face of men’s health. Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and over ten million men are living with or beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis. Funds raised by DGR help to power Movember’s work across two of the most complex issues facing men around the world: prostate cancer and mental health. 

To date, the event has raised over $57million with over £1million being raised in England alone.

To find out more about The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, visit www.gentlemansride.com