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Triumph and Gibson augment DGR prizes

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After putting up a special Triumph-themed Gibson guitar and Gibson-themed Triumph Bonneville as a major fundraiser prize for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, the companies have turned the amp up to 11.

Now they are offering three signed guitars as runner-up prizes for the 10th annual event on May 22. In the past nine years more than 100,000 riders in over 900 cities across the world have raised more than $US31 million for men’s mental health and prostate cancer awareness.

The major prize this year is a 1959 Legends Custom Edition Gibson Les Paul with Triumph design details and a 1959 Legends Custom Edition T120 Bonneville with Gibson design references.

The guitar has a hand-coach-lined pickguard inspired by the Bonneville’s trademark engine fins, and etched pick-up covers, branded truss rod cover and reissue switch backplate.

Gibson’s Triumph tribute

Triumph’s Bonneville T120 Gibson tribute features a hand-painted sunburst paint scheme like the Gibson with black painted guitar neck and headstock shape, edged with hand-painted coach lining, plus a host of branded touches.

Triumph Bonneville T120 Gibson edition

They form the major prize for the best fundraiser at this year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a global charity for men’s mental health and prostate cancer awareness and fundraising.

The collaboration makes a lot of sense as many old rockers love their Bonnevilles and probably suffer from prostate issues!

And late last year Triumph Motorcycles announced it will continue its nine-year association with DGR for five more years.

Now, the companies have turned their amps up to 11 to offer more prizes for the DGR.

The three additional guitars are each signed by a famous musician, and each with a custom painted guitar case inspired by a legendary Triumph rider. The “Saints of Speed” custom guitar cases will be painted by the world-renowned guitar artist James Willis.

Gentlefolk Prize (open to participants raising over $US250)

Epiphone J-200
  • Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ J-200 guitar, signed by American country music star Big Kenny
  • Custom Triumph-inspired “Saints of Speed” guitar case, painted by James Willis

Highest Team Triumph Global Fundraiser

Epiphone SG
  • Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ SG Standard guitar, signed by Canadian musician Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers
  • Custom Triumph-inspired “Saints of Speed” guitar case, painted by James Willis

Spirit of ’59 Prize (open to participants raising over $US59)

Epiphone ’59
  • Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ 1959 Les Paul Standard guitar, signed by English rock legend, Billy Duffy of The Cult
  • Custom Triumph-inspired “Saints of Speed” guitar case, painted by James Willis

Donated to support The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, in its global charity efforts to raise awareness and funds in support of men’s mental health and prostate cancer, each of the Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ guitars pays homage to a Gibson music legend and each comes with the signature details and features that made them famous.

The custom hard case that comes with each guitar will be painted by famed Nashville guitar artist, James Willis, as part of a new “Saints of Speed” numbered series of custom cases, each commemorating a legendary Triumph rider. Willis is a multi-bike Triumph owner and will be participating in this year’s Gentleman’s Ride on his Scrambler 1200 XC motorcycle.

Further celebrating the connection between music and motorcycles, the guitars will be signed by musicians that are also passionate riders, each participating in this year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. The Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ J-200 will be signed by American country music artist Big Kenny, of Big & Rich. The Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ SG Standard will be signed by Canadian recording artist Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers. The Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ 1959 Les Paul Standard will be signed by English rock musician Billy Duffy of The Cult.

These additional prizes allow the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to further support fundraising across the world by rewarding fundraisers in unique categories, including the annual Gentlefolk prize, eligible for participants which raise over $US250. New prize categories for 2022 will be the Spirit of ’59 category, for any rider which raises over $US59, and the Team Triumph prize, for the highest fundraiser that has joined the official Triumph team or a Triumph dealership’s fundraising team.

Gibson Guitars and Triumph Legends Custom Cases

  • Numbered “Saints of Speed” series custom guitar cases, each commemorating a legendary Triumph rider of the winner’s choosing, will be hand painted by famed Nashville guitar artist James Willis.
  • The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-200 is a stunning homage to the King of the Flat-Tops – the world-famous Gibson™ SJ-200. Since its introduction in 1937 it has been the choice of “singing cowboys” like Tex Ritter and Gene Autry, as well as folk, rock and country royalty, including Emmylou Harris, Elvis, Jimmy Page, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, The Edge, and many more. Featuring a Super Jumbo non-cutaway solid figured maple body, solid Sitka spruce top, and two-piece maple neck with a mahogany centre strip, the Epiphone J-200 is built with all solid woods for outstanding tone. The visual elements have always been a big part of the J-200’s appeal, and the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-200 includes a Moustache™ bridge with curved block inlays, Crown headstock inlay and Graduated Crown mother of pearl fingerboard inlays, and a J-200 style pickguard with two-colour graphics.
  • The Epiphone SG Standard from the new Inspired by Gibson Collection, recreates the legendary 1960s classic that powered the first generation of hard rock and heavy metal bands including The Who, Cream, AC/DC, and Black Sabbath. The guitar features the historic SG profile with “batwing” pickguard, a pair of Epiphone’s Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers, and 18:1 ratio Epiphone Deluxe Tuners. This Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Original model also has the Kalamazoo headstock, rolled neck for a comfortable feel, GraphTech NuBone nut, era-appropriate wiring, and CTS pots. Optional hardshell or EpiLite Case is available.
  • Made in partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop, the Limited Edition 1959 Les Paul Standard is Epiphone’s stunning recreation of the rare vintage classic. Featuring a mahogany body with a maple top with a AAA figured maple veneer, comfortable 1959 hand-rolled neck profile with long neck tenon, aged finish, Gibson USA BurstBucker 2 & 3 humbucking pickups, Switchcraft selector switch and output jack, CTS pots, 50s era wiring, Mallory capacitors, non-beveled pickguard, new Epiphone Deluxe vintage tuners, and a vintage-style brown hard case. It also comes with an Epiphone Limited Edition metal medallion toggle switchplate.

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Prize Summary

Highest Global Fundraiser

  • ‘1959 Legends’ custom edition Triumph Bonneville T120 motorcycle and Gibson Les Paul Standard Reissue guitar
  • Hedon x DGR Kingpin Helmet
  • ELF Prize Pack

2nd Highest Global Fundraiser

  • Triumph Thruxton RS motorcycle
  • Hedon x DGR Hedonist Helmet
  • ELF Prize Pack

3rd Highest Global Fundraiser

  • Triumph Speed Twin 1200 motorcycle
  • Hedon x DGR Hedonist Helmet
  • ELF Prize Pack

Gentlefolk Competition 1st Prize (open to participants raising over $US250)

  • Triumph Bonneville Bobber motorcycle
  • Hedon x DGR Hedonist Helmet

Gentlefolk Competition 2nd Prize (open to participants raising over $US250)

  • Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ J-200 guitar, signed by country artist Big Kenny
  • Custom Triumph-inspired “Saints of Speed” guitar case, painted by artist James Willis

Highest Team Triumph Global Fundraiser (includes Triumph Dealer fundraising teams)

  • Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ SG Standard guitar, signed by Canadian artist Clayton Bellamy
  • Custom Triumph-inspired “Saints of Speed” guitar case, painted by artist James Willis

Spirit of ’59 Prize (open to participants raising over $US59)

  • Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ 1959 Les Paul Standard guitar, signed by English rock legend, Billy Duffy of The Cult
  • Custom Triumph-inspired “Saints of Speed” guitar case, painted by artist James Willis

a global charity for men’s mental health and prostate cancer awareness and fundraising.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Distinguished Gents and Gals bounce back

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Despite the 10th annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride being restricted in many places to a solo or virtual event, the May 23 ride still managed to raise $US4.1m for men’s health.

So in the past decade, the event that was started Sydney by dapper rider Mark Hawwa has now raised $US31.5m for leading global men’s health organisation Movember.

Some expected the event could have faltered because of the pandemic, but it seems riders are still keen to support a good cause and dress dapper to do it!

Last year the virtual event raised only $US2.74m and attracted about 56,000 motorcyclists from 171 countries.

That was markedly down on 2019 when 116,000 riders in 678 cities and 104 countries put on their tweed and raised a record $US5.4m.

Despite many cities being in lockdown again this year and forcing riders to go solo and simply display their photos on social media, the event seems to have bounced back with 65,000 riders in 913 cities in 116 countries.

One of the key factors could have been the shift from September to a May event which better suits riders in the Northern Hemisphere.

In 2021, the funds raised have been donated directly to Movember for prostate cancer and men’s mental health research and programs. 

Movember and DGR have also allocated $A1.15m to pilot and deliver programs specifically directed at improving social connectedness, life satisfaction, and mental wellbeing of motorcycle riders.

Mark says that after 10 years he is still “in awe and wonder of the dedication of our incredible gentlefolk around the world”. 

“To make it through 10 years, raising over $31.5M USD toward men’s health and connecting literally hundreds of thousands of like-minded motorcyclists together – it’s unfathomable,” he says.

ROHITESH UPADHYAY breaking the record for world's longest no-hands wheelie October 2019

This year’s event included four new motorcycles from eight-year partner Triumph Motorcycles. 

The top fundraiser for 2021 was Joseph Mancinelli, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, who raised $US75,247.

Aussies Phill Critcher ($US29,694) and Ermond Morelli ($US29,292) both of Wollongong were runners-up who also won Triumph motorcycles.

2021 Gentlefolk Winners

  • Steve Simqu, Pittsburgh PA, USA – Winner of the 1-of-1 DGR x Triumph Thruxton RS
  • Greg Hannon, Wagga Wagga, Australia – Winner of the Build Your Own Belstaff
  • Mia Cheong, San Jose CA, USA – Winner of the 2021 DGR x Hedon Hedonist

Prizes also includes 50 Hedon commemorative helmets, Belstaff jackets and ELF lubricants.

Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS
Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS

To register your interest in DGR 2022 and view the research programs it helps fund, head to www.gentlemansride.com.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride celebrates 10 Years Of Being Dapper For A Cause

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The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is celebrating 10 years of dapper rides, fashionable fundraising, and essential support for mens’ mental health – and they’ve come a long way from year one. 

According to a report by the Jersey Evening Post, the DGR originally began in 2012 and was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa – a man dedicated to connecting motorcycle enthusiasts and communities for a cause. 

A rider contributes to the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride event

The first ride was hosted in 64 cities and saw 3,000 riders hitting the pavement to support cancer research. 

By 2019, that number had shot up to 116,000 riders across 678 cities and 104 countries, raising a total of $12,450,000 to date – and continuing with the ageless theme (taken from Don Draper in  “Mad Men”) of suits and scramblers. 

Several riders contribute to the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride event

2020 was a rough year, landing only 3,000 riders due to riding restrictions – but the DGR also used this limitation to their advantage, hosting the Ride Solo Together Event.

Today, this option remains if your town or city cannot comply with the features of a full DGR ride.

Applicable rides include anything considered classic or vintage style; that includes brat-style bikes, choppers, scooters, trackers, bobbers, and cafe racers – and make sure to dress like a debonair! 

A rider contributes to the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride event

For this year, the main DGR for 2021 was moved from the fall to the week of May 23, with hopes to raise an extra $2.55 million by Movember, the single largest fundraiser for men’s health. 

a group of university students that make up Electric Superbike Twente: A racing team dedicated to bringing energy efficiency to the track.

While Distinguished Gentlemen Rides are currently still happening worldwide, the DGR reminds members that all ride dates present and hereafter may be subject to change with unprecedented restrictions. 

A rider contributes to the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride event

Head over to the website of the DGR to register for a ride in your area, make sure to post all relevant media under the hashtags #GentlemansRide #DGR2021 #DecadeOfDGR – and be the gentleman (or woman) that contributes to the resurge of motorcycle elegance for a cause.

For more archived articles on the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, head over to WebBikeWorld.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Movember Teams With ‘the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’ for New Veteran and FR Program

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What Goes Hand-in-Hand With Open-Face Helmets and Classic Cafe-Racer Bikes? Moustaches of Course.

Movember has been a huge success since its inception in 2004. They have provided millions of dollars in funding to raise awareness for men’s health.

This year, they are partnering with Triumph to bring you ‘The Disguinshed Gentleman’s Ride‘. What started on the 27th of September has become a solo event for riders to register, fundraise, and take a ride through downtown taking photos on your classic bikes showcasing your glorious facial hair to support the men’s health initiative.

This installment in specific is geared towards supporting the mental health of veterans and first responders in Australia, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, and the USA.

In the event that you crash your bike, who’s there to save you? First responders put their own lives in danger every single day they suit up for work to ensure citizens like you and I are safe and out of harm’s way.

Unfortunately, they are disproportionately affected by suicide and other mental health issues when compared to the rest of the population. In 2019, record numbers of US police officers died by suicide; a spike from 172 in 2018 to 228 in 2019 according to ABC news.

An initial investment of 4.34 million dollars has already been secured over the next two years to support these heroes, and now you have the opportunity to partake in the event this year and make a real impact.

The organization states, “Applications for grants are open until 23 November 2020. For more information about the grants program, eligibility, how to apply, and process, visit movember.com/vfrgrants”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

2019 DGR focuses on fundraising

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The eight annual running of the successful The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride may be a little different with some rides announcing starting venues only 48 hours before the event to concentrate on fundraising efforts.

Some rides will also have a mandatory $20 donation from each rider.

The two voluntary moves were trialled in a few cities last year and will be added to more rides this year to ensure more fundraisers are involved and fewer ride-alongs.

More than 125,000 classic and vintage styled motorcyclists in more than 700 cities across 110 countries are expected to suit-up in their smartest attire for the ride on Sunday 29 September 2019.

DGR founder Mark Hawwa says he hopes to raise $US7 million for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives on behalf of official charity partner, the Movember Foundation.

That would be a substantial increase in fundraising on last tear’s total of $6.4 million.

Brisbane ride

One of the cities that continually “boxes above its weight” is Brisbane which was third highest global fundraiser in 2017 with a total of more than $150,000.

Jeff Gough who has been organising the Brisbane ride since the DGR started in 2012 says they are focussing more on fundraising this year.

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Brisbane Jeff Gough fundraising
Jeff and his distinguished family

They will have a $20 entrance fee and secret starting venue revealed by email to registered riders 48 hours before the ride.

“More riders does not mean more funds raised for prostate cancer,” the Triumph Thruxton rider says.

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Brisbane Jeff Gough fundraising
Jeff and his Trumpet

“We could have a lot more riders, but we cap it at 500 for insurance reasons.

“All the same, only 50% were fundraisers last year.”

The Brisbane ride will not start at Oliver’s Motorcycles this year, but Jeff says the dealership is still firmly behind the ride.

“Whoever turns up is welcome to take part,” he says.

“I haven’t got time to check, but I’d push for riders to follow the motorcycle style guide and stay with the distinguished theme of the event in dress.”

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Brisbane Jeff Gough fundraising
Brisbane DGR

He confirms the ride will finish at Souths Rugby Union Club in Frederick St, Annerley, where everyone is invited and donations can be made to Movember Foundation.

“There will be enough room to host all bikes in the biggest rolling bike show in Brisbane,” he says.

The 40km ride to the venue will be escorted by MotoMedics with a doctor and DC Motorcycle Transport breakdown van riding along. As usual, there is no police escort.

The Souths venue will also feature trade stalls, three food vans, Ballistic Beer on tap, Ungerman Brothers gourmet ice cream from the Ipswich runner–up in MasterChef and swing/jazz music by the Royal Australian Navy Band.Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Brisbane Jeff Gough fundraising

Fundraising boon

Mark says Brisbane is consistently a top fundraiser along with major cities such as London, New York and Sydney.

“The ride organisers are volunteers, they are passionate about the cause and as such dedicate their own personal time to make the events happen,” he says.

“It is really on each individual and the DGR core team to motivate fundraising. Fortunately we have so many passionate people around the world and that continues to grow.

“Australians are charitable people.

“We are always willing to lend a hand when needed and help those around us.”Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Brisbane Jeff Gough fundraising

The incentive to raise the most money has been raised this year with not one, but four, Triumph motorcycles as prizes.

There will also be fundraising prizes of 100 Hedon special-edition DGR helmets, Elf Prize packs, REV’IT! Tailored Technology packs and more.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website, www.gentlemansride.com, is a peer-to-peer fundraising platform allowing fundraisers to register, personalise, and share their online profiles. Riders must register on the website to take part and view their local ride details.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com