Record Breaking 2022 DGR - 802 Cities, 104 Countries
On May 22 2022, after two years of social distancing and solo riding, The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) took place worldwide in its pre-covid format, "breaking all previous editions' fundraising records."
Fundraising closed on June 5 with close to USD $6m, some 4% more than the last pre-Covid edition in 2019 and a new record high of funds raised in support of prostate cancer research and men's mental health.
This year saw an estimated 93,456 riders participating in 802 cities, spread across 104 countries - all "Dressed Dapper" and most riding classic, vintage, retro or 'Modern Classic' motorcycles. Proving the power of group participation, the amount raised was 47% higher than the 2021 'virtual' socially isolated iteration - itself a 'Good Effort' under the challenging circumstances faced in the past two years.
Since its first edition in 2012, the event has brought together more than 400,000 riders - including tens of thousands Triumph owners - from 114 countries around the world and raised more than USD $37m for men's health.
Triumph has been proudly supporting the DGR for the last nine editions, and for 2022 Triumph and Gibson Guitars joined forces to provide incredible prizes, including the one-off T120 Gibson edition that will be assigned to the highest fundraiser, together with a Triumph-customized 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue.
Next year's edition will mark the 10th anniversary of Triumph supporting The DGR as main partner and sponsor, and the UK based manufacturer says it already has "something stunning" planned for Triumph fans and 'Dapper' enthusiasts.
DGR Founder Mark Hawwa said: "What an incredible return to group riding! There really is nothing better than seeing the tens of thousands of 'gentlefolk' smiling and waving their way through city streets, in support of prostate cancer research and men's mental health. It's something we have missed dearly over the last two years. Our community returned with vigour this year with the top 3 global fundraisers raising more than any previous year."
For Triumph, CCO Paul Stroud is quoted as saying: "It is such an honour to be supporting DGR and to have been able to contribute towards this year's incredible result. Next year's 10th anniversary of our DGR backing will see us marking the milestone in suitable style."
Mark Hawwa founded the DGR program in Sydney, Australia in 2012, taking inspiration from a photograph he'd seen featuring classic suits and vintage motorcycles. Mark decided that a themed ride would be a great way to combat the sometimes negative stereotype of motorcyclists and connect the global riding community to benefit a cause important to every rider.
"DGR raises men's health awareness and funds for its charity partner 'Movember', funding key research and community programs to help men make better connections with mates and lead happier and healthier lives."