The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2024

I'd seen pictures of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2023 on Instagram and decided that this year I'd join in, dress dapper and do the ride.

I registered on the app, joined the relevant teams/groups and started fundraising through friends, Instagram and Facebook.

I ordered the page of stickers, a few badges and the keyring. I decided to use my most classic looking bike, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411.

It's not entirely fitting for the theme but it's the best I can do right now, next year I might have something different, or maybe I'll be able to borrow Pointy's bobber and dress as a 1940's US soldier - who knows?

Literally the day before the event, I received the 2024 DGR Gentlefolk Club patch for raising more than £250 - my total was £382 which is absolutely fantastic.

We all met in Kelham Island at the Saw Grinder's Union where we were able to get hot drinks and a very welcome bacon sandwich.

If you look closely at the image above, you may see me as I didn't take this picture.

There was lots of bikes parked inside the square and outside all around Kelham it seemed. There was loads of us.

Luckily for me, I do own a number of classic styled suits but I bought a bowtie and matching handkerchief, a vintage looking pocket watch, a pair of retro styled burgundy coloured leather gloves and I also bought this absolutely gorgeous Bell Bullitt helmet.

I've never ridden without proper gear before so it was a bit weird for me, we rode for around 25 miles from Kelham Island, up through the countryside and into Wentworth where we finished at the George & Dragon.

It was a fantastic day, I was surprised at how many people got involved. There were some lovely bikes to look at and the people were friendly as ever.

After a few chats, drinks and a snack I decided to head home. I'll definitely be doing this again in 2025.