It is appropriate that the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride 2026 started, for me, with one of the true gentlemen of South African motorcycling and custom bike building. Regular readers of this website will perhaps remember previous accounts of the DGR, when I have been privileged to ride some of Pat Draper’s creations from V-Customs.
As the time for the DGR approaches, I know that all I have to do is pick up the phone and talk to Pat and, hey presto, another beautiful custom bike is mine for the weekend. That’s true generosity and trust.
The thing I really like about the bikes Pat builds is that they are always as much substance as they are style; I have yet to ride one that doesn’t feel absolutely right, works perfectly and feels as if it left the factory like that, as opposed to being a collection of random parts bolted together any old how. I always know there are going to be no surprises; no unexpected quirks or traits to catch you out.
Oh, and they are invariably beautiful! So, Pat, thank you for helping me be stylish – and safe! – for the weekend!
Right, onto the ride itself. If you don’t know what the DGR is all about, I’m not sure where you have been hiding all these years, but in short, it is a global initiative to raise both awareness and funds for research into men’s mental health and prostate cancer. It’s been happening since 2012 and has raised $60 million, through rides in over 120 countries, involving 500,000 riders, all dressed up in their finest clothes. There’s a huge spirit of community, no matter whether the participants have had lives affected by prostate cancer or mental health issues, or are simply there for a Sunday morning of fun with friends.
South Africa has been part of this initiative – started in Australia – right from the beginning. Marnitz Venter organised the first South African DGR rides, the first having a mere seven or eight riders. The event grew exponentially from there, but eventually, Marnitz hung up his suit, and custodianship of the ride passed to Triumph South Africa, who have done a brilliant job of controlling the ever-larger crowds that turn up; it is thought that in excess of 650 people attended this year’s event, the vast majority of those riding solo. That makes for incredibly impressive sights, as the ride winds from the Mall of Africa, through Sandton and Bryanston and out to Prison Break Market near Kyalami.
As much as it is a social event, it is also one with an important message as well as a fundraising initiative. Participants can donate via the official website (both before and after the event), and all riders are encouraged to register online to monitor global numbers better. For those who don’t wish to do that, a minimum donation of R250 is asked for at the start point. There have been some dissenting voices over this, the most vocal perhaps being those who have forgotten that it is not a social event alone, but an important awareness and fundraising event, but happily, the majority realise this and are happy to play the game.
It really is an inspiring spectacle, whether at the start point at the Mall of Africa, on the road, or at Prison Break. Participants really make an effort to get dressed up, and the number and variety of motorcycles is astonishing. Traditionally, the ride is open to true classic and ‘modern classic’ motorcycles, to preserve the original concept. This too has alienated some riders of modern bikes who wish to take part but don’t have access to a suitable bike, and I do have to sympathise with them while also respecting the original concept. However, it is the call of the organisers and owners of the ‘brand’ and that, it seems, is that. If anyone feels really strongly about it, they can always organise their own modern-bike DGR-type event.
As always, the cooperation of the JMPD is exceptional and carried out with much goodwill and humour, and we can only hope that any motorists who are inconvenienced by the parade can forgive us if only for the spectacle. The many marshals recruited by Triumph also do an important job with skill, and overall, the effort that Triumph South Africa puts into the event is considerable and much appreciated.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, then maybe now is the time to dust off that long-forgotten project sitting under tarpaulins at the back of the garage, get the spanners out and prepare your ride for next year. One thing I can guarantee is that you won’t regret it.
Anyone interested in donating to the DGR cause can do so here: Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
