It would be fair to say that the DGR has become an established fixture of the motorcycling year; a must-attend event. Established in 2012 by Australian rider Mark Hawwa, it is a true reflection of the old adage, ‘from small acorns mighty oak trees grow.’
Back in 2012, Marnitz Venter was quick to appreciate what Hawwa was doing and organised the first Johannesburg DGR with, if memory serves, six or seven riders attending. Fast forward 13 years, and well over 500 riders take part every year in Johannesburg alone. Around the world, there are rides in 1,000 cities in over 100 countries, raising money for research into prostate cancer and men’s mental health. To date, over $58 million has been raised.
That alone would make it worth it, but beyond the good causes is the simple premise of a brilliant day out in company with friends, acquaintances and complete strangers, all brought together by the common bond of motorcycles. If some participants choose not to follow the relaxed rules about dressing up in their finest clothes, then it does nothing to detract from the spectacle and the experience.
In previous years, I’ve ridden some pretty spectacular bikes on the DGR, including the most memorable, a faithful replica of the Captain America Harley Davidson Chopper from the Easy Rider movie, brilliantly executed by Pat Draper of V-Customs in Centurion.
Pat has always been utterly generous at DGR time, offering me some beautiful custom choppers from his own workshops. This year was no different, but alas, the freshly built bobber lacked one crucial ingredient – a pillion seat. As I had a passenger this year, I didn’t think she would be thrilled with a cushion on a rear carrier bolted solidly to the mudguard, so Pat loaned me his personal 2006 Triumph Bonneville 900.
Now, I’ve ridden nearly every Triumph model from around 2009 onwards, but I’ve never had the opportunity to ride an early Bonneville (they first appeared in 2001), and it was a revelation.
I’ve previously dismissed the early Bonnevilles as being style over substance, but riding this perfect example completely dispelled that notion; what a really lovely machine, in every way, and, as usual, I can’t thank Pat enough for his generosity. If you have it in mind to build a custom bike, or simply buy a used Harley-Davidson, then I can only recommend that you give Pat a call on 012 004 0824.
As has become customary at DGR time in Johannesburg, the day dawned bright but cold as the crowds made their way to the Mall of Africa from 8:30 onwards. By the time the ride started at 10:30, however, it was positively hot under the sun, perfect conditions for a slow but spectacular ride.
From Mall of Africa, the route was the same as last year – south towards Sandton and then back north towards Kyalami and Prison Break market – but rather than being the product of lazy planning, it was more a case of finding a route that could accommodate so many riders without causing undue congestion and sticking to it. Anyway, the point of the ride is not the ride itself, but the message it helps to spread and the money raised. Job done, I’d say!
It was an incredibly impressive sight when riding along the dips and rises of William Nicol Drive, to see lines of motorcycles stretching as far as the eye could see both ahead and behind.
As usual, the Johannesburg Metro Police did a fantastic job of marshalling the ride, in conjunction with dozens of official marshals organised by Triumph South Africa, the custodians of the DGR in SA. It takes a huge amount of work to organise the ride, much of which is invisible to the participants, all of whom benefit in the form of a trouble-free and safe ride.
Prison Break Market is also the ideal end-point, having more than enough space to accommodate the hundreds of bikes and riders. Without the generous cooperation of Mall of Africa, the JMPD and Prison Break Market, the Johannesburg DGR would look very different and be not nearly as successful.
Live music, excellent food and drink and a hundred different friends and acquaintances to meet up with, underneath a hot African sun; the perfect end to a perfect day.
Thanks to Triumph South Africa and Nedbank, and Devils Peak Beer Company, the primary sponsors of the 2025 Johannesburg Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Thanks must go, of course, to the riders themselves, all of whom entered into the spirit of the event and helped smash the fund-raising goal of $20,000 with a final tally of $21,141. Here’s to 2026!
Bjorn Moreira writes: Bjorn is ZABikers’ expert photographer and writer, and he also took part in the ride.
‘More riders, more funds raised, and more awareness spread worldwide as more classics rev their engines at each leg of this distinguished event. This year was my 6th year attending the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which led to the annual rush just months before the event, deciding on what to wear and what to ride. Working in the motorcycle media space offers you the opportunity to pick a ride, but with the event growing each year, the transfer window has quickly grown smaller, “get it while it’s hot, they say.” That’s exactly what I did after reading Harry’s article on the new Triumph Speed Twin RS—even Harry was slow on the buzzer.
‘Its silicone smooth and torque-rich twin, good riding position, and two-up comfort levels, thanks to the brat-style seat, immediately ticked the box. If one must be honest, the Speed Twin could have been an awful bike, and I would have still wanted to be seen riding on it. The bike is mouth-wateringly beautiful, and our test bike was dripping in the lovely Baja Orange and wrapped in Öhlins Gold suspension front and rear.
‘Rolling into this year’s DGR saw good weather in the early AMs, the first time in 6 years for me, and Triumph motorcycles made an appearance in their droves. The usual classics and custom builds were showing some chrome, and my personal favourite Thruxton 1200 R and RS models were peacocking in all their special edition colours.
Let’s just say the trigger on the camera was shooting away like the paparazzi ambushing a celeb. The Triumph presence this year was phenomenal, and Meri and I fit right in on the Speed Twin RS cruising side by side with fellow riders who support this wonderful cause.
‘A huge thank you must go out to Triumph JHB for running such a well thought out and tasteful event year on year, and this year’s JHB edition was no exception.’
If you missed out on this year’s ride and haven’t had a chance to donate, donations can still be made via the DGR website, we entice you to make your mark today.
