Story: Javed Ali Khan
Pictures: Triumph Motorcycles; Fabian
Triumph Motorcycles is the official global partner of Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, also referred as DGR, and has been actively undertaking the same in India since 2014. The DGR in India has seen an increase in number of participants post 2018 and this year, in 2019, around 200 enthusiasts participated in the coveted event.
This year the event was organised in 8 states and around 1500 men and women wearing formals participated in it. The main aim of the event is to highlight two issues, one suicide among men and second prostate cancer among men. DGR sees presence of top officials from Triumph Motorcycles who not only actively participate but ride on the day of the event.
Mr. Shoeb Farooq, GM Triumph Motorcycles India said “3 out of 4 suicides across the globe are by men. Men’s mental health and prostate cancer are still a taboo not just in India, but globally as well. Men to an extent are also ignorant about their health; prostate cancer is the most common and ignored cause of cancer in men, to change this ignorance, the DGR was founded to bring about a unique approach and create awareness.
The entire process of following a dress code and riding in harmony with fellow bikers is quite an enthralling experience to draw attention to men’s health issues. We’ve been part of it since 2014, and the turnout of people this morning shows that slowly, but surely people are opening up to discuss such taboo topics. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a wonderful initiative which has not just successfully raised awareness and funds for prostate cancer but has also strengthened the bond amongst fellow motorcyclists from the Triumph tribe and beyond.”
The company, Triumph motorcycles, established in 1902, builds around 67000 bikes per year and has over 700 dealers across the world which reflects the faith people have shown in the brand. The DGR was founded by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia back in 2012 but later was taken forward in more organised form by Triumph Motorcycles. There are different categories under which various titles are given like Most Distinguished Motorcycle, Most Distinguished Couple, Most Distinguished Gentleman, Most Distinguished Lady, Most Distinguished Moustache, Most Distinguished Beard, and highest funds donated awards as well.