The engines purred and the chrome gleamed as 38 dapper men and women rolled through the mountain on unique and classic motorbikes for the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR).
One of the organisers, Ali Saoirse has ridden in the event since 2017 and couldn’t wait to once again participate.
The world-wide ride, which began in Sydney and is now in its 15th year, raises money for men’s health.
With two sons, Jack and Luke, it’s a cause that’s resonates strongly for Ali.
“Men’s mental and physical health is really important to me,” she said.
“I love this ride not just for the bikes and dressing dapper, but because it starts conversations between men about stuff that may be going on with them.”
The Tamborine Mountain ride has been an eagerly anticipated event on the calendar since 2021 and in that time has raised $40,000 for men’s health. This year donations totalled over $5000.
Event organiser Glenn Harrison-Hill said most of the riders were locals but some came from as far as Wynnum in Brisbane.
He said this year the bikes ranged from classic through to modern, including cruisers, classic racers as well as scooters.
The best bike went to a Triumph Tiger, and a Ducati café racer getting second best.
But it’s not all about the bikes. There is a dress style guide and even a colour theme each year.
“Classic suits and ties, tweed and scarves were popular as well as velvet and waistcoats were popular and even classic headwear once the helmets came off,” Glenn said.
Some riders even source their clothes from around the world.
“Part of the build-up is going out to find something classic and fun to turn out in,” Glenn shared.
But he said it was men’s health that remained a focus for riders as conversation moved from bikes and outfits to health.
“It (DGR) continues to grow so it’s clearly a cause and movement that strikes a chord. People who ride DGR ask how everyone is. It’s a good pairing riding motorcycles while talking about men’s health,” Glenn said.
“This ride is timely and you can tell by the way it has grown that it obviously strikes a chord by not just men but their family.
“This shows when we get together once a year in our dapper theme, we can extend that while we are fundraising and being international, we can keep in touch with people who not only enjoy motorcycling but may have mental health issues.”
