Distinguished gentlemen – and a few ladies – spread global phenomenon here
ABOUT 200 motorbike riders set out from the White Rock yesterday for the first of what is set to become an annual event, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
Inspired by an event that has taken place around the world since 2012, the riders – which included some ladies among the gentlemen – donned an array of smart outfits, from those who simply put on a jacket and tie to several who were decked out in full period costumes.
Among the latter was Jack Mourant, sporting an impressive moustache along with a tweed suit and an ‘e-pipe’ as a fitting accessory.
He said he was accustomed to dressing up for most rides as part of the local Triumph Owners’ Club, but he was pleased to be part of the first DGR.
‘I’m very surprised at the turnout,’ he said, ‘but anything that raises money for charity is absolutely great.’
The global event sponsor is Zenith Watches, and the local supplier Ray & Scott jewellers has lent its support.
‘It’s phenomenal, just phenomenal,’ said managing director Martin Search.
‘What’s great is that we have young and old – bikers from this century and from the last century and bikes from this century and the last century.’
The shop had donated an exclusive Hedon helmet which was raffled at the end of the ride.
Money raised by the local event was for Men’s Shed and Male Uprising Guernsey and co-organiser Jeff Fox said that at least £2,000 was likely to be the total.
Riders met outside the White Rock Cafe, which supplied tea and bacon rolls to those who registered. Owner John Carroll said that they had provided 120 rolls as the bikers waited to leave.
‘I would normally have been off today,’ said Mr Carroll, who was celebrating his birthday, ‘but it was a good day. I would not have missed it. It’s nice to have something different.’
Andrew Beausire led the riders from the White Rock on their 15-mile trip. He said he had been following the event around the world for years and had asked if he could set one up over here: ‘It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,’ he said.
Others had tried previously, but once Mr Beausire took over he said he was contacted by Ray and Scott’s Jeff Fox and things had progressed from there: ‘It’s an incredible turnout,’ he said.
Before the riders set off, Mr Mourant was named as the best turned out, while Colin Robin’s 1959 Triumph Tiger 110 was the best bike.
