It's that time again, when those of us who participate get all nice and dapper for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.
I'm sure most of you have heard of it, but if not, it's a wonderful fund raiser for prostate cancer and men's health awareness and research.
I've participated with my CB1100 in the Orange County, CA ride for three years, '22, '24 and '25, taking my other bikes on other years. Last year was the first time I have seen another CB1100 on the ride - surprising that in a sea of hundreds of other modern classics, I've only seen one other.
This year, I'm going to try the L.A. ride to change things up a bit. I was thinking of taking the BMW blood bike and wearing a neon-yellow suit, but while striking to say the least, that bike doesn't really give the vintage or dapper vibe.
Anyone else participating this year?
Here's a shameless plug to my donation page if anyone's feeling particularly generous. No pressure, though:
https://gentlemansride.com/fundraiser/gonein60
Gone, you look good....but where is your bloody-fluorescent delivery bmw bike?
The man, the bike...the helmets!
Thank you, gentlemen! I am very happy to say that I've gotten narrower over the past three years. The picture of me in the brown vest is the oldest, from 2022.
I was thinking about taking the Blood Bike, and wearing a neon yellow suit. But, the ride really is for classic bikes, and maybe pushing the business would be somewhat pretentious. I haven't taken the Bonneville for quite a few years, and while Triumphs are like bellybuttons on the DGR, Mrs. G says that the Bonnie is sad and probably wants to go.
And, as much as I love my OC community and I like the crew that runs the OC DGR, sad to say that the organization of the ride really leaves a lot to be desired. The ride isn't big enough to warrant closing down roads or a police escort, but it's too big to manage with a few lead riders haphazardly blocking the first few intersections. Last year, I ended up in a clump of about 30 bikes who were completely lost mid-way through the ride, meandering through residential neighborhoods.
I spoke with the organizers of the L.A. ride recently at a Triumph gathering for the unveiling of the new Trident 800, and while that ride is huge, it's huge enough that riders are on closed roads with escorts. That sounds more appealing.
Gone, you already look SO classic, so if you mount your bloody bike it will be a classic team
Thanks, Peter. If the boss insists, maybe. But, he's got a nice collection of classics, and I'm trying to talk him into participating with one of his.
Gone, you have always been a proper, handsome gentleman. Ask your Mrs and your Mother.
The Forum is proud to be associated with you, and we hope you feel the love on the ride. David
(04-04-2026, 04:19 PM)rdprdp01 Wrote: [ -> ]Gone, you have always been a proper, handsome gentleman. Ask your Mrs and your Mother.
The Forum is proud to be associated with you, and we hope you feel the love on the ride. David
Thank you very much for the kind words and generosity, David!
And, speaking of generosity and kindness, I would like to thank Peterbaron for a very generous donation to my efforts to forward the cause of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride!
You are a true gentleman, sir!
Thanks again, guys!
Although heavily sponsored by Triumph for many years the Daytona is not in keeping with the event!
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Tev, what ride will you be participating in? I'd be curious to know how many CB1100s are also on your ride. Last year was the first time I saw another on the Orange County CA ride, and mine has always been somewhat of an attention-getter, with people saying "Wow, haven't seen one of those in a long time" or "Wow, I've never actually seen one of those".
Also, one of the reasons I love the DGR is watching people's ride videos from around the world. I love seeing other places, especially as I haven't really travelled much outside the U.S. (really, really want to!), and it's an awesome view into other places.