Mark Duddy

22 days to go

There is a little over three weeks until The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2025.

Today, my Triumph Bonneville Street Twin 900cc was booked in with the good folk at Normandy Motorcycles for it's annual MOT test.  I always keep my motorcyles in good order, but nevertheless was happy to see a "Pass" with no advisories (as it's been an expensive week, but that's another story).  What a beautiful day it was to ride back home... it really makes you appreciate being alive and well, and able to participate in something so worthwhile.

The Guildford - Surrey Hills ride is shaping up nicely.  There are over 750 riders registered so far, making it the second largest ride in the country!  Awareness should not be an issue then, and I cannot wait to see Guildford High Street on 18th May 2025.  That said, please kindly share far and wide, and sponsor me even a little amount if you can.

Thank you, and have a lovely weekend.

Prostate Cancer

Side By Side Worldwide

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photo of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic motorcycle and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities while raising funds to support the men in our lives.

Please kindly sponsor me if you can.

The Journey So Far

DGR 2021 - Brooklands

I bought my Triumph motorcycle in 2021, and decided to get involved with The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.  It was a rather wet affair to be honest, but nevertheless I managed to raise £279 through the kindness of my sponsors.

DGR 2022 - Brooklands

The starting point was the same as 2021, but it was a different route.  The sun was out, and the turnout was better.  The highlight for me was seeing my daughter Abi and my grandson Kingsley waving as all the motorcycles crossed Hampton Court Bridge.  I raised £538, which Samsung Electronics (UK) matched.

DGR 2023 - Brooklands

Again, the starting point was the same, but it was a completely different route through sunny Windsor this time. The event was well supported and superbly organised.  I raised another £495, which Samsung also matched.

DGR 2024 - London

A new and epic ride for me through central London.  Despite a cold start, it was a scorching hot day and the atmosphere in our capital was unbelievable.  Scared the hell out of me to be honest.  We raised another £661 though, which Samsung also matched.

Four events, and £1,974 kindly donated through my page.  Samsung have added £1,694 to that, bringing the total up to a whopping £3,668.  My warmest thanks to each and every one of you that has donated, shared, encouraged, and cheered me on!

DGR 2025 - Guildford, Surrey Hills

A new and exciting event for me, and one of the biggest in the UK - even bigger than the London ride.  Just 41 days until we ride for men's mental health and prostate cancer research.  Thank you to those that have already donated this year - another £104 raised which is just wonderful.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

I say...

On Sunday, 18th May 2025 I will be taking part in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember.

This year I will be riding in the Surrey Hills area with fellow men and women as part of a global effort to stop men from dying of largely preventable causes.

I will be updating my blog regularly so please drop by anytime, share, and of course donate if you can.

Thank you, and good day.