Classic vintage motorcycles roared across cities around the world on May 21 to raise money for prostate cancer and men’s mental health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is an annual event where motorcycle enthusiasts, wearing dapper attire, ride through city streets. Valley residents Eric Prichard and Shawn Jackson were just two of the 260 riders in Montreal who collectively raised $40,194 for the cause. With the help of his sponsors, Pritchard came in fifth for most money raised, having brought in $1,764. The event took place on the same day in 893 different locations in 107 countries around the world. This year’s event raised a total of $7,02 million (USD) worldwide, with 104,121 riders taking part. DGR also proudly supports “Movember.”
In Montreal, the ride started at Parc Jeanne-Sauvé and continued to Ambroise Street near the Atwater Market – approximately a 30-kilometre ride. 40 police on motorcycles cordoned off the streets. “We did not stop anywhere!” exclaims Pritchard. The route was lined with spectators waving and taking photos. Pritchard says the event was special because of “the camaraderie and the feeling of contributing something to a good cause. It was an extraordinary experience!”