On Sunday 17th May 2026, the streets of over a thousand cities worldwide will fill with vintage motorcycles, tweed jackets, neckties and flat caps. This is the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, the event that every year brings together classic and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts in the name of a cause worth supporting — and doing so in great style. Spoiler: in many cities (Varese included) motorcycles of all ages are welcome, though themed attire is always appreciated.

The 2026 Varese edition has something special in store. The ride sets off from Angera, with participant registration, regrouping and the usual warm welcome, all framed by a landscape that is worth the trip on its own. From there, a 40-kilometre route unfolds through the roads of the territory. The arrival, however, is the real highlight: the Volandia Museum will open its doors exclusively to participants, beyond its normal closing time. Inside, a dedicated catering service carefully planned for the number of guests, with live music and Radio Village Network on hand to set the mood. The touch that will make this edition unforgettable? The chance to ride directly into the museum and park in the central walkways — just a few metres from the aircraft on display.

WHAT IS THE DGR?

The idea was born in Sydney, Australia, from the mind of Mark Hawwa. His inspiration came from a photograph of Don Draper — the protagonist of the TV series Mad Men — pictured astride a vintage motorcycle in his finest suit. From that image, Hawwa envisioned a themed ride that could connect niche motorcycle enthusiasts and their communities, while raising funds to support men's health.

The DGR is a global charity motorcycle event held simultaneously across 121 countries and 1,070 cities worldwide. Riders on classic and vintage-styled motorcycles turn out in their finest attire and raise funds for Movember, the charity supporting prostate cancer research and men's mental health programmes.

The figures from the 2025 edition speak for themselves: over 127,000 participants and more than $7.6 million raised. The total donations across all editions now exceed 60 million euros.

2026 is a special edition: this year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the DGR, making it a particularly meaningful date for anyone who wants to be part of something bigger than their usual Sunday ride.

To mark the milestone, Triumph — official partner of the event — has announced a standout prize. A one-off Speed Twin 1200 Café Racer DGR Edition will be up for grabs, inspired by the British café racers of the 1960s. Among the details that make it unique: a Harris Tweed bullet seat, clip-on handlebars and a celebratory "15 Years of Dapper" anniversary graphic, along with a numbered plate and a unique certificate of authenticity. To enter the draw, riders must complete four profile badges: fill in their rider profile, make a personal donation, donate to a fellow participant to earn the "Pay It Forward" badge, and raise at least $250.

For every item sold from the Triumph x DGR collection, 15% of the proceeds will go towards prostate cancer research and men's mental health initiatives.

Registration is already open at gentlemansride.com, where you can find your nearest ride and set up your fundraising page. The dress code? Suits, waistcoats, ties and everything that evokes the refinement of a bygone era. Because at its heart, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is not just about motorcycles — it is a way of showing that style and solidarity can travel the same road.

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