The Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride 2015 - Cardiff

  

  

 

   

 

  

As a last minute thing I decided to sign up for this year's DGR which was to take place for the first time in Cardiff. Someone managed to get an advance order in for the weather as it couldn't have been better enabling some 120 machines to take in the trip around central Cardiff and then out to Penarth to meet up on the promenade.The run commenced at 11am from the meeting place in Cardiff's Civic Centre and then out onto Corbett Road, then Cathays Terrace. Up around Roath Park towards Llanishen then past the tax offices to join Caerphilly Road, over the flyover and down through Cardiff centre past the castle. Out via Cowbridge Road, Sloper Road, down Penarth Road and into Penarth. Through the town centre and finishing at the prom. Not a huge amount of miles, so easy enough to do on a Sunday morning.

More than 30,000 smartly-dressed gentlefolk in over 400 cities straddled the saddles of their café racers, bobbers, scramblers and other marvellous custom motorcycles to raise awareness and help fund the cure for prostate cancer. In grand style, dapper gents and elegant ladies shall ride their steeds spreading merriment and joy throughout their communities whilst raising awareness for men’s health.In 2013, over 11,000 participants in 145 cities around the world raised over $277,000 for prostate cancer research.In 2014, over 20,000 participants in 257 cities in 58 countries raised over $1.5 million (USD) for prostate cancer research. Our fundraising goal for 2015 is $3 million (USD).

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 in Sydney Australia, inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. It was decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together. That first ride brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged the founder to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. And the rest, as they say, is eloquently attired history.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a celebration of the art of being dapper and the style of classic custom motorcycles. What does that mean, you ask?Think: Monocles, jaunty trimmed moustaches, silk vests, crisp shirts and tailored suits.Ride: Café Racers, Bobbers, Classics, Flat Trackers, Scramblers and quirky, undefinable two-wheeled machines.Do: Bring your finest manners, neatest beards and a sense of fun and adventure.Pay: Nothing to ride (entry is free); but please consider helping our charities by getting your friends and family to sponsor your involvement   

Coming up . . .

The Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride, Cardiff
Hoggin' the Bridge, Chepstow

Websters Classics, Pontyclun

A couple of weeks ago I came across an old leaflet for Websters Classics that I was given at a show - I can't remember which - and seeing as I was on my hols with a few hours to spare I decided to give them a visit.

Joy of joys . . . a proper motorcycle shop. A good few bikes arranged in no particular order, the smell of oil and coffee and then there are Ian and Jan. Real bike shop types. Friendly and knowledgeable, always got the kettle on and available to have a chat.

As a rider of the more antiquated models of machinery I was particularly interested in Websters. The modern showroom-type motorcycle shops seem too concerned with chasing the big bucks and Websters look the type who care more for the rider and his machine whatever the size, make or age of either.

When you're down that way why not pop in. Ian and Jan are sure to make you welcome.

Festival of Motorcycling, Cheltenham

A small but perfectly formed exhibition which deserves to go from strength to strength.

Aberdare Park 2015

A bit behind with updating my blog so here goes . . . starting with Aberdare Park 2015.

As usual the weather threatened to disrupt proceedings. After raining all day on the Friday it finally abated at about 4 in the morning. As I'd kindly been offered a pitch free of charge it would have been a shame not to take up the opportunity and thankfully the sun began to shine and continued to do so all day long on the Saturday.

I didn't get to see much of the racing, which was up to its usual frantic standard, as I tried to get some good photos and what with manning the stand along with my mate Julian and chatting to race-goers.

John McGuinness put in an appearance not far from us but we were stuck in the middle of the trade area and I think our position didn't help in attracting visitors or custom. (Note for next year if I do it again again . . . get a pitch on the outside, preferably in the top row.)

Sunday was a complete washout - although the racing still went ahead and people did turn up to watch. At the same time the Big Cheese festival in Caerphilly was going on and a mate who had a stand there took it down and was home by 10am. Needless to say, we didn't do Sunday!

Flattering Flickr! (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeoutonline/)

As of May 1st, 2015 I've had 29,146 views of the photos I've displayed on Flickr - surprised and not a little flattered!

South Wales Sunbeam Motorcycle Show, Llanishen, Cardiff

Once again, Dave Harrison and his crew organised a successful show. For me it was a good weekend as well. Ably assisted by my mate, Julian, I made some good contacts and racked up some encouraging sales. The standard was good as usual and, hopefully, next year will be supported even more.