On this occasion, motorcycle leathers and workshop gear stayed in the closet – the emphasis was firmly on elegance. For the more than 200 registered riders, that meant classic fashion: think suits, waistcoats, and polished shoes instead of oil-stained boots or tar-splattered jackets. This sense of style is a defining element of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
As organiser Fabien Hirtz explained, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) was the brainchild of Mark Hawwa, who launched the first DGR in Sydney, Australia in 2012. Hawwa had drawn inspiration from a scene in the series Mad Men, where the lead character rides a vintage motorbike in a sharp suit. That moment sparked the idea to blend retro aesthetics with a meaningful global cause.
The ride began at the Gëlle Fra monument and took participants on a leisurely tour through Luxembourg’s Guttland region. The pace was relaxed and the mood festive. Participants were encouraged to seek sponsorship, and the event ultimately raised over €25,000.
The purpose behind it, according to Hirtz, is clear: the funds go to the Movember Foundation, which supports not only prostate cancer research, but also initiatives aimed at improving men’s mental health, including raising awareness around conditions such as depression.
Held annually on the same day across the world, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride now spans over 100 countries.
As Hirtz noted, the global scale of the event means that it kicks off at different times across time zones. He stated that it all began at 11pm on Friday night in New Zealand, adding that this year’s edition involves about 1,000 cities worldwide.
The Luxembourg chapter of the DGR has been active since 2014.
This year’s final ride is scheduled to take place in Honolulu, Hawaii.
