Ornatus-Mundi's vivid report from the 2016 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in Vienna captures the spirit of a global charity event that unites classic motorcycle enthusiasts for a noble cause. His detailed account, enriched with personal impressions and photographs, showcases the inclusive and gentlemanly atmosphere of the ride. This post serves as a valuable historical record of the event's scale and its impact on prostate cancer awareness and fundraising.
Last Sunday (25 September) saw the largest ever participation in the
Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) with over
56,000 finely dressed gentlefolk conquered the streets of
503 cities across 90 countries on their classic motorcycles. Divided geographically, they all had one common goal: to raise funds to be invested into the research in
prostate cancer, and to spread awareness for the disease and its treatment options.
Wtih the fundrasing campaign to continue until 31 October 2016, the DGR participants have already collected the impressive amount of
US$ 3.35m which represents 2/3 of the set global target
of US$ 5m, and which will be donated to the
Movember foundation. With
US$ 80,000, Team Zenith was the most successful individual fundraiser.
β¬9000 was collected alone in Austria!I attended the DGR in Vienna, and here are my impressions:
In Vienna, we enjoyed the overwhelming atmosphere of about 400 classic motorbikes (over 1000 in Austria collectively) and their perfectly dressed up drivers (and co-drivers!) uniting for the good cause (and a pleasant run through the inner city!) on an extremely welcoming, sunny sunday.
What makes this meeting so remarkable is the thoroughly gentlemanly atmosphere, free of snootieness or snobbery which one all too often senses at classic motor events. Whether you are young or old, male or female, rich or not, you felt welcome if your attitude fits. Here's the proof:
(Very) young...
... young...
... or rather 'experienced', it does not matter:
Male...
or female...
... were not catergories of importance. Likewise, you might prefer modernist powerplay...
... or classic, traditional Austrian garb on scooters:
Whether you pilot a really powerful beast...
... or whether you'd rather prefer to keep your options for the future - who cares?
Likewise,
size is not everything:
With this mixture a few impressions for the classic bike enthusiast to savour:
(BSA Lightning 650)
(Classic (!) Royal Enfield)
(Excellent saddle-work on a BMW R50s)
(BMW R100RS, a bit 'home-made')
(carburetor inlet, a delight for the cyclistsi)
All this was united by a common attitude and a sense for style:
And should it so happen that you felt you lack some finish in the details, Zenith made sure you're covered:
Zenith Austria & CEE CEO Alexander Seidl mixing with the riders...
To give you a sense of dimension for the ride in Vienna, here is the last briefing for the teams minutes before the start - there are all riders, not spectators!
Not all were equal, however, a select few had additional privileges...
But then at least it was time to take up your bikes and get going:
And off they were - what a sound - and what a smell!!!
Riding along the Ringstrasse...
... to finish at the Volksgarten (opposite the Hofburg)
It was there where Zenith set up camp.
Zenith had prepared a special delight for riders (and watchlovers laike, although I soon reliased there is a significant overlap!): The
Heritage
Pilot Ton-up
DGR Special Edition, with
the DGR
logo at six oβclock, a specially engraved case back and an unique tan leather strap.
Only
five
numbered pieces have been produced, with one being awarded to the highest
fundraiser within the Zenith Watches Team and three to the top fundraisers
around the world. The
number 00 was sold for Β£14,000 at an exclusive black tie
auction hosted by Huntsman and The Rake on the evening
of 26 September in London.
Last but not least, for those who are i
nterested in buying a normal edition Zenith Heritage Pilot Ton-up: Zenith is offering all
those who purchase such a watch by the end of October, and
are registered on our website, a
DGR special strap and will make a
donation of
250$ to the Movember foundation!
So, after the ride and having enjoyed a drink and a cigar, all participants, being metal...
... or flesh, resolved to simply enjoying the later summer Vienna atmosphere:
After all, a very successful afternoon, both for the dappers on their
bikes as well as the beneficiaries of the charity (which could be all
the males of us!).
Like
Aldo Magada, President & CEO of Zenith said:
βIt makes me so proud
that Zenith is part of a such an important and unique project. We did a great
job! Sincere thanks to our friends, ambassadors and all gentleman who are
passionate about motorbikes and vintage style: you are the perfect Zenith
riders.β
Very well done, Zenith, The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride and the Movember Foundation!
Cheers,
Magnus
P.S.: if you have images of ride in your city to share, please post them here!
