Guildford Distinguished Gentlemans Ride
As seen in issue 510 of BSH 
I don’t think when Mark Hawwa first conceived the idea in Sydney Australia of a charity
ride in a dapper style, he would have thought that in 15 years it would be a global
phenomenon with rides in over 121 countries and over $60m USD raised.
Now while I have sponsored many folk over the years, I have never partaken of one
of the ride, but then I’m not great in mass runs, or watched. So, this year I decided
to remedy this and headed to Guildford for the surrey ride. This has steadily become
one of, of not as they claim, the biggest rides in the country and I was told there
were in excess of 1300 bikes and they took over two roads while preparing, and wow
fold get there early, even half an hour after the start the high street was packed.
While the theme of the ride is to ride dapper, of a suitable retro bike, there now
seems to be a real mix, from 50cc to 3500cc but very few sports style. And of course
lots of retro Triumphs as they are a major sponsor of the event. But then also some
brave people like the guy I was speaking too, he normally rides a BMW sports bike,
but the day before brought a 200c James of uncertain vintage as more suitable for
the ride. Now that’s a brave move, I do hope he made it as the slow ride is a crippler
for some older bikes, as a triumph and Dnieper outfit proved later.
After a worrying week of weather reports the sun was out and this helped bring out
the smiles and the best outfits. As to outfits, some went all out, and included those
in military uniform, some cool 60s outfits and even Winston Churchill. And for those
concerned many had modern body armour under suits.
The ride was to be led by the Hogsback Brewery Beer machine, built by Batastinis
many years ago and still in my top 3 of customs ever, who were also hosting the
final stop of the ride. Due to a last-minute road closure on preferred route the
myriad of bikes were professionally redirected down a back up route, unfortunately
this was a little narrower and so caused some clogs, it took around half an hour
for all bikes to be despatched, as they were sent in waves from both roads, a great
set up.
Although it seems none of the rides around the country are very long, with the amount
of folk attending its still a mega logistic task, so a big thanks to the local organisers
and many volunteer marshals.
I have no idea how much has as yet been raised for this year but each region seems
to get quite competitive. More information on future rides can be found here at https://gentlemansride.com/
4 Albums of Photos General and 3 of Ride and a video
