It’s set to be the most spectacular sight – and it’s coming to Bournemouth and Poole on Sunday, May 22.

Up to 600 motorcycles, complete with smartly dressed riders, are taking to the streets for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

It’s part of a global event which has successfully raised around £25 million for charity since its inception in Sydney, Australia, ten years ago.

Billed as the world’s largest and most spectacular motoring event, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride connects hundreds of thousands of smartly dressed gentlefolk in over 900 cities across over 110 countries.

All are united upon their classic and vintage style motorcycles in support of charity.

The Bournemouth and Poole Ride has been part of the annual event since 2014.

So far, 517 riders have registered for this Sunday, raising over £36,500 in sponsorship.

However, organisers are hoping that the number of bikes on the road will hit 600 and £40,000 will be raised.

All the funds go directly to charity partner, Movember, that funds research and projects to support men’s health.

There are three programmes in this area focusing on men’s mental wellbeing: Project Pit-stop, Quay Riders and Bike Directory.

Bournemouth and Poole’s ‘distinguished gentlefolk’ are expected to be part of the biggest ride in the UK outside London.

Ian Mclennan, Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Leader for Bournemouth & Poole, said: “Last year, and despite the restrictions of Covid, we were the biggest UK ride outside London and raised over £31,000 placing us 16^th in the world alongside the likes of Toronto and Chicago.

“Our target this year is talk more about men’s health and to raise over £40,000.

“It will be the biggest and best ride yet.”

It’s not too late to get involved.

If you ride a classic, bobber, café racer, scrambler, chopper or flat tracker styled motorcycle or scooter and wish to participate in the Bournemouth & Poole Ride, or to make a donation to the cause, visit gentlemansride.com.

Donations can be made to the ride by sponsoring the ‘Bournemouth & Poole Gentlefolk’ Team. Just click here.

Key timings for this Sunday are:

• From 8.30am – the ride will assemble on Poole Quay before looping the Sandbanks peninsula.
• From 10.30am – the ride will arrive at Bournemouth Pier Approach.
• From 12.15pm – the riders arrive at Bournemouth School where they’ll celebrate their success. All are welcome.

Ian said: “There will be food, drink, refreshments, raffles, prizes and the opportunity to see some wonderful machines and meet some very distinguished ladies and gentlemen.”

The cost of the ride is being met by businesses and organisations including BCP Council, Brewhouse & Kitchen, Destination Triumph Dorset, Loegria Motorcycle Company (Brockenhurst), Man Gun Bear (Ringwood), Legacy85 (Three Legged Cross), Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, Moores Biscuits (Bridport) and many more.

Ian said: “Not forgetting our volunteer marshals.

“Without their support the ride would not be possible.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to them all.”

• While the event has a loyal group of sponsors, supporters and stewards new volunteers are always very welcome. If you’re interested in any aspect of the event please contact Ian at bournemouthpooledgr@gmail.com