Reprinted from the June issue of the Colorado/Wyoming newsletter.
by Doug Logston
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa in 2012. It was inspired by a photo of television show “Mad Men” character Don Draper astride a classic motorcycle and wearing his finest suit. Mr. Hawwa decided a themed ride would be a great way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities while raising funds to support the men in our lives.
Sunday, May 19, 2024, 52 riders queued up between 09:00 and 10:00 at Northern Colorado Powersports, 1303 Frontage Rd, Fort Collins, CO, for the 13th annual (and my second) DGR. I arrived later than I planned, and the dealership’s parking lot was jammed with cool motorcycles and gentlemen (and ladies) looking very distinguished. Our ride host, Ron Francis, was speaking into a handheld loudspeaker, explaining the day’s schedule, ride routes, and how we planned to get through several busy intersections in Fort Collins, safely, as I joined the throng of participants. MSTA member Bryan Owens greeted me and introduced me to Ron Francis’ wife Karen. (Bryan and Debbie Owens and Ron and Karen Francis are neighbors.)
Some of the more interesting people and motorcycles gathered: Eric Hansen on a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, Mike Miller on a BMW R9T, Rusty Batman on a ‘77 Honda CB750A, Georg Hoehn on a Triumph Bonneville T214 Special Edition (this bike commemorates Johnny Allen and his record-breaking run of 214.40 mph piloting the Triumph-powered Texas Ceegar streamliner at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1956. The Bonneville T214 features an 865cc parallel twin engine and had a limited production run of 1,000 units with each bike individually numbered), Martin Bates on his Bonneville T100, Gregg Meisinger on an Indian Scout, and our own Bryan Owens on his gorgeous ’76 BMW R90S with a smoke paint job.
We rolled out of the BMW/Triumph dealership at 10:00, led by Ron Francis on his Triumph Bonneville T120. Karen Francis captured the action on video as we rode by. SW Frontage Road led us to Prospect Road. We turned right on Prospect and headed west in a staggered pattern to Timberline Road. (Huge props to Georg Hoehn who stopped 4-wheel traffic to allow our motorcycle parade to cross intersections all the way across Fort Collins in a timely manner.) At Timberline we turned south, and then west onto E Drake Road. We followed Drake Road across town to S Overland Trail. Turning north we rode Overland Trail to the intersection with Dixon Canyon Road and turned west. We followed Dixon Canyon Road as it merged with S County Rd 23 on the east side of Horsetooth Reservoir. The day was gorgeous, as were the views of the reservoir. We rode north for six miles to Rist Canyon Road. Where the road T’s, we turned left for 1/2 mile on W County Rd 52E. We turned right onto N County Rd 25E for 1.4 miles. At the stop sign, we turned right and rode east about 200 yards to the entrance of the Howling Cow Café, 5821 W County Rd 54E, Bellvue, CO.
Motorcycle parking was abundant. The café was open for fancy coffees, pastries, Noosa yogurt, and fruit juices. Outside, under the shade trees the DGR folks enjoyed cherry pie pockets, bottled water, and juices courtesy of the Colorado Cherry Company, 1024 Hwy US-34, Loveland, CO (Karen Francis manages the store). As the ride host for DGR and the November Foundation, Ron Francis thanked all the riders for participating and pursuing doners among their family and friends. The 52 riders that registered for the Fort Collins event brought in a total of $6500. The top three fundraisers were recognized: 1st Martin Bates, 2nd Gregg Meisinger, 3rd Doug Logston.
While gathered on the lawn in back of the café, Ron introduced Steve Baumgartner, an Army Ranger and personal friend, who shared an inspirational message with the DGR folks. Steve talked about how too many men spend too much of their time alone. And this is not necessarily by choice.
Too much isolation can lead to mental health issues and even suicide. Something that DGR and the November Foundation are attempting to stop. Steve made it clear that mental health issues affect much more of the male population than the general public is aware of. And the general population need to quit burying their collective heads in the sand.
Group photos were taken in the parking lot. Then we all saddled up to ride to our last destination, New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden Street, Fort Collins. Ron led the group as he retraced his route to Rist Canyon Road. Continuing east the road became US-287. Then south on College Avenue, with lots of opportunity to wave at the people passing by. At Vine Street a left turn was accomplished with the aid of Georg Hoehn, and others, controlling the intersections and allowing our motorcycle parade to continue to roll. At Linden Street the group turned right and rode 1/4 mile to the New Belgium Brewing Company. There, adult beverages could be purchased, and a food truck was onsite for those who were hungry for lunch.
Will I ride again in 2025? Yes, I plan to. I had a good time. I met and talked with some interesting motorcyclists. And best of all, we raised some serious cash for two very worthy causes. And for the motorcycle riders (men and women) receiving this newsletter, I would encourage you to find a DGR near you in 2025 and sign up, as well.
105 countries around the world participated in the 2024 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. In the USA, 187 cities hosted a DGR. Preliminary figures indicate the USA raised $2.4 million. In Colorado, DGRs were held in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Salida. Preliminary results show that Colorado has raised $59,163 for DGR and the November Foundation. Donations will be accepted until June 2, 2024, 23:49 GMT. I have some wonderful memories of my participation in the 13th annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. And the weather was awesome for the event.