Charity riders to converge at Queen Victoria Square

27 September, 2019

Local motorcyclists are set to take part in a charity ride from Barton to Hull on Sunday 29 September, to raise funds for prostate cancer research and men's mental health issues.

Last year, 140 local riders raised over £10,000 on the first Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in our area – worldwide the event involved 115,000 riders in 648 cities in 101 countries, and raised $6.3m USD, all re-distributed to local projects via the Movember Foundation.

The Barton to Hull ride is being organised by Hull Rotary Club, and is open to riders of Cafe' Racers, Bobbers, Classics, Trackers, Scramblers, Old School Choppers, Modern Classics, Sidecars, Classic Scooters and Brat Styled motorcycles. Riders (male or female) are encouraged to dress up in "dapper style". The route begins at the Old Tile Works in Barton, crosses the Humber Bridge and ends in Queen Victoria Square, Hull.

Gordon Norman of Hull Rotary Club said: "We had a very positive response to the local ride last year, and we hope to build on that so we get an even better turn-out for the first Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2019."

There are locally sponsored prizes on offer for the best dressed (free chilli for up to 6 people at Chilli Devil's bar, Manor St), and for the best 'Gentleman's Topiary' (a 'free service' voucher from Greasy Fingers barber shop, Trinity House Lane). On a grander scale, having the international backing of major sponsors like Triumph Motorcyles and Zenith Watches means there are some fabulous prizes on offer for top fundraisers worldwide, including brand new Triumph bikes.

There will be live music in Queen Victoria Square to mark the end of the ride, as well as hot pies on sale from the iconic Hull Pie.

Gordon added: "Men’s health is something that affects all of us, irrespective of gender. We all have fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, cousins and friends that we want to be with us for as long as possible, and more needs to be done to tackle the specific issues that affect men's health. Supporting the local Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is more than just fun, it's a way of saving lives."