“One day. One ride. Twenty-four hours of distinguished gentlemen circling the globe – together.”
Edinburgh and the Lothians enjoyed a spectacle of polished chrome, pressed tweed and unmistakable good humour on Sunday 17 May, as the 2026 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) swept through the region in support of men’s health. Hosted at the Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park, the event blended classic style with charitable purpose, drawing crowds along the route and uniting riders in a global wave of goodwill.
The Edinburgh procession set off at 13:00pm from the park with many riders astride classic and vintage-styled motorcycles: from classic cruisers, cafe racers, to modern classics. The convoy made its way through a series of locations, offering residents and visitors alike to cheer them on.
The route included:
- Dalkeith Country Park
- Salters Road, Wallyford
- Haddington Road, Levenhall
- High Street, Musselburgh
- Musselburgh Road, Joppa
- Portobello High Street
- Duddingston Park.
The atmosphere remained upbeat throughout the afternoon with the combination of vintage motorcycles, dapper suits, bright spring weather, and cheerful crowds giving the day a celebratory feel.
The 2026 ride marked the 15th anniversary of the DGR, a global movement founded by Mark Hawwa and inspired by a photograph of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper looking effortlessly sharp in a fine suit astride a classic motorcycle. What began as a themed ride has grown into a worldwide initiative dedicated “to bring people together and change the face of men’s health.”
Since 2016 the DGR has been official charity partners with Movember. The funds support Movember’s work in tackling two of the most pressing health challenges for men today: prostate cancer and mental health.
While the DGR’s visual appeal is undeniable, the heart of the event lies in its mission. The ride encourages open conversations about men’s health, raises vital funds for research, and fosters a sense of connection among participants and supporters alike.
Many riders took part in honour of loved ones, while others rode to support friends, colleagues or themselves. The shared purpose created a unity that resonated throughout the day, giving the event a depth that complimented its light-hearted presentation.
As the Edinburgh procession wound its way through the Lothians, it joined a continuour relay of rides taking place from Sydney to New York City, each contributing to a worldwide celebration of style, solidarity and support for men’s health.
This year’s event continued the tradition of impressive global participation, with 110 countries represented and more than 1,070 cities hosting events on Sunday 17 May. An estimated 130,000 riders took part raising a remarkable $60.5 million globally.
Despite its global reach, the DGR retains a distinctly local charm. Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast, a supporter of men’s health, or simply someone who enjoys a good spectacle, the shared purpose embodied by the DGR resonates long after the engines fall silent.
www.gentlemansride.com/
