More than 220 dapperly dressed gents and ladies rode their motorbikes through Bishop’s Stortford, delighting onlookers and raising £32,013 for men’s charities.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, featuring machines of all makes and models as well as size, colour and age, set off from the Goldtop motorcycle outfitter’s and clothier’s shop in Gipsy Lane on Sunday May 18 at 10.30am.
The annual ride in Stortford was one of just over 1,000 that took place in cities and towns in 108 countries around the world, with 126,342 registered riders. In England this year, the 64 rides with 12,990 registered riders raised £1,132,672.
Bishop’s Stortford Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2025. Photo: Matthew Bickham
Millions of pounds will have been raised for the Movember charity, which supports funding for prostate cancer and men’s mental health, with the Stortford leg smashing its £6,000 target.
The route, which at times was lined with well wishers clapping and cheering, took the motorcyclists along Stansted Road, through the Hockerill junction and out through Little Hallingbury to the midpoint stop at Down Hall Hotel at Hatfield Heath.
From there, the leather, tweed and velvet-clad convoy rode up Station Road in Sawbridgeworth and along the A1184 through Spellbrook back to Stortford and through the town centre, before heading up Hadham Road and onto their final destination at the Star pub in Standon.
Bishop’s Stortford Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2025. Photo: Matthew Bickham
Among the ride marshals was Nigel Fleming, from Harlow, on his Triumph Bonneville. It was his 11th successive DGR in the UK since 2015 – three years after the first event took place in Sydney, Australia.
On the ride for the third year in Stortford was Adam Sandford, with his wife Lucy riding pillion.
Lucy, originally from Stortford and now living in Great Dunmow, said that their son and daughter waved them by in South Street.
“It was lovely raising awareness for a good cause, with so many happy faces out to greet and clap you riding along,” said Lucy.
Jo French, resplendent in green velvet jacket, tan leather gloves and gold helmet on her red Triumph, the host of the Bishop’s Stortford Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Photo: Matthew Bickham
Andrew Bartram was on his first DGR ride with three close friends from Saffron Walden. He said it was a great experience, adding: “It was a great atmosphere, even quite emotional when we came back through Bishop’s Stortford.”
And those watching agreed. Lucy Gralton, commenting on the Indie Facebook page, said the riders looked wonderful.
“I got to see them at the Hockerill junction. They were super-engaging, tooting their horns whilst waving too. They all looked so smart! Seeing them gave me goosebumps.”
Jo French, resplendent in green velvet jacket, tan leather gloves and gold helmet on her red Triumph, the host of the Bishop’s Stortford Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Photo: Matthew Bickham
The ride sparked memories for Leigh Harvey: “Just hearing and smelling the bikes come by made me and my husband feel very nostalgic for our youth!”
And Sue Newton said: “Can they do this every week please? Brought a smile to everyone’s face and made our day – thank you.”
