*** Please note: Due to the inclement weather on Saturday night, spreading debris on the roads, the DGR has been pushed back one week for the safety of all riders and riding levels. Show and Shine will be on at the Metropole on Sunday 26th May. ***

The sun will be shining on Sunday and the sounds of motorbikes will fill the air around the Northern Rivers as the 6th annual Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) takes place. Bike riders from all over the Northern Rivers are invited to participate, starting in Ballina and finishing at the Metropole Hotel in Lismore.

A “Show and Shine” event will allow you to peruse the bikes, and prizes will be awarded.

This year, Brayden Judd is co-hosting with Shuggie Taylor, who has hosted since the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride started in the region.

Brayden says, “This event brings people together from all walks of life, to one event through a common interest of motorcycle riding. And it’s all for a great cause.”

The bikes take off from Saunders Oval in Ballina at 10am and then travel up and down River Street, before heading north along the coast road to Lennox head, through Byron, Bangalow, Clunes, Eltham and along the back road via Bexhill to Lismore. If you see them en route, give them a wave or a honk in support.

Gav Bourke, a local Lismore gent will be participating, “I rode for the first time last year, and I won't miss out on it this year, it's a good fun day for everyone. I ride a Harley Street 500, so a little baby one.

“Any reason to get dressed up and go for a bike ride with some mates. Men's mental health and prostate cancer is a particularly good reason to get out to do it.”

Dave Rutter is another DGR enthusiast who will be riding a 2011 Harley Switchback. He says, “It’s a very supportive group of people who turn up, and it’s a great way to get advice on mechanical issues, bike-friendly roads, and bikes for sale.”

The ride isn’t just for men. Jill Challinor will be riding next to her husband to support him and mental health, “Women are more than welcome because we love our men!” Jill rides a F800R BMW next to her hubby, Royster, on a BMW R1200R. 

“It's a great way to recognise how important men are in our lives. Yeah, absolutely. I love being involved because they're our husbands, they're our sons. They're everything to us.”

The ride started with two gentlemen in Sydney in 2012 and is now a global phenomenon. Brayden said, “All the riders are out riding together on the same day. Most do about 30 or 40 kms, but we are special in the Northern Rivers; we get permission to go a bit further.” Dave adds, “Our run is the longest DGR run done anywhere in the world.”

89, 524 riders are participating this year so far, and there is still time to register and ride with the Northern Rivers crew. Traditionally, you would ride a vintage or unique bike, and if you have one, that is great, but if you don't, you are still welcome.

If you are happy to be a spectator, come down to the Metropole Hotel between 12 and 1pm to see the bikes and the dapper riders and join them for lunch. Brayden thanks, “Nick Lake from the Metropole who has been a strong supporter of any motorcycle events in the area.” Prizes are awarded to the best bike and most dapper gent and lady.

The other way to participate is to donate. You are asked to contribute to the Northern Rivers Riders to help with their contribution to the cause. The money goes to the Movember Charity which supports men's mental health and suicide prevention - particularly Veterans and First Responders. The Movember Charity has been able to support biomedical research to assist men with prostate cancer and extend the life of men with the disease.

If you would like to see the global promo from last year, have a look here.