DGR NYC Local Sponsors and Format Revealed
There are just three weeks to go until distinguished gents and ladies fire up their classic rides in aid of prostate cancer research and men’s mental health resources.
And local ride directors Mike Higgins and Allister Klingensmith have been busy.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary globally, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride hits NYC streets May 23, bolstered by a bevy of local sponsors, and a new twist to last year’s Ride Solo format: Passport Stops.
On board this year are chief sponsors Belstaff, Dapper Tours NYC, Gotham Depot Moto Storage, and Proraso, all of which bring something special to the table for 2021.
For owners Ronnie Pichson and Stefon Davis, who opened the Greenpoint-based locale last winter, the opportunity brings them full circle as they have participated in the NYC ride on several occasions.
“We are extremely grateful and humbled to be a part of this year’s event,” Davis said. “We are both big supporters of DGR and are fully aware of the importance of (the) collaboration with Movember. I, as an African American, understand that there is a higher risk of prostate cancer within my community and earlier testing is essential … such detections should begin in your 40s.”
GDM's Ronnie Pichson and Stefon Davis at the 2019 DGR starting point in the Seaport District NYC — Rahoul Ghose
We are extremely grateful and humbled to be a part of this year’s event. We are both big supporters of DGR and are fully aware of the importance of (the) collaboration with Movember.
As in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic required the group ride to alter its format, this month’s event will be ‘solo’ again and will feature a chance for you to be captured in photos while on the road in all your dapper glory.
Last year saw photogs Ryan Handt and Rahoul Ghose shooting riders (and doing handstands) on the Queensboro / 59 Street Bridge. This year, with the aid of NYPD Highway Patrol, another iconic Manhattan-based location has been selected. This ride-through section will be revealed to all registered riders closer to the May 23 event date. In addition, photographer Hugh Miller will be shooting throughout the city on DGR day, rounding out coverage for photo galleries to be added to NYCMotorcyclist.com.
This year the Passport format will give solo riders some stop off points during their ride and the opportunity to be rewarded, Higgins says.
“Our Passport Sponsors in NYC will welcome all registered riders from May 15 to 23. Scan a QR code … we’ve all done that before … and check in. Riders who complete all these Passport Stops will be handsomely rewarded and automatically entered in a prize drawing.”
Full details of prizing and locations will be announced soon.
Finally, 2021 will include prizes and services from a variety of local sponsors, some returning and some new.
Caffe Vita is back with more caffeinated fuel for the ride. Rockaway Brewing Company is producing another limited edition can of suds. Hotels By Day are offering discounts and free day stays. A new sponsor but longtime moto community supporter, east coast koverz (eck), will be debuting their customized motorcycle covers and offering up two DGR-branded versions as prizes. And Godspeed Co and NYC Motorcyclist are back for the fray.
Proraso returns as the headline sponsor for the NYC DGR Rolling Photo Op — Rahoul Ghose
Our Passport Sponsors in NYC will welcome all registered riders from May 15 to 23. Scan a QR code … we’ve all done that before … and check in. Riders who complete all these Passport Stops will be handsomely rewarded and automatically entered in a prize drawing.
Local DGR updates can be found on the official Facebook Event Page and here on NYC Motorcyclist. And if you’re interested in volunteering for the day, email nyc@gentlemansride.com.
P H O T O G A L L E R I E S : 2020 NYC DGR (3) | 2019 NYC DGR (10)
2 0 2 0 N Y C S T A T S : Vincent Nicolai was the Big Apple's top rider in 2020, finishing fourth globally with just under $16K raised. And a small 16-rider New York Classic Riders contingent -- including Nicolai and NYC Motorcyclist -- finished top three in the team's category, behind only corporate sponsor groups from Triumph and Hedon Helmets. The NYCR raised $27,246 as of closing on October 11. NYC raised just under $53K with 384 participating in the Ride Solo format.
W H E R E T H E F U N D S G O : Monies raised through the DGR and its partnership with Movember are channelled into cutting-edge prostate cancer research and treatment programs, and also help fund innovative mental health programs. These funds have already been put to use and are seeing positive results, with plans for this year looking to make an even bigger impact to men's health. With your help, the 2021 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride will build upon these crucial investments and fund even more ground-breaking projects. Read More.
You can find out more about DGR, both globally and in NYC online at gentlemansride.com ... or follow the DGR social media: .
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