On May 19th, I found myself amidst a sea of dapper riders on a crisp Sydney winter day that felt oddly like a Toronto fall. The occasion? The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), an event that brings together motorcycle enthusiasts to ride in style and raise funds for a noble cause. This year, my ride was dedicated to my cousin Ali, who had an unparalleled love for motorcycles. While I wasn’t into motorcycles back then, I often wish I had been. Riding alongside him would have been an unforgettable experience. Every time I rev my bike’s engine, I think of him. Ali is now the shadow who rides beside me, guiding me through every turn and twist of the road.
First and foremost, a huge shoutout to my amazing friends and family who sponsored this ride: Ahmed Belal, Kunal Gupta, Umai Hani, Ridda Hasnain and Sultan Akif. Your support means the world to me. You can check out my DGR page here: Zain’s DGR Fundraiser.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride isn’t just about looking good and riding classic bikes; it’s about supporting a cause. The funds raised go towards prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives. It’s heartening to see such a stylish gathering making a real difference in the world.
Now, let’s talk about the ride itself. Picture this: hundreds of riders in tweed suits, leather jackets, and ties, looking like they just stepped out of a vintage film. I pulled out all the stops with a tweed pattern suit, a leather jacket, and a red tie. We rode through some of Sydney’s most iconic neighborhoods: The Rocks, under the Harbour Bridge, around the Opera House, the hills of La Perouse, and even waved at spectators around the Sydney CBD and the Bay Run. The sight of all those vintage and classic motorcycles, coupled with the enthusiastic waves from onlookers, was nothing short of spectacular.
One of the best parts about riding a motorcycle has been its impact on my mental health. Since moving to Sydney for my job at Canva on June 7th, 2022, riding has been my therapy. It’s been a game changer, helping me adjust to a new city and a new chapter in my life. There’s something incredibly freeing about hitting the open road, feeling the wind against your face, and letting your worries drift away.
But let’s not forget the humor in all of this. Imagine a bunch of grown men and women, dressed to the nines, riding bikes that look like they belong in a museum. There were moments where I felt like I was part of a quirky period drama. At one point, I overheard someone say, “I didn’t know Sherlock Holmes was a biker!” Another rider, struggling with his handlebar mustache, exclaimed, “This mustache wax is a ride hazard!”
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was more than just an event; it was a journey through time, memory, and purpose. As we rode through Sydney, I couldn’t help but feel Ali’s presence with me. He would have loved every second of it. So here’s to you, Ali. Every ride is for you, and every ride reminds me of the joy and freedom you found on two wheels.
If you haven’t experienced the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, I highly recommend it. It’s a day of dapper outfits, vintage motorcycles, and most importantly, a day of making a difference. Until next year, ride safe and ride stylish.
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