Let’s just agree if there’s anything that can top men in suits, it’s got to be men in suits on jazzy motorbikes. Cherry on top, still, has to be dozens of them taking the streets of Islamabad by a storm. And they did just that on September 27. They wore bowler hats and cowboy hats, bow-ties and bull rider handkerchiefs, tux and suit jackets while riding under the summer sun. And this wasn’t just for the sake of fashion or the cinnamon tans, it was to raise awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s health issues.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is an International charity and fundraising event that first took off in Australia back in 2012. The event has since been conducted in 410 cities gathering a whopping 37,000 participants from all over the world leading to a combined fundraising goal of $5,000,000.
This year marked the ride’s second year running in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
With dapper cafe racers, bobbers and classics, DGR Islamabad amassed 75 riders in crisp suits that put have Don Draper’s superior sense of style some Herculean punches.
The bikers took to the streets of Islamabad early afternoon, causing a spectacle in the otherwise mellow city.
Bikes participating included British motorbikes from the 1940s, Italian Scooters from 1960s, Japanese classics from the 1970s and 1980s and American Firepower Harley-Davidsons which are classic-styled
Men were seen in glorious facial foliage.
Trimmed mustache and cigar.
Other than the impeccable style, the ride was just the right kick to an otherwise tiresome Tuesday.
“The best dressed way to beat prostate cancer”
commented Haris Aziz, who started the rides in Islamabad after losing someone to the disease.
Haris is otherwise chartered accountant with a passion for building and restoring vintage motorcycles.
How bad is prostate cancer?
With disturbing statistics like its likelihood in every 1 in 7 men, prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent kind of cancer. In 2012 alone, an estimated 14.1 million cases of cancer occurred out of which 1.1 million were cases of prostate cancer. Those stark numbers truly puts things to perspective. Pakistan stood in the top 20 fund raising countries with approximately $12,000 being raised, with Islamabad raising $1900 this year. The money raised will not only be dedicated to prostate cancer research but also towards mental health awareness as well as suicide prevention.
So gentlemen, ride your way to a healthy life.