DGR 2026 – Preparations Underway

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has always been something special to me. It’s not just about the ride itself, but the atmosphere, the people, the purpose behind it, and of course the style. For 2026, things are already in motion and I’m putting proper thought into how I want to approach it this year.

The Bike (Something’s Happening…)

One of the biggest questions I keep getting asked is what I’ll be riding for the 2026 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

Last year’s ride was made even more memorable thanks to the opportunity to take part on a CCM Maverick, which was kindly loaned to me by CCM Motorcycles. Riding a hand-built British machine perfectly captured the character and spirit of the event, and it brought something genuinely special to the experience. Sadly, CCM later went into administration, which makes that opportunity feel even more significant in hindsight. The ride was also supported by Bikesure, who helped make the experience possible. It set a high bar for future rides and definitely raised expectations for what might come next.

I can’t share details just yet, but I can say that something is in progress behind the scenes. It’s shaping up to be a really exciting part of this year’s ride and I’ll share more when the time is right. For now, let’s just say plans are moving forward nicely.

Building the Dapper Look

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is as much about presentation as it is about motorcycling, and I’ve been working on completing my dapper riding setup.

While it’s been great fun wearing my existing dapper suits for previous rides, I’ve become increasingly aware that they don’t offer the level of protection I’m comfortable with on a motorcycle. As much as the style and tradition of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride matter, my priority is always riding safely, and I don’t like being on the bike without proper protective gear. Updating my DGR setup allows me to keep the classic, tailored look that fits the spirit of the event while making sure I’m properly equipped with purpose-built riding gear that offers real protection, comfort, and confidence on the road.

My Bell Bullitt SE Chemical Candy Grey Limited Edition helmet was originally bought specifically for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in 2024, and it’s now a core part of my DGR attire. Alongside that, I’ll be wearing my Goldtop gloves, which fit perfectly with the classic aesthetic while still offering proper riding comfort and protection.

This year I’m focusing on completing the rest of the look with riding gear that balances traditional style with real-world practicality and safety. My full outfit for 2026 includes:

• Rev’it Dean 2 Tapered Chinos - a clean, tailored look with proper riding protection built in
• Merlin Derby Brogue WP Boots - classic brogue styling with waterproof practicality
• Brummell Blazer v2 - the centrepiece that brings the whole look together

The goal is something that feels authentic to the spirit of the event while still being comfortable and safe for the ride itself.

More DGR Content This Year

This year I’m planning to document much more of the journey around the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride rather than just the ride day itself.

You can expect pre-event content showing the preparation process, gear choices, and behind-the-scenes planning, along with coverage from the day itself capturing the atmosphere, the bikes, and the experience.

After the event, I’ll also be releasing a long-format YouTube video that brings everything together into a full story of the day.

I want to make this year’s DGR coverage feel more complete and immersive, showing the build-up as well as the event itself.

Why It Matters

Beyond the style and the machines, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride continues to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research. That purpose is a huge part of why I return to it each year and why I want to invest more into documenting the experience.

2026 is already shaping up to be something special.

More soon...