More than £11k raised in Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2025 as dapper vintage biker’s rev up prostate cancer and mental health charity funds in Inverness
Avid vintage motorcycle riders in Inverness have raised an incredible £11,491 for men’s health charities.
Led by top fundraiser Dode Fraser (68) from Nairn, the 55 riders raised the sum on the local leg of the worldwide phenomenon that is the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2025.
First conceived in Sydney, Australia, by an enthusiast Mark Hawwa, the idea spread around the globe across 109 countries.
SEE DODE FRASER’S FUNDRAISER HERE
WATCH:
It unites classic and vintage-styled motorcycle riders to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and mental health causes.
WATCH THE START OF THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE 2025 HERE
The original idea was inspired by an image of the TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper sitting astride a classic motorcycle and wearing his finest suit.
Riders taking part do so in dapper clothing, often with an extravagant moustache, real or improvised to complete the effect.
The 55-strong local contingent certainly didn’t let the side down with their garb at an event that prides itself on connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities globally.
Dode, a semi-retired courier company coordinator who rides a Triumph Thunderbird Sport at local events, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the turn-out and the funds raised. We had bikes and bods of all shapes and sizes!
“It was a fine day, perfect conditions and a great day was had by all.”
The parade of distinguished riders left from Harbour Road, visiting Millburn Road, Inshes, Sir Walter Scott Drive and continuing the loop around Inverness to Torvean Swing Bridge.
After gathering in Torvean Car Park for “a 20-minute blether it was back onto Glenurquhart Road towards the Crematorium and then onto Forester's Way, General Booth Road, Clachnaharry Road, Telford Street, Kenneth Street, Bank Street, Friars Lane, Academy Street and then back onto Millburn Road to finish back at Harbour Road and the riders’ Inverness Biker Gear HQ.
The top three individual fundraisers this year were Dode Fraser (£2,517), Geoff Mumford (£1,248) and Dez Jones (£1,188).
