Hundreds of Derbyshire motorcyclists ride in style for charity

More than 300 motorcyclists going through Belper in Derbyshire

Hundreds of motorcyclists have raised more than £25,000 as part of a worldwide campaign to promote awareness of men's mental health.

Derbyshire's Distinguished Gentleman's Ride set off on Sunday with a squad of more than 300 riders.

They started their journey in Higham before ending up in Nether Heage.

More than 500,000 people participate internationally by wearing dapper clothing while riding classic and vintage motorcycles.

Riders dress in dapper clothing during the ride

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) was started in Sydney, in 2012 by Mark Hawwa, but in 2015, Steve Williamson, 38, decided to create a dedicated riders group in Derbyshire.

Mr Williamson said about 30 bikes joined his first DGR in 2015, which has now risen to over 300 bikes joining in on the fun.

Mr Williamson, now the DGR organiser for Derbyshire, said the ride raised £26,257 on behalf of Movember for this year's ride.

"You don't often see that many retro bikes ride all at once in this country", said Mr Williamson.

"Because we are wearing tuxedos and suits, it's completely different to the stereotype that the public sometimes has towards bikers. It's a great experience with serious causes behind it."

"I always try to switch up the route each year for the riders, as we are so blessed to have such beautiful scenery here in Derbyshire. It's a nice easy ride with a 25 mile range so riders can enjoy the experience."

A stylish rider enjoying the ride through Belper

Organisers said they raised more than £25,000 for this year's ride

Mr Williamson said recent rides have become "more personal" after losing his dad to cancer in 2021.

"I know how devastating it is to lose somebody to cancer, so if we can help stop one more family losing a loved one, it makes the ride more worthwhile.

"With more people coming to our rides, people are talking more about their mental health, so we hope we can help save lives, which is the upshot of the whole event."

All 300 riders before the ride on Sunday