Riders Gather in Vermont for a Day of Motorcycles, Camaraderie, and Giving Back
Seventy participants gathered on Sunday for the Burlington, Vermont edition of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, raising $8,411 through 135 donations in support of men’s health initiatives worldwide.
Hosted by Classic Bike Experience and Cyclewise Inc., the annual event brought together riders from across Vermont for a day that celebrated classic motorcycles, friendship, and a shared commitment to supporting prostate cancer research and men’s mental health programs.
The day began at 10 a.m. at Classic Bike Experience in Essex Junction, where riders checked in, enjoyed breakfast sandwiches fresh off the grill, shared coffee and conversation, and posed for individual portraits before setting out on the ride.
By noon, the group departed on a scenic 36-mile route through Vermont’s countryside, making a stop in Hinesburg before continuing south to Cyclewise in New Haven, Vermont, where riders gathered for an afternoon reception featuring food, music, prizes, and fellowship.
A Decade of Impact
This year’s ride marked another milestone for the Burlington event, which has become one of Vermont’s signature motorcycle gatherings.
Over the past ten years, the Burlington Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has welcomed 540 participants and generated 1,025 donations totaling $53,118.76 for men’s health causes.
Organizers noted that the event continues to grow not only as a fundraiser but also as a way to bring together riders from every corner of the state.
“It’s a little bit like a family reunion,” said Jack Manning, owner of the Classic Bike Experience. “People might have different bikes, they might have a little grayer hair, but they like to get together, and it’s just a nice vibe.”
This year’s finish location at Cyclewise, Triumph’s authorized Vermont dealership located at 130 Ethan Allen Highway in New Haven, was selected to encourage participation from a broader geographic area and to make the event more accessible to riders traveling from southern Vermont.
Recognizing Outstanding Fundraisers
Several participants were recognized for their contributions to this year’s fundraising effort.
Top fundraising rider honors went to Rick Saganich, who raised $800 in support of the cause.
The Janus Motorcycles Team earned recognition as the event’s top fundraising team, contributing $312.
Awards were also presented for style and presentation, a tradition that reflects the spirit of the ride. The award for Most Distinguished Gentleman went to Dedrik Casab and his passenger, whose attire captured the elegance and character that have become hallmarks of the event.
Community Support and Media Coverage
The ride attracted attention from local media, with both NBC5 and WCAX covering the event and interviewing participants. Their coverage helped share the ride’s message of community involvement and men’s health awareness with audiences across Vermont.
Following the ride, participants enjoyed sandwiches prepared from a New Orleans-inspired recipe brought to Vermont by Tamara Boise, General Manager of Cyclewise. Riders relaxed, exchanged stories, and celebrated another successful year while enjoying food, music, and prize giveaways.
A Global Movement with Local Roots
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa. Inspired by an image of the fictional character Don Draper from the television series Mad Men astride a classic motorcycle while dressed in a suit, Hawwa envisioned an event that would unite motorcycle enthusiasts while raising money for important causes.
Today, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has grown into a worldwide movement that raises funds for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health initiatives through its official charity partner, Movember.
Since partnering with Movember in 2016, riders around the world have helped raise more than AUD $70.4 million to support groundbreaking prostate cancer research, improved treatment options, quality-of-life initiatives, and innovative mental health programs.
Looking Ahead
While the motorcycles, vintage style, and scenic roads draw participants to the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride each year, the event’s deeper purpose remains at the heart of the experience.
Every dollar raised helps support programs focused on two issues that affect millions of families worldwide: prostate cancer and men’s mental health.
For organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and riders alike, the success of this year’s Vermont ride is measured not only in miles traveled, but also in the impact those contributions will have on the lives of men and their families around the world.
Classic Bike Experience and Cyclewise extend their thanks to all riders, donors, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who helped make the 2026 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride another memorable success.
