2021 DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN'S RIDE GLOBAL TOP FUNDRAISERS – BOTH FROM WOLLONGONG – AWARDED TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES
Triumph Motorcycles and the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has this week enjoyed a double celebration with City Coast Motorcycles awarding a Triumph Bobber and Bonneville T120 to Australia's highest fundraisers and DGR prize winners Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli after placing second and third respectively as the 2021 event's top global fundraisers.
As an annual global charity event held in more than 900 cities, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has raised more than $US30 million for men's health since 2012. It's therefore no small feat that two of the world's top-three prize winners hail from Wollongong, Australia, as DGR founder Mark Hawwa emphasised.
"What a fantastic day down here in Wollongong with City Coast Motorcycles giving away two new Triumphs – a Bobber and a Bonneville T120 – to Phill and Ermond for being the two highest fundraisers in Australia and two of the three highest fundraisers globally," Hawwa said.
"It shows just how well Wollongong punches above its weight in regard to the riding community, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride and people helping other men in need."
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride unites classic and vintage-style riders all over the world. Participants raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, mental health and suicide prevention programs on behalf of charity partner The Movember Foundation.
As the world's second-highest fundraiser, Phill Critcher raised an astounding $A38,308, which awarded the Wollongong resident a Triumph Bobber, in Matt Storm/Grey Matt Ironstone livery, a special DGR-inspired Hedon helmet and prize plaque. Phill's fundraising efforts were closely followed by Ermond Morelli's ($A37,756), who took home a Triumph Bonneville T120 (in Cobalt Blue/Silver Ice) and matching Hedon helmet and prize plaque.
The title of highest fundraiser in 2021 went to Joe Mancinelli, of Hamilton, Canada, who raised a whopping $A101,920 and, in return, received a Triumph Thruxton RS. Since participating in DGR, Joe has raised almost $A250,000.
Phill and Ermond have participated since 2018 when they established their team of four, The FCs, or Four Cure. It has grown to seven-strong, and in 2021 it ranked the third-highest fundraising team worldwide.
The 2021 event marked the fifth year City Coast Motorcycles has presented DGR – Wollongong. In just five years, it has become one of the world's most generous cities, raising some $A350,000 for men's health and reaching second place in 2021 ahead of London and New York. City Coast Motorcycles dealer principal Tim Sim is humbled by the result.
"It's been an honour having Mark, Ramsey and Mikey from DGR join us in delivering these magnificent Triumphs today," he says. "Jane and I couldn't be prouder of our local event that gets so much love and support from the Wollongong region."
The DGR – Wollongong ride started at Stanwall Park and finished at the Mt Kembla Hotel, which proved an ideal venue for an afternoon of good music, drinks and plenty of conversation with fellow riders, as Phill Critcher enthused.
"Firstly, thank you to our hosts, Tim and Jane from City Coast Motorcycles, and congratulations on the successful effort they put in to organising this day.
"A big congratulations to the Wollongong participants that put in, yet again, a great fundraising effort.
"To our team 'Four Cure': warm up your engine for 2022, we're off again. Our team donation to start the fundraiser commences at $4000. Your generosity should be acknowledged.
"Anyone who would like to have a great little ride in good company with some vintage and classic bikes to look at, come and join us all on May 22 and support prostate cancer research and men's mental health."
Phill couldn't wait to take in Wollongong's coastal scenery on his new Bobber and reported back within the hour: "Just got to Kiama and it honestly feels great. This is beautiful, I really am so happy with the bike!"
The 2022 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride will be held on Sunday, May 22. Registrations open on March 28 at GentlemansRide.com
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ABOUT DGR
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride unites hundreds of thousands of classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men's mental health. Founded in Sydney, Australia in 2012, the 'dress dapper' themed ride aims to combat the often-negative stereotype of motorcyclists and connect the global motorcycling community by raising funds for a cause important to every rider.
Since its first year, the DGR's global community has raised more than $US31m for its charity partner, Movember, and now operates in more than 900 cities and 114 countries around the world. This year's Distinguished Gentleman's Ride will take place on Sunday, May 22, with pre-registration already open to riders across the world, and official registration and fundraising starting March 28.
For more information, visit GentlemansRide.com
ABOUT MOVEMBER
Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men's health on a global scale, focussing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund more than 1250 projects around the world. In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives. The charity's vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men's health.
To donate or learn more, please visit Movember.com
ABOUT TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES
First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles celebrates 120 years of motorcycle in 2022.
For more than three decades, Triumph Motorcycles has been based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and has produced iconic bikes that perfectly blend authentic design, character, charisma and performance. The Triumph Modern Classic motorcycle family represents the quintessence of The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride spirit: elegant, iconic, characterful, and built for the ride.
TriumphMotorcycles.com.au
ABOUT CITY COAST MOTORCYCLES
City Coast Motorcycles has been serving the motorcycling needs of the Illawarra since 1973. Its founder, Geoff Sim, was twice crowned Australian 125cc Road Champion while his son, Tim, raced motocross at a national level. Tim, together with his partner, Jane, is at the helm of the business which today is one of Australia's longest-established motorcycle dealerships and proud to serve the local motorcycling community.
City Coast Motorcycles / 262 Keira Street, Wollongong / CityCoastMotorcycles.com.au