MORE than 200 motorcyclists dressed in “dapper” outfits will be riding through the streets of Oxford this weekend.

The annual global event, named The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, is to raise money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

Premier Bikes, at Cornerhouse Garage in Abingdon, organises the Oxfordshire event which will take place on Sunday, May 22 starting at 9.30am.

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thisisoxfordshire: Premier BikesPremier Bikes

The motorcyclists will start at the motorcycle dealers and then make their way through the streets of Oxford to the Victoria Arms Marston in Mill Lane.

Andy Valentine, owner of Premier Bikes, said: “We did the event for the first time in 2019 just before the coronavirus pandemic hit and it was a very wet September day but we raised £25,000 so we hope to raise the same amount this year.

thisisoxfordshire: The Distinguished Gentleman's RideThe Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

“We had over 100 motorcyclists take part the first time around and we were all dressed in dapper gear such as tweed and bowties - it’s a ride for gentlemen to support charities and that’s what it’s all about.

“It was really nice, the public were joining in and waving at us and we’re hoping they do the same this year.

“People were sat waving on St Giles’ boulevard so this year we hope to pull over there so people can see all the bikes as they will be lots of different shapes and sizes - this is a classic ride.”

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thisisoxfordshire: Andy ValentineAndy Valentine

The event has raised more than £13,000 so far but organisers hope to reach £25,000 by the end of the event on Sunday.

“A major cause of young men’s death is suicide,” said Mr Valentine. “Something like four in five young men don’t talk about it so it’s an important subject that we need to raise awareness for as well as prostate cancer.

“There has been a big spike of prostrate cancer and it’s really important that we get behind the charity for the men that have it as well as trying to help men be as aware of it if possible - it’s a really worthy cause.”

Mr Valentine added that the dealer plans to host the event every year going forward.

“It happens all over the world,” he said. “They have even have a small one taking place in Ukraine this year. It just goes to show that this is an important event for everyone.

“To see 200 plus motorcyclists coming through Oxford with pipes, tweed and bowties is going to be brilliant.

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“It will certainly raise some eyebrows and that’s the whole idea – to raise awareness.”

To donate, visit: https://www.gentlemansride.com/rides/england/oxford

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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