WATCH: Why these bikers are riding in suits

No, motorbike riding does not always involve the wearing of leathers.

A local effort for a global cause is what brought nearly 100 nicely dressed motorcycle enthusiasts to Stuart Park on the weekend.

It was Kelowna’s contribution to The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), bringing together classic and vintage motorcycle riders, while raising money and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

DGR was started in Australia by Mark Hawwa, after he was inspired by a photo of Don Draper from the TV show Mad Men next to his classic bike, wearing his finest suit. It has since become a global event with 800 cities and 112 countries participating.

Nattily dressed Michel Tremblay, decked out in a matching jacket and waistcoat, vibrant shirt and bow-tie, hosted the event in Kelowna. He said the event has been in the works since November, but it was challenging finding classic and vintage bikes here in the Okanagan.

“That was a difficult requirement for such a small market, [but] thankfully Indian and Triumph is here now, so it’s going to grow,” Tremblay told Kelowna10. “But for the first year, I asked for a little flexibility and disregarded the bikes as long as people have the right dapper look, the right spirit, and raise funds for the cause.”

The route Sunday started on McCurdy Rd., and went through East Kelowna, before finishing at Stuart Park downtown. DJs were playing music at the park where the bikers gathered, and haircuts were offered by Tommy Guns.

Tremblay was excited about the numbers taking part. There were 91 registered riders who raised over $12,000.

He said he wanted to be part of this event after hearing how men are dying six years earlier than women.

“One of the major reasons men are dying sooner is because of prostate cancer, and men’s mental health,” Tremblay said. “It’s not touching me personally, but I feel it’s a duty of mine to at least raise awareness and make sure people get checked and make it a priority.”

Among the participants was Jim McLeod, who had a personal connection to prostate cancer within his own family.

“My dad had prostate issues, he never talked about it. I went in for a check early on because of that,” he said. “The doctor asked me what my family history was, but I couldn’t actually tell him, I didn’t know if my dad had prostate cancer or not.”

He said it is also important to keep bringing attention to the subject.

“Anything we can do to raise awareness and get people talking about prostate issues,” McLeod said. “So far, I’ve been okay, but maybe I wouldn’t have done that if I hadn’t known my dad had issues.”

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