17-05-2025
1,000 motorbikes to ride through towns this Sunday - all you need to know
MORE than 1,000 motorbikes will take to the roads of Bournemouth and Poole on Sunday, May 18 in one of the biggest rides in the world.
This year's Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in Dorset is the third largest ride in more than 1,000 cities and towns in 102 countries.
Marshalls will be lining the streets of the route to collect money which is being raised for men's mental health and prostate cancer research charities.
What is the route and times?
10am: Depart from Poole Quay.
Proceed through Poole Park and around the Sandbanks Peninsula.
Pass through Canford Cliffs.
10.30am - 11.00am: Expected arrival in Westbourne.
Head towards the main pier.
11.15am: Park at the main pier for spectators to see the bikes and meet the riders.
12.00pm: Depart from the main pier.
Head along Eastcliff and up through Southbourne Grove.
12.15 - 12.30pm: Pass through Christchurch Road in Boscombe.
Continue on the Wessex Way to Hurn, passing through Sopley.
1.00pm: Culminate the ride at Destination Triumph in Purewell.
How much has been collected?
As of Friday afternoon, £87,968 has been raised by 1,069 participants. But this will rise once the final total has been added up after the ride on Sunday, May 18.
It places Bournemouth and Poole's ride in fourth place - and less than £2,000 behind third place city Los Angeles.
New York City tops the table with £104,000 closely followed by Chicago with £101,000 raised.
What's Bournemouth and Poole's target amount?
Event co-organiser Kris Gumbrell said he hopes this year the money raised will hit the 'magic' £100,000 mark after the 'incredibly successful' 2024.
'We changed the route last year to take in Westbourne and Southbourne, as well our usual destinations of Sandbanks and both piers, the ride was incredibly well supported,' said Kris.
'The streets were lined with spectators cheering on our immaculately dressed ladies and gents on their motorbikes.'
He added: 'To take part you need to have a classic, retro or vintage style motorbike and of course dress 'dapper', and be ready to raise some money to support some important causes for men's health.
'This event is a huge spectacle and really showcases the Bournemouth and Poole area, and it's community at its very finest.
'Our route has been adapted to maximise our presence along more of our great high streets and share the experience for the many supporters who come out to cheer and applaud our riders every year.'
