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"Distinguished" islanders clad in their most beautiful suits will tomorrow take to Jersey's roads for a very special annual motorcycle ride involving 120,000 "gentlefolk" worldwide.
Taking place at the same time in 650 global cities, the 'Distinguished Gentleman Ride' will see islanders don cravats and ties on top of their rides as they aim to raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer and male mental health.
This is the sixth year that Jersey has taken part in the worldwide event. It all started in Sydney, Australia with Mark Hawwa. Inspired by a photo of Don Draper - a dapper character in TV's Mad Men - astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit, Mr Hawwa thought a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, while bringing motorcycle communities together.
The first ride in 2013 brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities and the success encouraged the founder to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. Since then, over £12.5million has been raised and organisers are hoping to raise a further £6million this weekend.
Pictured: Jersey has had its own 'Distinguished Gentlemen Ride' since 2013.
Despite being named the 'Distinguished Gentleman Ride', ladies are also welcome to get involved in the event, which takes place every year on the last Sunday of September.
To join the Jersey ride, those interested will have to register online today. Mike Etienne, one of the riders, explained that this is to ensure everyone is insured and so that the organisation can keep track of everyone who's involved.
He said: "It's open to anyone who wants to be a gentleman or gentlelady for the day. People mostly bring bikes who have a bit of character. Our bikes are all shop-bought but we personalised them. It's an opportunity for people to go on a ride with people in the same frame of mind.
"It's all about dressing the part and raising a few pounds, every bit counts. People do have to make a little bit of effort, but you get a reward out of it."
Pictured: The group of dashing gentlemen got drenched last year.
Mr Etienne assured that the ride will take place at "sensible pace."
"It's about having a good time for everyone," he added. "It's something unusual to see and out of the ordinary."
If you want to catch a glimpse of this unusual procession, they might be seen revving their engines around Grouville, Bouley Bay and Grosnez.
Lead photo: Stephen Rylance
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