What are these parades of bikers in suits in Toulouse and everywhere in France?
Do bikers scare you? You may change your mind this Sunday. The 2022 edition of “The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride” promises to be lustrous: vintage or neo-retro motorcycles, three-piece suits and bow ties, the two-wheeled parade of “distinguished gentlemen” wants to break the image of the rogue biker. 115 countries and 48 French cities take part in the world event on the same day. In Toulouse, Patrice Gabas, president of the Capitole Gentlemen Motorcycle association, organizes the parade after two blank years due to Covid-19. He hopes to bring together 200 gentlemen… and women because “there are more and more women, bikers and passengers”, he rejoices.
The Ladies and Gentlemen Ride is not for now, but Emmanuelle Coquereau, member of the association, will ride her red Speed twin on Sunday to “motivate future bikers”. In this male environment, she welcomes the evolution of mentalities: “of course, there is still sexism! Even if most of the time they are not aware of it. But the women now pilots are recognized by their peers, we see more and more female mechanics, moreover often very talented. And now, when we organize events between female bikers, men want to participate! fun the Toulouse dynamic well in his boots.
For the good cause
Behind the parade, the movement aims to raise awareness. Australian Mark Hawwa launched the first Ride in Sydney in 2012. Inspired by a famous photo of Don Draper’s character (Mad Men), he wanted to fight against the negative stereotypes associated with bikers and mobilize this community around men’s health. The benefits of the parades have since been reversed, via Movember, to prostate cancer research and mental health and suicide prevention programs.
“Being a gentleman is a matter of choice. Ours is to help just causes with style,” says Patrice Gabas. Even if a few “sporty” motorcycles are sometimes accepted, the movement strives to keep its founding principle: classic, vintage, custom or neo-retro machines, ridden by stylish bikers. A “prize of elegance” will also be awarded on Sunday to the three most beautiful machines by a jury made up of representatives of the main brands of machinery.