This Sunday, the streets of Palma will fill with the hum of vintage engines, the gleam of polished chrome, and an unusually elegant crowd of motorcyclists donning bow ties, waistcoats, and crisp suits. It’s not a film shoot or a retro rally, it’s the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a global event raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer research and suicide prevention.
Founded in 2012 in Sydney, Australia, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) brings together riders of classic and vintage-styled motorcycles in cities worldwide. What began as a stylish homage to the image of Don Draper astride a cafe racer has evolved into a serious force for good. In partnership with the Movember Foundation, the event has raised more than $56 million globally, with this year’s ride taking place in over 1,000 cities across 109 countries.
Pedro Barceló, president of Café Racer Mallorca, organises the ride in Palma, and this year marks a special milestone. “No, it’s not our first time,” Pedro smiles. “This is our tenth year organising the ride in Mallorca.”
Palma’s Distinguished Ride
Over 300 riders are expected to join this Sunday’s event, riding through the city on their classic bikes in their most dashing attire. But it’s not just for the gentlemen. “Of course, it’s not only men,” Pedro explains. “This is a charitable cause, and charity has no gender. Everyone who wants to support is welcome.”
The ride will begin at Castillo de San Carlos (near Porto Pi) at 9am, where bikes will be on display and a photocall will take place before the group sets off. From there, the route weaves through Palma’s most iconic locations, including Paseo del Borne and the Consell de Mallorca. It ends at the Mallorca Gin Distillery, where riders will enjoy live music and refreshments surrounded by the gleam of motorbikes and the harbour as a backdrop. “It’s not just a ride,” says Pedro. “It’s a celebration of style, solidarity, and the motorcycle community.”
A Personal Passion
Pedro’s motivation for organising the event goes far beyond his love of motorcycles. “I’ve always been drawn to charity work,” he shares. “I love classic motorcycles, but more than that, I love the atmosphere this community creates — it breaks the stereotype of bikers in a really positive way.” The Café Racer Mallorca organisation has long been a cornerstone of the island’s motorcycle culture. Their experience and passion have made Palma one of Spain’s leading DGR cities, surpassing major hubs like Madrid and Barcelona in fundraising. “In the last five years, we’ve had the highest number of participants and have raised more than €54,000 locally,” he says with pride.
Fundraising with Global Impact
Unlike some charity events, the DGR operates through voluntary donations — there’s no fee to participate, and anyone can contribute by sponsoring a rider. “All the money raised goes directly to Movember International,” Pedro explains. “It supports research into prostate cancer, suicide prevention, and other men’s health initiatives. We don’t handle the money directly, it’s fully transparent through the official platform.”
For Pedro, the most powerful part of the event is how it blends style, community, and a shared purpose. “It’s elegant, it’s emotional, and it’s deeply human,” he says. “And seeing Mallorca lead the way in this global movement? That’s something truly special.”