I started my Sunday ride with a bit of nervous energy. I quickly rode over to a local pizza shop parking lot, and practiced a few slow speed maneuvers. Slow speed maneuvers always allows me to settle into my ride, relax and, focus. I had a big day in front of me. I would be riding in my first group ride, the 2025 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) hosted by Charleston Triumph. With this known to me, I had to settle down and get in my bubble. I reference “bubble” as a metaphor for focusing on what is happening in front of me during a ride, and letting go of distractions. Seeing some lovely flowers along the road or an animal digging a hole, can all lead to a few moments of lost focus, which is dangerous. Failure to obey the present moment, getting lost in the surroundings, can create a troubling experience on two-wheels. I would need to be in my bubble the next few hours.

Arriving at Charleston Triumph a few minutes after 10am, I quickly realized how many other motorcyclists had arrived before me because the parking lot was full of motorbikes. This was an amazing sight to see. I was directed to a parking spot, near the front, and dismounted from Lucy, my 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 900. Listening to a live DJ playing some tunes made the vibe just right. As soon as I unlatched my helmet, got my motorcycle gloves off, I felt the sun and the heat beginning to intensify. It was going to be a hot one today. I checked in, grabbed a sticker, and walked swiftly over to the food truck for a much need bottled water. Still in my black motorcycle jacket, I knew I would need to hydrate as much as possible.

Mingling with the crowd, I introduced myself to a few other DGR riders and we spoke about our bikes. As much as I love riding, meeting fellow riders and speaking to them about their bikes really makes my heart sing. I was definitely in my element. “2 minutes everyone,” the announcer call out, and a strong wave of adrenaline filled my spirit. It was time to gear up, shut up, and ride. I hastily got myself ready, turned the ignition key, and pressed down on the starter button. Lucy fired up quickly. “Now what do I do?” I asked myself. Having never ridden in a group ride, I was completely unsure of when to leave my parking spot. I noticed other riders leaving the parking lot of Charleston Triumph forming a tight group and stopping. “Do I join them?” I asked myself. Remembering a few words from the MC of the event, the older bikes would be the first to leave. Then I heard the police escort arrive and quickly I joined the group exiting the parking lot. This was going to be very cool.

Departing Charleston Triumph, I slowly gained confidence with my abilities and played follow-the-leader with the motorcyclist in front of me. A few riders had been chosen before departing Charleston Triumph as our designated road blockers. This would mean, as the Police escorted the DGR down the road, a few riders would block cross traffic and allow all the DGR riders to safely ignored redlights and ride unstopped towards our first designation, the U.S. Customs House in Downtown Charleston. “Wow”, I thought, how cool is that. What was so impressive about the DGR is the sound of all the motorbikes riding down the road as one group, supporting men’s health, and forming a bond with each other. It would be an experience I would never forget.

Making our way to the U.S. Custom’s House in Downtown Charleston was very eventful. During a pre-ride check-in, our MC made it clear our route, and encouraged us to wave, honk our horns, and smile to the on-lookers. I did not expect the reaction of the folks on the streets who cheered us on as we made our way down King Street towards the battery. I must have showed the peace sign a few dozen times and pushed the button for my horn a few hundred times. It was grand. Parking outside the U.S. Custom’s House, on the sidewalk no less, the scope of the DGR was in full effect. We riders, ascended the steps of the Custom House for a group pic and I smiled the biggest smile in a long time. I felt the heat and humidity of the day, but the power of the DGR kept me cool and I looked forward to our final designation, the Royal American. An ice cold water, a bit of shade, a fan, maybe some AC, would be perfect to complete my first group ride ever. I was really looking forward to some shade 8)

Finishing up the DGR at the Royal American, I was able to thank the organizers, the other riders who did the road blocks, and speak with new friends about their bikes just as I had when we started. To be honest, it was magical and I have already bookmarked next year’s DGR. I will be looking forward to a new route and making new friends. Below are a few pics of classic motorbikes that rode in this year’s DGR in Charleston, South Carolina. Enjoy!