Up Shift – Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – This year plan on your Dapper Riding to take place on May 23rd. The format of the ride will be based on the COVID rules where you live and ride. Some will ride solo, other on specific routes and some may even get to ride as a group.
The event has raised over $27 Million dollars for men’s health causes over the years and the organizers hope to pop the $30 million mark this year. To help that along Triumph Motorcycles will be provide four motorcycles to give to the top fund raisers worldwide. Check out gentlemansride.com for more details.
My Take – I have participated in a couple DGR rides and raised a small bit of money for the cause. It is fun to dress up and go for a ride, especially for a good cause!
Check out this video of me leaving for the 2014 DGR.
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Up Shift – International Female Ride Day – This year plan to set aside May 1st to get your International Female Ride Day on. This year it is going to be a fix of solo rides, socially distanced gatherings, and meetups in 120 countries and every continent except Antarctica.
According to IFRD’s press release, “The movement places a spotlight on the diverse participation of women already engaging in motorcycling and powersports while inspiring other women to learn to ride and obtain their license.” It goes on to state that, even though female ridership has doubled over the last decade, women still represent just around 20 percent of all motorcycle owners, and the momentum needs to continue to advance the future of motorcycling for women and, arguably, the sport.”
The 15th version of the IFRD is using the theme (and hashtag) of #FocusFemaleForward to put more emphasis on the IFRD’s goals of encouraging new women to ride while aiming to move women forward in all aspects of motorcycling.
My Take – The 15th year anniversary! Yet another reason to get out and ride… not that we really need one!
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Down Shift – Flying motorcycle by Subaru. OK I thought this was an April’s Fools joke but maybe it is not. Multiple sources are reporting, including Motorcycle.com, that Subaru has filed for a patent on a flying motorcycle.
From what I can tell the wings and engines of the flying motorcycle would fold up similar to those on a airplane on an aircraft carrier. When flying the wings would fold out, the motorcycle wheels would retract and way you are off into the wild blue yonder.
My Take – Hooey
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 