ANYONE driving along Oxford’s ring-road yesterday morning could be forgiven for doing a double-take as they passed a parade of smartly-dressed bikers.
More than 100 moustachioed motorcyclists, dressed in sharp suits and smoking pipes, went for a leisurely ride with the aim of making people stop and think.
The vintage bikers were part of a 20,000-strong well-dressed throng in 220 cities worldwide joining the third annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
Like the annual Movember moustache-growing marathon, the stunt raises money and awareness for prostate cancer.
Jez Haismantop and another dapper chap
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Oxford’s team of 119 bikers have raised more than £14,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation so far.
Jez Haisman, who rode a 1964 Lambretta Li 150, said: “The whole ethos is to raise awareness and funds for the cause, but also the art of being a gentleman.
“Gentlemen and vintage motorbikes are both from a time when society was slower-paced.
“The majority of people diagnosed with prostate cancer are over 50, so they remember that time.
“We went at a very sedate pace. There was a rule against going too fast, doing anything outlandish or being stupid.”
Setting off from Peartree services on the A34 at 11am, the group rode around Oxford, arriving at Marston’s Victoria Arms just in time for lunch.
Mr Haisman said: “By getting an early diagnosis, we can fight prostate cancer.”
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