Jane's Midlife Journey

Each spring, distinguished gentlemen (and gentlewomen) don their finest apparel to ride their motorbikes in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. This global event takes place at over a thousand locations across the world, with one of the largest rallies here in Bournemouth. Worldwide, last year saw over 127,000 riders take part across 1,038 cities. In total, the organisation has raised over $60 million for men’s health charity, Movember.

Locally, over a thousand motorbikes registered to take to the streets of the conurbation with a mass ride from Poole to Christchurch via Bournemouth seafront, with the goal of raising £100,000 (and, of course, have fun doing it).

How to get to the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

If you want to take part, details can be found on the website. For spectators, the exact route is published in advance. The route varies slightly from year to year. In 2026, the event started on Poole Quay, then headed for the coast at Sandbanks. It then travelled, via Westbourne to Bournemouth. After a short break by Bournemouth Pier, it continued along the cliff top to Boscombe, then, through Southbourne to Christchurch, before finishing at Sammy Miller Motor Cycle Museum in the New Forest.

Times

The event takes place on a Sunday in May. In 2026, the date was Sunday 17th May, with timings as follows:

• 10 am – Depart from Poole Quay
• 10.20 – Sandbanks
• 10.30 – Westbourne
• 10.45 – Arrive at Bournemouth Pier
• 12 pm – Depart from Bournemouth Pier
• 12.10 – Boscombe
• 12.20 – Southbourne
• 12.35 – Arrive in Christchurch
• 13.10 – Depart from Christchurch
• 13.35 – Arrival at Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum 

Although timings are published in advance, these are, of course, just a rough guideline. In reality, these times can slip somewhat. Plus, the riders do take rather a long time to pass through. In Southbourne, for example, there was a fairly constant stream for around 25 minutes. So find a spot, relax and enjoy the spectacle.

The 2027 date is set for Sunday 16th May.

Price

Spectating is free. Entrants are expected to raise money for the organisation’s charity. If you wish to sponsor a rider or make a donation, this can be done via the website.

Details

Any spot along the route will provide you with a great view of the passing bikers, smiling and waving as they ride past dressed in their finest gear. Moustaches not obligatory, but highly recommended! If you want to see more of a convoy, choose a spot near the beginning at Poole Quay or after one of the breaks at Bournemouth Pier or Christchurch High Street. To get a closer look at the bikes, head for the start or the finish.

Between Boscombe and Southbourne, if you’re quick, you can manage to see the riders twice as they ride along the coast road, then return along the parallel road through Southbourne before heading towards Christchurch and on to the ultimate destination, Sammy Miller for a post event party.

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for Children

Children can enjoy watching all the bikes and some of the outfits on display as well as waving at the riders and their passengers as they pass by. They may even spot the odd dog…

• Updated: May 2026

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.