IT was a blast from the past as ‘distinguished gentlemen’ donned their tweed for a charity motorcycle challenge.

A total of 23 Lancashire men and women joined thousands of motorcyclists from around the world yesterday in taking part in the 2015 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to raise money to fight prostate cancer.

The Lancashire branch of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride set off from Philip Youles Motorcycles in Blackburn and slowly made their way to Blackpool, stopping off at various checkpoints to give out information and advice about prostate cancer.

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The route, which included stop-offs at Hoghton Tower and Preston Docks, was organised by Mark Walton, from Langho, who said the event was a great success. Mr Walton, 41, who had to jump straight back on his bike after the event to make it to his daughter’s 18th birthday barbecue, said: “I think it’s a fantastic way to raise awareness and money. Blokes don’t tend to say a lot and won’t go to the doctors.

“But during the ride people show interest in the bikes and we tell them what the event is all about and get the message out there. In some ways the ride’s just as much about stopping and talking to people as it is about the actual riding.

“This is the second year we’ve done it in Lancashire and it’s been another great success. I’d like to thank all the people who took part, everyone who sponsored the riders and the hundreds of people who stopped to have a chat.”

The event saw gentlemen, some sporting handlebar moustaches, and women riding classic motorcycles from yesteryear, including Triumphs and Harley-Davidsons. The day was part of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’s aim to raise $3million towards finding a cure for prostate cancer.

Yesterday the Lancashire branch had raised £1,515. You can still sponsor the riders by visiting www.gentlemansride.com/rides/england