MOTORCYCLISTS will take part in one of the biggest rides in the world this weekend as the Distinguished Gentleman’s Bike Ride returns for its 11th year.  

Last year’s ride was the largest in the UK and fifth largest worldwide out of nearly 900 cities and towns in 107 countries.  

Riding from Poole Quay, through Bournemouth and ending in Christchurch, the event is held to raise money and awareness of prostate cancer and men’s mental health.  

Last year’s spectacular ride saw more than 900 bikers take to the street and raised more than £80,000 for prostate cancer research charities. 

This year, the popular event will take place on Sunday, May 19, starting at Poole Quay (on the same weekend as Poole RNLI’s festival).   

There will also be a new route taking in Westbourne and Southbourne high streets, as well the usual destinations of Sandbanks and both piers. 

Bournemouth-based co-host and Brewhouse and Kitchen chief Kris Gumbrell said: “This event is a huge spectacle and really showcases the Bournemouth and Poole area, it's community at its very finest and our route has been adapted to maximise our presence along more of our great high streets and share the experience for the many supporters who come out to cheer and applaud our riders every year.”