The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2017
Chiang Mai | September | Motorcycle Charity Event
Some rides are about speed. Some are about scenery. And some, like the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, are about something far more important: bringing people together for a cause that actually matters. Founded by Mark Hawwa in Sydney and inspired by the now-famous image of Don Draper sitting sharply suited on a classic motorcycle, DGR was created to challenge old stereotypes around bikers and connect classic and custom motorcycle communities in a more positive way.
The first Distinguished Gentleman’s ride took place in 2012 across 64 cities, with around 2,500 riders suiting up and riding for the cause. Since 2012, the event has raised over $10 million (£7,394,482) for men’s health charities worldwide.
This year, the ride brought together more than 70,000 riders across over 600 cities in 95 countries, all raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer programs through the Movember Foundation. Movember 2017 Press Release
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Contents
Thailand DGR
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Thailand
DGR – Important Reminder
The Core Point
Health is at the core of the ride. Specifically prostate cancer and men’s mental health. I urge you to take the time to inform yourself and your loved ones about prostate cancer and to read up on the signs and symptoms. Cancer Research UK has a list of symptoms
A personal note. For me, this year’s ride felt more personal than usual. I had recently heard the sad news that someone who had once been a significant part of my life had passed away from prostate cancer at just 38, leaving behind a wife and a very young daughter. That kind of news changes the tone of a day like this. It reminds you very quickly that this is not just a dress-up ride. There is a real cause and purpose behind the ride.
Sunday 24th September 2017
The Sunday Gathering: Tha Chang Cafe
This was the third official Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Chiang Mai, and the city turned out in style.
Riders gathered outside Tha Chang Cafe from around 1 pm, with a sea of polished tanks, waxed moustaches, brogues, boots, braces, blazers, and some seriously beautiful machines lined up in the heat.
There is always something special about seeing classic bikes together in one place, but DGR adds an extra layer to it all. It is not just about the bikes looking good. It is about using that spectacle to get people paying attention to men’s health.
My DGR 2017 Bike
The Bike: Royal Enfield Bullet 500
This year I rode a Royal Enfield Bullet 500, kindly sponsored by TBB Motorcycle Adventure Tours, and it felt like the perfect machine for the day. Solid, classic, and completely at home among the café racers, retros, bobbers, and old-school machines that make DGR such a visual treat.
Paying Respects
The Passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Before the ride rolled out, there was also a quiet and respectful moment for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was a reminder that although DGR is a global event, every city gives it its own character, and in Chiang Mai that always seems to come with a certain warmth and grace.
Then the engines fired, helmets went on, and the afternoon shifted from stillness to movement.
The Ride
DGR 2017 Ride
Around 200 riders took to the streets, and if you were anywhere near the route you could not have missed us.
The procession rolled from Tha Chang Cafe through the city and into the tourist heart of Chiang Mai, heading for Tha Phae Gate.
A ride like this always creates a strange and lovely contrast. There is the deep thrum of classic engines, the slow parade of custom motorcycles, and then the sight of everyone dressed as if they are on their way to a particularly stylish wedding.
It makes people look twice. And that, really, is the point. When bystanders stop, smile, take photos, or ask what the event is for, the conversation opens naturally.
Pause to Pose
Quick Stop – Tha Phae Gate
Tha Phae Gate made the perfect mid-ride pause. Bikes lined up against one of Chiang Mai’s best-known landmarks, riders mingled, cameras appeared from every direction, and the city seemed to briefly turn into one giant backdrop for polished metal and smart tailoring.
It was also one of those stops where the event’s two personalities met nicely: part rolling motorcycle show, part genuine fundraiser with a message behind it.
Lunch Stop
Lunch – The Good View Bar & Restaurant
After Tha Phae Gate, the ride continued to The Good View Bar & Restaurant for lunch. If the first half of the day had been about spectacle, this part was more about community.
Riders settled in for food, drinks, conversation, and the kind of easy atmosphere that makes an event memorable long after the engines have cooled.
One of the nicest things about DGR is that it draws a wide mix of people, but for a few hours everyone seems to be operating on exactly the same wavelength.
The Afterparty
DGR Afterparty – Bob Space
After lunch, the ride moved back through the city, up towards the Huay Kaew and Nimmanhaemin area.
Then along Canal Road before eventually heading to Bob Space near the airport for the evening event.
If you know Chiang Mai, you will know how different these parts of the city feel from one another, and that variety gave the afternoon a nice rhythm. Old city charm, busy urban stretches, combined with trendier neighbourhoods.
Bob Space was a fitting finish. Good food, drinks, music, artists, artisans, plenty of conversation, and a crowd still carrying the same buoyant energy from earlier in the day.
At one point I was unexpectedly handed a number and discovered I had been selected as one of 12 riders in the running for the Best Dressed award, which was both flattering and slightly surreal given the number of stylish people there.
I did not win, but even being picked felt like a lovely little moment in an already memorable day.
Evening Fundraising
Ching! Ching! – Fundraising at Bob Space
Later in the evening, an auction helped raise further funds, with items including Bell helmets and DGR-themed clothing going under the hammer.
That was perhaps the best note to end on. DGR may be photogenic, stylish, and undeniably fun, but underneath it all is a simple goal: get people together, get people talking, and raise money for men’s health.
And when that is done with this much generosity and good spirit, it is hard not to come away feeling uplifted.
DGR 2017 Video
This Years Video of the Ride
Final Thoughts
DGR 2017 – My Conclusion
What made Chiang Mai’s 2017 ride so good was not only the turnout, although 200 riders is nothing to sniff at. It was the mood. There was no ego in the air, no posturing, no sense of people trying too hard. Just a lot of smiles, some beautiful motorcycles, a city full of curious faces, and a shared understanding that this was all for something bigger than ourselves.
Additional DGR Rides
Did you enjoy this story? Have you ever participated in the DGR? Leave a comment. I’d be interested to read your thoughts.
It was great fun and and awesome day to spend with you all. Thank you very much for this article. I love it. Hope to meet you soon again.
Cheers Philippe
It was a really great day! So lovely to have met you both. Hopefully will be another occasion to all meet up again 🙂