The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018 – Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai | September | Motorcycle Charity Event
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride returned to Chiang Mai this year with another strong showing and a familiar, easy atmosphere.
With 217 riders registered, the 2018 ride felt well established. The same friendly faces, a few new ones, and a growing mix of bikes and riders all coming together once again for a shared cause.
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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
Sunday 30th September 2018
The Sunday Gathering: Three Kings Monument
The meeting point this year was Three Kings Monument, right in the heart of the city.
As riders arrived, the square filled steadily with bikes and people. There was a relaxed, familiar feel to it this year.
Many of the same riders from previous years, catching up, taking photos, and easing into the day.
My DGR 2018 Bike
The Bike: Royal Enfield Bullet 500
This year I rode a Royal Enfield Bullet 500, kindly sponsored by TBB Motorcycle Adventure Tours. It felt right at home among the mix of classic and retro machines, and perfectly suited to the pace and style of the day.
Special Appearances
Two Special Appearances – MotoGeo / Annie Prisana
This year’s ride had a few notable additions.
MotoGeo. The MotoGeo team joined the ride while travelling through Thailand on their way to MotoGP in Buriram, bringing a bit of extra energy to the group.
Annie Prisana & Biker Chicks Thailand. Annie Prisana is a well-known motorcycle rider in Thailand. She created the group, “Biker Chicks Thailand”. She joined the ride, brining along a noticeable increase in female riders. It was great to see more women taking part and adding to the atmosphere.
More Women Riders
Girl Power! – More Women Riders
It was great to see so many women riders on this ride, this year. All riding a variety of bikes.
Bikes ranged from old classics such as beat up Vespas, and modern classics such as Triumph Bonnies.
The Ride
DGR 2017 Ride – Around Chiang Mai and Huay Tung Tao
At around 1:30 pm, the ride set off for a loop around the city.
I initially found myself right at the front, along with my friend Sam, who was riding a small Vespa. It quickly became clear that keeping pace there was not going to happen, so we dropped back and settled into a more comfortable rhythm.
Escorted by local police, the group moved smoothly through the city, with traffic held at lights to allow the procession to pass through without interruption. Lucky us!
From the Old City, the route headed out towards Huay Tung Tao reservoir before looping back onto the highway towards the lunch stop.
As always, the ride drew attention. People watching, taking photos, and reacting to the unusual sight of so many well-dressed riders passing through together.
A Fun Moment
A Small Moment That Stuck – Local Traffic Policeman
Parking up at the lunch spot, one of the traffic police who had been escorting us pulled up alongside my friend and I. He had clearly noticed our earlier attempt at leading the pack and the inevitable drop back. He found it really funny. We shared a laugh about it as bike after bike passed us by. A small, unplanned moment, and very memorable.
Lunch Stop
Lunch – Aiya Café
Lunch this year was held at Aiya Café.
As with previous years, food and refreshments were included, and the pace of the day slowed right down. Riders sat together, talked, and shared the experience.
It is always at this point that the event feels less like a ride and more like a community.
The Afterparty
DGR Afterparty – The Good View All Day
The evening event took place at The Good View All Day, and it turned into one of the highlights of the day.
A full buffet, free-flow drinks, live music, and a lively crowd kept the energy going well into the evening. There were stalls selling merchandise, a charity auction, and plenty of movement between groups as people mixed and socialised.
A special mention to my friend Ian from 1899 Fine Gems and Jewelry, who donated two pieces to the auction, raising 17,000 baht for charity.
By the end of the night, the dance floor had taken over, and it was clear no one was in a hurry to leave.
When the doors closed, the party continued in the city. It turned out to be a very wild and fun evening!
Additional Notes
DGR 2018 – Cost Breakdown
The Chiang Mai DGR charges a fee to enter into the ride, with part going to the charity, and part covering expenses (food, drinks, merchandise/gift pack etc).
This year the cost was as follows:
Day Ride Only: 800 Baht
Evening Event Only: 1500 Baht
Combined Day & Evening: 1900 Baht.
DGR 2018 Video
This Years Video (s) of the Ride
Final Thoughts
DGR 2018 – My Conclusion
The 2018 ride felt comfortable in the best possible way.
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.