DGR 2016. The 2nd Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride helps raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer and men’s mental health (via the Movember Foundation). (Article for the 2015 ride in Chiang Mai here).
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2016
About DGR
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is the brainchild of Australian motorcyclist Mark Hawwa, who was inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities.
The first ever Distinguished Gentleman’s ride took place in 2012 across 64 cities, with around 2500 riders suiting up and riding for the cause. Since then the annual event has raised over $10,000,000 (£7,394,482) for men’s health charities across the globe since 2012.
Early Detection
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: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/symptoms.
My Ride: Triumph Bonneville T100.
I had the opportunity to ride a Triumph Bonneville T100 on the DGR 2016 ride, thanks to TBB motorcycle adventure tours who sponsored me.
Bike Meet at The Goodview Village
Over 150 riders congregated at the Goodview Village Restaurant, dressed dapper on classic bikes, for Chiang Mai’s second DGR ride. The buzz this year was electric, with over 150 bikes eager to get riding. Such a great turnout!
A Ride Along Canal Road
Headed by local police and a fantastic camera crew capturing the ride, the bikes headed off along the canal road in Chiang Mai, towards Chiang Mai International Convention Center.
This massive collection of classic bikes and well-dressed riders must have been quite a sight for those witnessing it.
At the Convention Center, we stopped for a photo op and video footage.
Lunch at Homestyle Kitchen
After a short ride, we stopped at Homestyle Kitchen and Bakery, a pretty cafe/restaurant in Mae Rim. At the venue, we were given an update on the day and details about the evening event. There were a few other foreigners on this ride also.
After lunch riders returned home with the plan of meeting again for an evening event.
The Evening Event at Tha Chang Cafe’
The DGR 2016 evening event was held at Tha Chang Cafe’. It was a mix of great food, drinks, live music and an auction to raise further funds for charity.
A big thank you to all involved in setting up the event.
I hope you enjoyed this report on DGR 2016.
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Looks amazing up there. This year i joined the ride in Bangkok.
In 2 months i am moving up to Chiang Mai and looking forward to join you guys next year for the DGR in Chiang Mai.
Cheers Philippe
Hi Philippe.
How was the Bkk ride? Any good? I had wondered if the traffic would be a big problem for Bangkok dgr riders.
Was a lot of fun on the CM ride.
Hope to see you next year 😀
I was in the Gentleman’s Ride in Bkk. Looks like Chiang Mai had a good one.
Might join the CM ride next year.
Great! Maybe will see you on the next one then 😀