DGR 2017. The 3rd 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). In previous years the ride has raised over USD 6 million (with Chiang Mai contributing around 7000 USD last year). (Article for the 2016 ride in Chiang Mai here).
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2017
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.
The DGR 2017 ride also had more meaning for me after hearing the sad news that someone who was once a significant part of my life had recently passed away from prostate cancer, at only age 38. He leaves behind a wife and a very young daughter.
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: Royal Enfield Bullet 500.
On the DGR 2017 ride, I had the opportunity to ride a Royal Enfield Bullet 500, thanks to TBB motorcycle adventure tours who sponsored me.
Bike Meet at Tha Chang Cafe
The DGR 2017 meet point was at ThaChang Cafe, where riders checked in for the ride.
There was also an initial quiet moment of paying respects to the late beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in October 2016.
After respects were paid riders geared up, ready for the ride.
I took this opportunity to capture some footage for my DGR 2017 video.
A Ride to Thapae Gate
This year’s ride saw a great turnout of bikes and the procession of classic bikes riding into the city must have been quite a sight for bystanders.
Approximately 200 riders in total rode through the main tourist hub of the city to Thapae Gate.
At Thapae Gate, we lined up the bikes and took a break to chat and check out all the amazing bikes. Several riders also took the time to inform onlookers about what the event was about.
Lunch at The Good View
After a short break at Thapae Gate, we mounted the bikes again and rode through the main city streets to The Good View Bar & Restaurant, a famous bar in Chiang Mai which has been running since 1996. (In fact, the owner has also participated in all of the Chiang Mai rides).
At The Good View, we were treated to lunch, coffee, soft drinks and entertainment.
A Ride Through the City
After our lunch stop, we headed through the city again, up to the trendy Huay Kaew and Nimmanhaemin area of Chiang Mai. There were lots of stunned faces as we rode past.
We rode on up and onto the Canal Road area and back down several KM’s until we hit our evening venue spot – Bob Space, a quirky arty venue near Chiang Mai airport.
The Evening Event at Bob Space
Bob Space had been booked out for the event and was filled with fantastic things to see and enjoy, from quality food and drinks to famous Thai artists and artisans.
Later in the evening, I was caught off-guard at one point, when I was handed a number on a stick. Turned out that I was one of 12 people picked for the “Best Dressed” award! A pleasant and unexpected surprise. I didn’t win (the Gentleman next to me did – Shawn), but it was so nice to be picked out of over 200 riders!
Later, there was an auction that took place to raise further funds. Several nice items were up for grabs, including BELL helmets and DGR-themed clothing items. At one point the owner of the Triumph Motorcycle Shop in Chiang Mai bid a large sum for a T-shirt that he actually sold in his shop! All in the name of raising funds for a good cause.
The evening event went on for many hours.
Summary
The DGR 2017 was truly an amazing day, where people came together in good spirits for a good cause. The wonderful thing about this day was the fantastic atmosphere filled with smiles and lovely people with good intentions. Truly fantastic!
Video
Previous years reports
DGR CM 2016
DGR CM 2015
Some other great photos of the day:
Photo credits:
Britbike Chiang Mai
Triumph Chiangmai
Rubbers Magazine
Plank Rich Chiangmai
Wish to say a big thank you to all involved in setting up the event.
Primary sponsor
– Triumph Chiangmai
– Goodview Chiangmai
– ท่าช้าง
Co-support.
– Jameson
– Singha
– Bells
– Triumph Motorcycles
And thanks to.
– Siamarak
– Triple Nine Denim “999”
– 8080nmmn – ติดตาติดใจ
– Rubber Killer
– Net69 custom parts
– PINN จักรปัก
– 896 Leather
– CHANG MOTO
– Rock Me Burger&bar
– Ball Da Griller
– I’m Happy – Chiang Mai
– Hard Cocktails Car
– Ristr8to – specialty coffee crafters
– The Cutler Barber and Tattoo Parlor – booking only
– Rubbers Magazine
– Warmupcafe Chiangmai
– ปตท
– DJ SHAKY
– right.
– นัท The Voice
– Bob Space
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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 🙂