DGR 2018. The 4th 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 2017 ride in Chiang Mai here).
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018
217 riders registered for Chiang Mai’s fourth official Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. It was a great turnout for this worldwide charity event that takes place each year in support of prostate cancer and men’s mental health.
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: Royal Enfield Bullet 500.
On the DGR 2018 ride, I rode a Royal Enfield Bullet 500, thanks to TBB motorcycle adventure tours who sponsored me.
Special Appearances
MotoGeo
The DGR 2018 had the MotoGeo team ride with us who are en-route to MotoGP in Buriram.
Annie Prisana & Bike Chicks Thailand
The Chiang Mai ride also had local Thailand celebrity lady rider Annie Prisana of Biker Chicks Thailand. This year had a lot more lady riders on board and it was great to see more women riders on the ride.
Bike Meet at Three Kings Monument
This year the meeting point was Three Kings Monument. in the heart of Chiang Mai City.
DGR 2018 saw mostly the same faces from previous rides, so it was nice to see them all again.
A Ride Around Chiang Mai City
At 1:30 pm we set off for our loop around the city area and initially, I found myself right at the front.
My friend Sam also found herself at the front alongside me and was struggling to keep pace on her low cc Vespa that she had chosen to ride that day, so we dropped back.
The local traffic police assisting us were fantastic in ensuring us a safe and easy passage through the city and traffic lights. They ensured that we had green lights all the way!
Hopefully, the traffic didn’t mind waiting so much with such an interesting sight passing them by.
From Three Kings Monument, we rode a loop around the city and out to Huay Tung Tao reservoir.
after which we headed back onto the highway to ride to our lunchstop.
Lunch at Aiya Cafe
This years lunch spot was at Aiya Cafe. As per previous years, lunch and refreshments were included in the ticket price.
A fun moment with a traffic policeman
As we were parking up at Aiya Cafe, I caught a fun moment by accident on my GoPro. The policeman had noticed that we had started out at the front but due to the speed of the Vespa we had to drop back. We had a laugh about every bike passing us that day.
After lunch, riders headed home with a plan to meet up again at the evening event.
Evening Event at The Good View
Oh-hoh, and what a great afterparty indeed! A fantastic evening was put together at The Good View All Day. A delicious buffet, free-flow wine, beer and spirits and great entertainment.
The DGR 2018 evening event was a blast.
Merchandise and motorcycle apparel stalls were dotted around on site.
The event included an auction to raise further funds.
A shout out to my friend Ian from 1899 Fine Gems and Jewelry who donated two pieces for charity auction which raised 17000 thb.
The afterparty was a great success which ended in lots of lubricated feet taking to the dance floor later on, dancing until the evening ended.
Video
Chewa Film Video
When the party was over a few of us headed out to continue the party in Chiang Mai City, which turned out to be a funny night with the MotoGeo team.
My previous reports on this event in Chiang Mai:
DGR CM 2017
DGR CM 2016
DGR CM 2015
Breakdown DGR 2018
Ticket Cost
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.
Amount Raised
The final tally raised on the Chiang Mai Ride is on the official DGR website HERE
With a further 100,000 baht going to the local hospital and cancer centre in Chiang Mai.
Photo credits:
Britbike Chiang Mai
Triumph Chiangmai
CityLife Magazine
Different Scene
Piriya PJ & Luke Childs
Richard Wilson
A HUGE thank you to all involved in setting up the event!
Primary sponsor
– Triumph Chiangmai
– Goodview All Day
– Elephant Posture Cafe Chiang Mai
Co-sponsor
Co-sponsor
– Johnnie Walker
– Singha
– Coke
– Aiya Cafe
– Warmup Cafe Chiangmai
– Triumph Motorcycles
And thank you.
– Rubber Killer
– Pinn the
– The Cutler Barber and Tattoo
– Oman Jacket
– Killer Holic 1985
– Vintage shop
– 1899 Fine Gems and Jewelry
And the fun from
– ฺBiker Chicks Thailand
– DJ Scooby Doo
– DJ honors the period.
– นัท The Voice
– ing the voice
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