DGR 2019. The 5th 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 2018 ride in Chiang Mai here).
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2019
The DGR 2019 ride had approximately 340 riders who turned up and turned out for Chiang Mai’s 5th Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
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: Kawasaki Dtracker
On the DGR 2019 ride, I rode my Kawasaki Dtracker 250 because there were fewer restrictions placed that year and the theme was “Military“. Riding my own bike made things simple for me.
Bike Meet at Goodview Village
This year the ride started late, meeting at Goodview Village around 4pm.
Upon arrival, there was a fantastic set-up with a Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride backdrop.
Light refreshments and snacks were available with DGR 2019 military-themed stickers.
A Ride Around Chiang Mai
Once all the riders had gathered, a large procession was led by a traffic policeman through the outer ring road zones of Chiang Mai, including the Royal Flora area, resulting in some fantastic aerial photography shots.
Given the large number of bikes, it is impressive how well-organised the DGR 2019 procession ride was conducted.
Our dedicated police escort saw us safe travel though Chiang Mai, halting traffic to allow us to pass through lights unhindered.
The enormous rumble of over 300 motorcycles was really quite extraordinary.
You could feel the vibrations deep in your chest!
At one point, when we were riding the superhighway through the underpasses, the view of so many bikes struck me hard. I just thought “wow, how wonderful is this?!” A collective effort of so many riders of all different ages and many different nationalities all here together, in support of a good cause.
Evening Event at Tha Chang Café
The ride eventually made its way to Tha Chang Cafe’, where a fab evening event kicked off.
At Tha Chang Café we were treated to food and drinks, an auction to raise more funds, and fab live music to dance to. Additionally there were some cool items for sale and a barber shop.
Video
Two great videos from DGR 2019
My previous reports on this event in Chiang Mai:
DGR CM 2018
DGR CM 2017
DGR CM 2016
DGR CM 2015
Fundraising Details
How Much Was Raised
Globally:
Chiang Mai:
Chiang Mai raised a whopping 6,989.16 USD for Movember fundation. Well done Chiang Mai!
I wish to take a moment to say a HUGE THANK YOU to those who sponsored me on this ride.
NOTE: 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 1000 baht.
Another unforgettable Chiang Mai Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride!
A HUGE thank you to all involved in setting up this WONDERFUL event.
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Great report again Zed. I like your rich English maybe because English is not my native language. Anyway tha was a great day and thank you for sharing
Kind regards
Per
Thank you Per. Well done to all involved, and to everyone taking part. Was indeed a great day. Was lovely to see you there! 🙂