DGR 2020. The 6th 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 2019 ride in Chiang Mai here).
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.
DGR 2020
Covid DGR
The DGR 2020 ride was an unusual one due to COVID-19, with the group ride aspect cancelled to follow social distancing guidelines. Thailand had few restrictions in place due to handling the pandemic well, so I rode with a friend.
Two Take a Ride
This year’s ride was just a small casual affair. I rode with my friend Opal on the famous Samoeng Loop. It was a great excuse for a get-together as Opal had only recently returned to Thailand after being locked out for many months. Before the Covid lockdown, she had taken a holiday overseas, which resulted in her being locked out of her own country for many months. Finally, after a long wait, lots of red tape and 14 days quarantine, she was home. This DGR 2020 ride was her first motorcycle ride in many months and as you can imagine, she was excited to ride again.
Dressing in Style
As for dressing the part, I did aim to dress a bit more “Gentleman Style”. However, after Lockdown, none of my previous Gentlemen’s Ride clothes fit me! This is the best I could do.
Laugh-a-Minute
The wonderful thing about hanging out with Opal is the laughs. Non-stop side-splitting nonsense. It was a ride filled with laughter.
A Feast!
We had a fabulous ride on Chiang Mai’s famous Samoeng Loop and indulged in some great food
Rain threatened to hammer down, but we luckily stayed dry the whole ride. (Although it was extremely humid!)
Fantastic Landmarks
We stopped at some great landmarks.
Men’s Health
Take good care of yourselves, gentlemen, mentally and physically. Inform yourself and your loved ones about prostate cancer and read up on the signs and symptoms. (Cancer Research UK has a list of symptoms: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/symptoms).
Video
Stay happy and healthy 🙂
@Motogirlthailand
Riding solo in Thailand and sharing my adventures, insights, and tips is a passion of mine. If you’ve enjoyed my report, there are a few ways you can support me and help keep the wheels turning.
Say Thanks!:
Consider buying me a coffee through BuyMeACoffee.com/motogirlthailand or becoming a patron on Patreon.com/motogirlthailand. Your support helps me continue creating content, exploring new routes, and bringing you closer to the rich culture and landscapes of Thailand.
Motogirl Shop!:
Check out my shop page where you can find MotoSplore GPS Route Map guides, exclusive MotoGirlThailand merchandise and products I recommend for every rider. Every purchase gives you a great adventure and helps fund and support the running costs for Motogirlthailand.com
Related Posts
2 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Nice one girls! Good on you for supporting and helping a good cause. 😀
Thank you James. Shame there was no big event this year, but good to still try to support the cause. My best! 🙂