EVENT GUIDE: The Chiang Mai Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

A guide outlining what to expect at the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Chiang Mai, Thailand. *Note* In previous years the DGR took place on the last Sunday of September, but in recent years this date has been changed to the last Sunday in May.

The Ride is a worldwide charity event that takes place to raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer and men’s mental health. The first DGR was held in Australia in 2012 and has since grown into a popular worldwide event. The funds raised (for the Movember Foundation) are translucent and these figures and more can be viewed on the Movember Foundation and on the official DGR website.

The Chiang Mai DGR Ride

The Chiang Mai ride, which is Sponsored by Triumph, is a HUGE affair! Triumph Chiang Mai work extremely hard on putting together a highly organised ride with plenty of fun events. Police escorts guide the ride through the city and safety precautions are in place. Triumph arrange the ride in two parts: The Ride and an Evening Event. You can participate in either or both and the ticket prices reflect this.

Why do you need to buy a ticket? Well, the Chiang Mai ride charges a price to cover the cost of expenses associated with the event. This includes hiring photographers, donating to the police, a DGR merchandise goodie-bag, catering and raising money for the charity. Once you see the event and all that goes on, you will have a clear idea about why a ticket price is involved.

Venue:
The location changes each year.
Triumph Chiang Mai will inform you of the meeting point.
Ticket Cost:
(——to be updated – refreshments are included in the ticket price)
To join the official Chiang Mai ride you will need to register on the DGR website
– And purchase a ticket from Triumph Chiang Mai
Date:
Previously the last Sunday of September – MOVED to the last Sunday of May.
Time:
Early Afternoon for the main ride and early evening for the night event
(Triumph Chiang Mai will inform what the times are)

What Happens on the Ride?

This event has very little riding actually. It is more about charity and an excuse to dress up, meet fellow riders and enjoy the experience of so many fantastic motorbikes. Triumph Chiang Mai also hires videographers and photographers, giving you the opportunity of having this experience documented in a professional way. Additionally, Triumph arranges for an evening event.

The Meet Point

The ride always starts from some significant meet point (such as Thapae Gate or Three Kings Monument). The bikes are lined up neatly, tickets are checked, conversations are struck up and photo opportunities take place.

Image adapted from a photo by Pandech Saleewong

The Ride

The ride is normally either a short, police escorted ride through Chiang Mai city or a ride to some area outside of the city (i.e. Huay Tung Tao). Despite the ride being fairly short, the energy and fun of being part of such a dramatic congregation of bikes is fantastic. Additionally, the police escort ensures that we have green lights all the way!

Lunch

On the ride, we head towards a venue that has been chosen for serving us lunch (included in the ticket price). The atmosphere is always fun and friendly, with live entertainment and an auction and merch for sale.

The Evening Event

The evening event that Triumph Chiang Mai put together is nothing short of spectacular! Each year seems to get better and better. There is a buffet and drinks (included in the ticket price), LIVE entertainment, an auction, displays and great music. It really needs to be seen to be believed!

…and there you have it! The fantastic Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride event in Chiang Mai. For more info on the ride throughout the years, including how much Chiang Mai raised for the charity. Click on the links below. The 2020 ride did not take place due to Covid19, however, I did still ride with a friend to raise money. This fun and silly ride report is HERE.