Sunday 27 September 2015

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2015 Singapore


So you've heard of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR), and perhaps you know that it's a motorcycle event where hundreds to even thousands of bikers decked out in their suits and ties, combing the streets on their classic motorcycles.

But, what's the story behind?



Let's find out!

Credits to Triumph Motorcycle Singapore
 
Founded back in 2012 in Sydney, Australia, the movement behind DGR is about raising funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer research, in hope to find a cure for it.

Some Key Points About Prostate Cancer

- Prostate cancer is also known as Adenocarcinoma
- It's one of the most common cancer among men in the U.S.
- More than 27,000 men die from prostate cancer each year in the U.S.
- Causes of it are subjected to various factors like age, diet, genes
- It affects the prostate glands, causing poor urine control
- Treatments for it ranges from Radical Prostatectomy (prostate is surgically removed) to Conformal Radiotherapy


Widely participated by over 400 cities around the globe this year, more than 30,000 well-dressed bikers looking really dapper are gathered together for this worthy cause.

And DGR (Singapore) is proudly organized by Motorwerks.


It was a lovely Sunday afternoon where I met up with a friendly bunch from the V-Max biker group in town as we made our way to the first DGR meet up point - Spruce @ Upper Bukit Timah Road.

Upon our arrival, we were instantly greeted by an overwhelming crowd - Bike enthusiasts of all sorts!


From your old school Café Racers, to modern classic vespas (some attached with adorable side cars), to quirky done up Scramblers and other funky two-wheelers!


I'm proud to be soaking in this atmosphere here with my baby Ducati..


And all these fine gentlemen!


Just last year in 2014, more than 20,000 bikers from 58 different countries participated in DGR, successfully raising more than USD $1.5 million for Prostate Cancer research.


This year, DGR has doubled its fundraising goal to USD $3 million.

How adorable can this get? Ferrari vespa side cars! How is this hooligan??

Raising awareness for men's health aside, there is another positive impact intended with such a well-themed motorcycle event. 

In the past, people tend to associate the image of bikers with hooligans, which has stained the mindset of many even up till this modern day and age.


But here at DGR, where men (and some women) eloquently dressed in their tailored suits and bow ties accompanied on their classic rides, it's an effective way to combat against the common negative stereotype image of bikers.

This is one of the biggest convoy I've been in
Not just that, but it's through such an event where it brings bikers from different walks of life, regardless of the different make and model of bikes we ride, all together.

It's just AMAZING seeing all these fellow bikers who share a common passion for life on two wheels!


And it's great bumping into friends and even family here too! All of us with big smiles on, catching up over light drinks.


Looking around, have you wondered.. What makes motorcycling?


To some, it's may be a mode of transport, or a sport, a hobby. Eventually, it integrates into your lifestyle and naturally, you are part of this lively community.


What a delight too, to see people bringing their pets into the event! It just adds life to it! This little bull dog is way too cute as it readily poses for photographs taken by amused passerbys (like myself haha).


It's a full house here as we made our second stop at Duxton Hill.


Check out the massive crowd. We (bikers) penetrated the whole area, into the carparks, even getting in between cars, overflowing onto pebbled-walkways. Definitely not something you see every other day!


From the female bikers: Here's to seeing more Gentlemen on their rides! ;p


My first experience here at Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has been fantastic, witnessing such a fabulous turn out with so much positive vibes around, clearly displaying the celebration of classic custom made motorcycles ridden by good mannered motorcyclists.


Why settle for mediocrity?

Distinguish yourself and be that Gentleman today ;)