THE Malaysian chapter of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2017 was a rousing success, with hundreds of riders attending at each city organising the event in Malaysia last week.
The charity event, now in its sixth year in the country, saw riders all over putting on their best threads and hitting the streets in style with their motorcycles.
In Kuala Lumpur, the riders pushed off from the starting point at Triumph Fast Bikes in Section 13, Petaling Jaya.
In the process, they managed to raise RM8,600 to support research into prostate cancer and mental health.
They proceeded to a rallying point at IOI Mall in Puchong, before heading to the final stop at IOI City Mall Putrajaya.
Other than Ipoh, the DGR was also held at 10 other locations in Malaysia this year: Johor Baru, Melaka, Kuching, Labuan, Miri, Penang, Seremban, Kuala Lumpur, and Kota Kinabalu.
Despite the unusually blistering heat, more than 300 motorcyclists suited up to join The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Ipoh, Perak, last Sunday.
The inaugural ride in Ipoh was headed by Raja Susrina Raja Khalid, 31, the president of a local motor club, The Throttle Riot, in partnership with Perak British Classic Motorcycle Club.
“All donations will go directly to the Movember Foundation fund based in Australia,” Susrina said.
“I hope, by organising this event, the public, especially men, will be more aware of prostate cancer,” she said.
The 23-kilometer Ipoh DGR ride started at Bulatan Meru and ended at MRoof hotel.
Throttle Riot member Amirul Ooi Ashraf, 32, said the event was a success and that everyone enjoyed the ride.
“Most of the riders involved dressed accordingly to the theme and I can see from their faces that they had an incredibly good time at the event!” said Amirul.
The Ipoh DGR was graced by, among others, fashion icon Wak Doyok (real name Mohd Azwan Md Nor).
“I had a great time roaming through the city and historic buildings in Ipoh, but in terms of fashion, I think the riders in Ipoh need more ‘grooming’,” said Wak Doyok, in his specially made Russian military outfit.
A total of RM5,337 was collected and will be donated to the Movember Foundation, a global organisation founded in Australia.
In Penang, 255 riders took part, with a collection of RM6,000.
Riders Garage and Rotten Motocycles jointly organised the DGR Penang edition with support from Art of Speed Malaysia. The convoy took dapper riders on a tour around Unesco Heritage City of George Town. The ride was planned pushed-off from Triumph Motorcycles Penang branch. Among the checkpoints this year were Padang Kota Lama, Tanjung Tokong and last pit stop was Hard Rock Cafè Penang where lunch was served.
Johor Baru also organised its first DGR, organised by Muhammed Khairul Neezal Razali, 34, a local brass metal craftsman. They collected RM1,207 in donations.
Worldwide, DGR is held in more than 80 countries.
The DGR is a charity event to raise funds and create awareness about men’s wellbeing, particularly on prostate cancer and mental health, founded by Mark Hawwa in Australia.
Dandies meet up at Gasket Alley
An after-event party was also held after DGR at the Gasket Alley in Petaling Jaya.
‘The Union: Malayan Dandy Meet Up’ featured a gentleman’s styling workshop by Bon Zainal as well as grooming by Blondes the Barbershop.
There was also a leather craftmanship demo by Attached Leather Co and live music by Cookie J Crew and live DJs from Public School.
Drinks were served by Hausboom, the official drink partner of the event.