Photos: Niri Shrestha

About 150 riders throttled into Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Kathmandu, on their motorcycles for the internationally-recognized Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) held annually. They poured in from across the valley on May 22nd, 2022 to collectively contribute approximately $400 directly through DGR’s website and to promote men’s health with an aesthetic twist. Riders were expected to uphold the sartorial style distinct to DGR. In their Sunday best, they appeared in dandified rigor to contemporary dapper at DGR-Kathmandu 2022 for a philanthropic cause.

The large fleet of motorcycles played a crucial role in the charitable event. No doubt it attracted a good deal of attention but it was swiftly redirected to the principal cause, investing in research for prostate cancer and men’s mental health through Movember. This spectacular motoring event has been spinning its wheels since 2012.

Starting in Australia, it has established numerous friendships around the world. Nepal has been championing it since 2016 and FORE (Friends of Royal Enfield) in Nepal joined hands to uphold the causes that DGR values using their shared passion for motorcycles. FORE is a non-profit motorcycling organization that brings together Royal Enfield, Classic and Vintage riders in Nepal and abroad to promote two-wheel adventure tourism in Nepal as well as to support various social causes. Taking the reins from RS Motto which previously organized the event, FORE pledges to continue the important mission in the coming years. Motorcycling with a cause was fortified with the joint strength of both organizations.

In the vicinity of NTB were some of the most phenomenal motorcycles in the country, such as the 1968 RE Standards, RE Continental GT 535, RE Machismo 350, RE Classic 350, RE Classic 500, RE Thunderbird 350, RE Electra 350, RE Interceptor 650, 1960 BSA C15 (250cc), 1990 Yamaha XJ (600cc), Yamaha RX135, Yamaha RX 100, Honda CG125, Suzuki GN125, Suzuki GSX750, JAWA Classic, JAWA 42, Rajdoot Bobby (80cc) and Rajdoot 175 among many others. Indeed, it was a sight to behold and, even better, for a worthy purpose. While the motorcycles rested, riders gathered to address their health and, more importantly, mental health and the social stigma attached to it.

Mr. Rabi Thapa (The Founder and former President of FORE) initiated the discussion and with great courage, riders spoke about the mental challenges they were dealing with along with becoming acquainted with each other’s struggles. Following this, the CEO of NTB, Mr. Dhananjay Regmi provided his valuable thoughts which opened the door to future conversations normalizing mental issues and the road to recovery.

 Spurred on by high spirits, the riders got on their motorcycles and prepared for their journey ahead, despite the rain that soon followed. Carrying the message, they were flagged off by the CEO and escorted by the Nepal Tourist Police. Together, they rode across Kathmandu Valley then to Old Thimi and rounded off the event at the Attic in Gyaneshwor to celebrate a successful day. Mr. Ashish Shrestha was declared the Best Distinguished Gentleman Rider for displaying fortitude in the face of mental recovery and casting light on the care for men’s health. He was presented with a gift to The Last Resort and Rs. 2500 worth of service vouchers from Moto Himalaya Workshop.

The General Secretary of FORE and the present Event Coordinator of DGR-2022 Kathmandu, Mr. Sakil Gauchan expressed deep gratitude for the support from Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Tourist Police. He also thanked sponsors, Shambhala Cafe Boudha, Shambhala Cafe & Kitchen Pokhara, Hard Hat Trading Pvt. Ltd, Jazz Upstairs, Wabi-Sabi Restro & Bar, The Yard by Oasis Garden Homes, Khumbila Foundation, The Last Resort, Moto Himalaya and Attic. Towards the end, he remarked that he was hopeful that the following year would pack more punch and raise even more funds for research into men’s health. The Midnight Riders wrapped up the day to honour and appreciate all distinguished riders supporting its distinguished cause.