The 2022 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride under FORE
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The 2022 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride under FORE
Annu Rana 2022-05-26 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. |
POker Run- Nepal
In 2008 I began participating in a series of Royal Enfield motorbike rides throughout Nepal. Some were charity runs by UNESCO ( the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and others were organized for Nepal's tourist publicity.
Such events were filmed and edited for Nepali TV and published in magazines and newspapers around the country as well as posted on the Internet. I was able to witness to several of these riders, TV crews, reporters and mechanics as we often spent days traveling on the road together.
Several hundred Gospel tracts have been distributed throughout the years and scores have prayed to receive Christ . A picture of Jesus is stickered on my 350 CC Enfield motorcycle A silent witness to many who see it. Publishers cannot openly print or interview me regarding my Christian faith, though many have come to know and have accepted me into their world of Bikers and once in a while an article does get through!
One event called The Enfield Rendezvous & Poker Run is held annually and attracts these Einfield bikers from as far away as India, Australia, US, Germany, Spain Holland, almost 17 different countries and of course, Nepal. This event is held at the beginning of the Nepali New Year is becoming very well known . I have had the opportunity to participate at different times while doing my work in Nepal.
Such events were filmed and edited for Nepali TV and published in magazines and newspapers around the country as well as posted on the Internet. I was able to witness to several of these riders, TV crews, reporters and mechanics as we often spent days traveling on the road together.
Several hundred Gospel tracts have been distributed throughout the years and scores have prayed to receive Christ . A picture of Jesus is stickered on my 350 CC Enfield motorcycle A silent witness to many who see it. Publishers cannot openly print or interview me regarding my Christian faith, though many have come to know and have accepted me into their world of Bikers and once in a while an article does get through!
One event called The Enfield Rendezvous & Poker Run is held annually and attracts these Einfield bikers from as far away as India, Australia, US, Germany, Spain Holland, almost 17 different countries and of course, Nepal. This event is held at the beginning of the Nepali New Year is becoming very well known . I have had the opportunity to participate at different times while doing my work in Nepal.
April 13-15 2014. Myself with some of the bikers from the US and India and Nepal. There were 157 motorcycles with 220 participants in the ride. One of them was a Colonel in the Indian Army and another is Sikh by religion.
Sikh's do not cut or razor their hair, thus it grow great lengths. No motorcycle helmet is required!
A magazine article of them being interviewed is to the right.
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The NepalAuto Magazine posted an article of the Poker Run 2014 with a special feature article of my work in Nepal.
Quite an honor and became a witness to many who know me. ( see article below)
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Stephen Lee in the Poker Run (my exclusive is featured in the blue box to the right )
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English translation
Stephen is an American citizen. and currently stays in Taiwan. He is also one of the regular Poker Run participants.
A former paratrooper Army soldier, Stephen visits Nepal minimum twice a year.
In Nepal, he engages himself in social projects as well. He has helped students from Pokhara, Dhading and Gurkha with books, clothes and other things.In addition, he also helps blind children with helpful items. He collects the items from various individuals from Taiwan.
While visiting most of the Nepal, he uses his Royal Enfield motorbike. He remarked that Nepal is a gorgeous country and he gets high degree of self-satisfaction in helping the people here. That’s why he partakes in the Poker Run as well.
Stephen is an American citizen. and currently stays in Taiwan. He is also one of the regular Poker Run participants.
A former paratrooper Army soldier, Stephen visits Nepal minimum twice a year.
In Nepal, he engages himself in social projects as well. He has helped students from Pokhara, Dhading and Gurkha with books, clothes and other things.In addition, he also helps blind children with helpful items. He collects the items from various individuals from Taiwan.
While visiting most of the Nepal, he uses his Royal Enfield motorbike. He remarked that Nepal is a gorgeous country and he gets high degree of self-satisfaction in helping the people here. That’s why he partakes in the Poker Run as well.
Below are YouTube videos presenting The Enfield Rendezvous & Poker Run which have been posted from TTV television Nepal.
April 2013
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April 2014
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April 2011 August 2011
Here are some the newspaper and magazine articles posted with my name in them and sometimes the missions work I do.
