[Ludwig von Buzzthoven]

Just curious how many people on here take part in the DGR.

I’ve been riding in the St. Louis, MO chapter since 2016. DGR started here a couple of years before that, but I didn’t hear about it until ‘16. The first year I rode was the very first time I had ridden with other riders, and I had a total blast. The next two years were hard because it was insanely hot (in ‘17 it was something like 104F with the heat index), and then there was Covid in ‘20 when I dressed dapper and rode alone. Last year the weather was perfect, and was probably my favorite year next to the first year I rode in DGR.

DGR also happens to be the only charity event I take part in. I now ride in honor of my late friend Doug, who passed away in ‘18 from colon cancer.

I’ve ridden Harleys up until this point, but I’ll be on the Thruxton RS this year. We get quite a few vintage bikes: an old Norton, some older Harleys and Ducatis, a Moto Guzzi El Dorado, old BMW boxers… But overwhelmingly, it’s modern Triumphs. Lots and lots of Triumphs.

But I love the DGR. It’s one of few things I actually look forward to every year.

 

[brgsprint]

I.

 

[brgsprint]

(error. not able to delete)

 

[brgsprint]

I rode my first DGR last year. I've been aware of it for years and have donated to friends rides. Last year, I finally had a motorcycle with a vintage look. I rode my Janus Halcyon with the group out of Rhinebeck, NY. It was a beautiful day and a well planned ride. I gave up on group rides long ago since they tend to be clusterfucks, I will make an exception for the DGR every year now, if I can make it.

 

[BSA BIKER]

Last time I rode a DGR was back in 2019. Didn't fancy riding alone dressed in non biking gear around one of the local cities as they are an hour and a half away from my 'house in the wilds'.
Not sure if I will participate this year.

 

[Thruxty]

Will be participating this year in the Detroit DGR. Always a well-planned and fun event, as well as a chance to meet new riders in your locality.

 

[scooterdoodler]

I plan to participate in the DGR ride in Sioux Falls this May, it will be my first.

I will use one of my Royal Enfield 650's, both are super-retro and should fit right in.

RE Continental GT....

Interceptor 650....

Of course, I will dress the part too, and will go one of two possible 'cosplay' routes.

Choice #1....'English' tweed jacket, vest, and tie. Also khaki trousers with laced knee-high riding boots. Half or 3/4 helmet with goggles.

Choice #2....Mid 60's Ace Cafe 'Rocker'.

It's going to be fun!

 

[denoose]

Have at it, the REs look great!

 

[scooterdoodler]

Another choice for the DGR would be my GTS300 Vespa scooter.

Scooters are welcome IF they have metal frames and are not plastic crap.

I would think that the best attire for a Vespa rider at the DGR would perhaps be a Pee Wee Herman-esque suit, white shirt, bow tie, penny loafers and 'high water' pants.

 

[speedmaster2019]

I rode solo in the Covid year, then scheduling conflicts. Looking forward to it this year… May 21.

 

[Ge-Minigun]

As BSA Biker mentioned., although I’ve never ridden in one and the closest one to me is an hour on a highway, the thought of being on that road without proper gear is a non-started for me. I’d be the “odd man” out with a Joe Rocket jacket, riding jeans and Alpinestar boots, with everyone else “dressed”. I actually tried to get info on starting one local to me last year and never heard anything back.

 

[Cigar Rider]

From Canada here. New to Motorcycling world. I understand peoples sentiment on riding distances without gear. I plan to participate this year. I will be riding to the location with gear, changing into outfit and then changing back for the ride home.

Also, I picked up a CE AA rated base layer so I don't always have to look "geared" up on the surface when riding while still being safe and protected.

 

[scooterdoodler]

The DGR ride I mentioned in an earlier post is 350 miles east of where I live. I don't know if I'll ride there or trailer the bike.

If I wear a silly outfit during the ride, I will wear my normal street gear while getting there, but I don't ride bikes with any significant storage capacity beyond a small luggage rack and my Triumph backpack.

Whatever event-appropriate outfit I might wear for the ride, will still be adequate from an everyday riding safety standpoint.

DOT helmet, eye protection, gloves, and suitable footwear, that sort of thing.

 

[denoose]

Bike looks great, CR!
View attachment 807448

 

[pkelley612]

Will be participating this year in the Detroit DGR. Always a well-planned and fun event, as well as a chance to meet new riders in your locality.

I just heard about the DGR last year. My '67 is currently a rat chopper, but I am building a steampunk-esque bobber that will be the new home for that powerplant. Lots of copper, brass and bronze. I'm taking my time with it, so maybe 2 or 3 years and I absolutely will ride in the DGR then.

 

[thebosstrx]

DGR here was great for the first coupla years as it was all DG but then the clowns who just can't ride properly in a group joined in. Now it is only 20% DG and a whole lot of wankers. Like all functions etc. you need to get in on the first few events before the riff raff infiltrate and spoil it.

 

[Ge-Minigun]

Similar thing happened to me with a different venue. Bike manufacture represented went from a mix of brands to mostly Harley and the experience went downhill...long story but after a couple years and seeing some stuff that made me shake my head, I said no more. Shame really as the ride was a nice one and the charity it supported was/is a worthy cause...just not worth getting involved with someone that has little idea how to ride in a group or has a bike they cannot handle.

 

[HiDesert]

So DGR rides are parade rides? Stay in formation, that kind of thing?

 

[BSA BIKER]

Similar thing happened to me with a different venue. Bike manufacture represented went from a mix of brands to mostly Harley and the experience went downhill...long story but after a couple years and seeing some stuff that made me shake my head, I said no more. Shame really as the ride was a nice one and the charity it supported was/is a worthy cause...just not worth getting involved with someone that has little idea how to ride in a group or has a bike they cannot handle.

The first one I went to was in the city of Reus (Catalunya) and at the end of a bad uncontrolled ride ( the usual idiots riding like lunnies) we ended up at the port of Tarragona and there was a prize for the best dressed man and woman. All okay but a young girl who was a passenger won it, she was dressed normally but had a flat cap on. She must have been the daughter of a local 'big wig' as there were many girls dressed far better than her.
The one I rode at Lleida was far better organised with many of the local police riding bikes to stop any idiot from racing off and also to stop the traffic at cross roads. Only complaint was that it was only around the city, but we all stopped at the end and had a small fiesta.
Then Covid stopped things.

 

[Ge-Minigun]

So DGR rides are parade rides? Stay in formation, that kind of thing?

Have never driven in one, but if I had to guess I'd say yes in a way. As mentioned I looked into it a couple years back, best I can remember, they start at point "A" - through town (the one I called) to some location, turned around then headed back to point "A". Short ride, 10-20 miles from what I remember. Some type of formation, but not "strict"...make sense?