West Malaysia loop ride

My itch to go on a really nice long riding trip has now been scratched…but we all know what happens to itches that get scratched, right? Yup…the itch doesn’t go away…instead…whatever caused the itch…may be temporarily suppressed…but will start to cause another itch not long after. Hahaha! In any case, this post isn’t meant to talk about the new itch…which, trust me, is already growing within me. Rather, I would like to share some of the thoughts from the gang now that the ride is completed. Their thoughts will be in the same question and answer format I used when I introduced them. As usual, it would be verbatim…any edits (when needed) will be indicated…enjoy!

Tony

1. Was the loop ride as a success?
Yes. I was glad that everybody managed to leave and arrive in one piece. There were no accidents (even though there were a few near misses). Excellent leadership shown by Simon, and i am grateful for the opportunity to visit many locations in Malaysia that he brought us to. I cannot even begin to imagine what other locations were left unvisited, perhaps they are too numerous to see them all in this lifetime.

2. What did you like best on this ride?
I enjoyed route 4 thoroughly as they were endless amounts of corners to play with. I loved the feeling of throwing the bike left, right and even sideways while navigating route 4. I hope to bring my CG125 back to route 4 in time to come.

3. What did you like least on this ride?
I disliked the travel from Penang to KL as there was heavy rain and visibility was very poor. Cold,wet hungry and tired ‘Nuff said.

4. What equipment did you bring that was most useful?
Everything was useful, as i have already thought out thoroughly which tools to bring and what not to. As a result, the utility of every piece of equipment was fully utilized.

5. What did you learn on this trip?
I learnt how to enjoy myself with people with different character and interests better. (Edited slightly).

6. What would you have done differently?
No idea.

7. Would you do this again?
Yes, if family and work commitments permit, i would definitely go again.

8. Where else would you want to ride to?
South Africa. It has been my dream to ride there ever since i saw the world map during my secondary school days.

Dan

1. Was the loop ride as a success?
In terms of completion of the trip it is a success, but in terms of having enough time to do individual things like shopping for souvenirs and things like that, I feel it was not so successful. We spent up to 15 hrs a day riding to get to our destination and when we get there, we shower, eat then then sleep. Next morning after an early breakfast its on the road again. No time for a massage, sight seeing or souvenir buying. I think the time table was a bit too ambitious and it was not possible to fit in everything I wanted to do at the destinations. It is however, a good first long trip for me and I really learned a lot from it. The next trip I do, however, will not be so rushed. I will go at my own pace, so I think a solo trip will be more to my taste in the future. Overall, I would like to say that I did enjoy the trip and the fact that we completed the trip safe and sound is in itself a wonder and a testament to all the guys spirits and toughness.

2. What did you like best on this ride?
The sceneries. The sense of adventure. The Freedom. Amazing trip for me. Bragging rights cos I DID IT. Hahaha.

3. What did you like least on this ride?
The hot sun, the long hours of riding. I think we should have ridden at most 300km a day instead of 500km a day. Its tough on my butt and it drains your energy. A dangerous situation to be tired and riding on the road. Wanted to go for a thai massage but our schedule was so tight, it was simply out of the question.

4. What equipment did you bring that was most useful?
Still my protection gear. Can’t do without it. Didn’t really need my rain gear as my jacket although a mesh material to allow wind to pass through was surprisingly quite water resistant. It was completely wet on the outside yet surprisingly dry on the inside. At over S$300 my Komine Titanium 3 jacket isn’t cheap but the quality is amazing. Still getting lots of pleasant surprises on its amazing quality even after wearing it for almost a year. You really do get what you pay for.

5. What did you learn on this trip?
I am still a newbie, so mistakes are inevitable. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to safety and bikes. All will come in good time. One step at a time, One adventure at a time. We all learn by doing. Just don’t stop learning. Eventually I’ll get there one day. Slow and steady wins the race. Thanks to all the guys for all their advice. I know it was for my own good. Thanks for looking out for me. We had a heck of a time. What else can I say? Its Unforgettable. A milestone for each and everyone of us in our own way. We all walk a foot taller after this amazing trip. Feels good to be a man. More confidant now when riding even when feeling tired. Its nothing compared to what we achieved in those few days riding the 2000km. We survived and emerged stronger and wiser. Thanks for all the good company. My pics have just been uploaded onto my facebook photo album. Hope everyone enjoys them.

6. What would you have done differently?
I would have brought a lot less stuff that I found unnecessary. All the inner tubes were heavy and unused. Too many clothes. Need more storage on my bike so I don’t have to lug a backpack. A notebook computer cos most of the hotels have internet access these days. Stay at nice hotels only like Gurney Hotel in Penang. After a hard day of riding, all you wanna do is slump down and relax in a cosy and nice environment. A good thai massage would have done wonders to rejuvenate those stiff joints and aching muscles.

7. Would you do this again?
I would go for another long trip but I would do it differently next time. No more crazy schedules for me as I am the kind that don’t like to be rushed on a vacation. I suppose this isn’t exactly a vacation in the strict sense of the word, so it can’t be helped. However, in the future, I will go solo and ride at my own pace and give myself more time to explore each place before moving on to the next. In order to achieve that, my itineries will have to be very limited in number but that just suits my character a lot better.

8. Where else would you want to ride to?
Still Northern Thailand. Cooler weather, Thai massage, relaxed lifestyle far away from the hectic city lifestyle. A place to retire to in my later years perhaps? Hehehe.

Alex

1. Was the loop ride as a success?
Yes, as we managed to complete the ride within schedule and most importantly, we all return home safe and sound.

2. What did you like best on this ride?
The company, the scenic hills, the picturesque coastlines, the traffic lights, the city chaos and most of all, the tranquil ride on route # 4.

3. What did you like least on this ride?
The night ride + the rain and worst of all, the morning calls.

4. What equipment did you bring that was most useful?
Tank bag, helmet + my glasses.

5. What did you learn on this trip?
That I still have many more good years to ride.

6. What would you have done differently?
Nothing in particular, but perhaps to add 1 or 2 more riders.

7. Would you do this again?
Sure, as I enjoyed the whole ride + all the sharings we had.

8. Where else would you want to ride to?
Push higher north … Thailand.

Simon

1. Was the loop ride as a success?
Absolutely! We managed to loop around the West Malaysia peninsular within the planned time horizon. It was too bad we did not get to the southern most tip of Tanjung Piai but that is close enough to Singapore to visit on a separate ride. I was also concerned that Dan had that bout of food poisoning and am glad that he was able to ride back together with us and that he is fine now. After all, adventure and risk go hand in hand. Getting through the thick and thin as a team while maintaining our composure was great!

2. What did you like best on this ride?
I enjoyed the open road, the magnificent views, the experience of being on my bike and just exploring new places with friends. I have difficulty deciding what I like best though. If it was a destination…it can only be Petaling Jaya. If it was the road, it would be a toss up between Route 4 and the Penang round island road. If it was an experience, it would have to be the climb up to the Muka Head lighthouse…and the great time we had at the swimming pool…hahaha! There were too many things that made this trip special in so many ways I am not surprised it is so difficult to answer this question.

3. What did you like least on this ride?
The fact that I didn’t plan enough time to do the things that we could have done. I mean, it isn’t often that I travel to Kuala Terengganu. In fact, this was my first time there on my own vehicle. Yet we did not have any time to explore the city and the kampungs around was a real pity. I underestimated the amount of time it took for each of the legs as well. I think having enough time and rest would make things a lot better.

4. What equipment did you bring that was most useful?
I brought so many things on this trip. Of course, what I brought was nothing compared to what Tony brought. I think he brought along an entire workshop! Seriously though, the stuff that got used were my MP3 player, the walkie talkie (not mine, and very distorted…but was good enough for emergencies), the water for washing, the Blitz fuel container and my cable lock. I am glad I bought the iXradio two way switch which allowed me to listen to my music PLUS the walkie talkie. The remote PTT button proved to be very nice indeed. The water was used to wash up when we were done with the beach…also in case of emergency for washing cuts and scrapes. The fuel container…well…THAT saved me twice when I could not find a petrol station. Last but not least, the cable lock was invaluable. I felt much safer having the bike secured with that thick cable. Which one was most useful? It must be the fuel container. I can do without everything else…but I would be stranded twice if I didn’t have it with me!

5. What did you learn on this trip?
That people with diverse backgrounds and characters can stick together and have fun on a tough road trip on motorcycles. That I can be inspired by people and places everywhere I go. That there is beauty and joy to be found in children EVERYWHERE. That under our skin, we are all the same, crave for the same basic needs and can relate to each other and find a connection. Most of all, that the saying of “It is the rider, not the bike” is true!

6. What would you have done differently?
I think the biggest thing would be to plan for the legs to be a little shorter, giving more time to explore the stops and rest. IT would be nice to have a night of camping…or two. I would also setup some agreements with the riders so everyone is clearer about what is expected. Most importantly, I would plan for a mandatory pre-trip ride through the expected traffic and terrain situations to improve our riding as a team. These would come in very handy when the next loop ride takes place…hopefully with a tie up to raise funds for a charity!

7. Would you do this again?
I will certainly do this again. The experience of riding out on the open roads with nobody but the team to rely on is invaluable! The camaraderie that the gang shared with me is something I will cherish for a long time. I am especially happy to have had the opportunity to share my country with the gang and hope to share with more people in the future…I especially want to make something more out of this ride to benefit the less fortunate!

8. Where else would you want to ride to?
I was really inspired with the images and stories that I read (and watched) in the “Long Way Round” book and video of Mongolia. I can still remember the open plains that Ewan and Charlie rode on, the people they met, the thoughts they had…and how they were just so captivated by the beauty, simplicity and spirit of the country. I would love to ride to (and through) Mongolia one day.