West Malaysia loop ride

Two weeks have passed since we completed the West Malaysia Loop Ride 2011 and life has gone back to normal…well…as normal as it can ever be anyway. So I had the gang over for tea yesterday to make up for the scones that we missed out on while we were at the Cameron Highlands. I got scones and cakes from Foster’s in Holland Village and we had a good time eating and chatting away. It is amazing how there is no shortage of conversation when friends gather!

As you can tell, the scones were popular…while everyone seemed to shy away from the cakes! Still, it was great to get together and enjoy this at an altitude that is relatively high (17th floor)…hahaha!!!

I sent out a few questions to the gang a week ago to get a gauge of their experience on this ride. It is something that I did the last time round that both helped provide a good closure to the ride, and to provide some ideas for the next time round. Here are their answers.

Alex (aka Intrepid)

Let’s start off with one of the busiest men in Singapore. Alex was with me for the last ride. It was great having Alex around as he is full of surprises and provided for much laughter at meal times. Never short of good lines and equipped with a healthy sense of humour, Alex is a joy to ride with. Here are his thoughts on the ride this time round. If you were wondering…yes…I forced him to reply by changing the questions completely from the last ride…hahaha!!!

1. What is the one word that best describes the WMLR2011 for you?
Enjoy

2. Describe your most memorable experience in the WMLR2011.
It must have been the moment when I saw SA overtake LPG on our way down Gunung Brinchang. At the back of my mind, I was thinking that she can’t be overtaking at this juncture, it was likely due to a “faulty brake”. To my relief, when I turned the corner, I saw her still on her bike at the other end of the slip road which probably served as a safety runway when her bike rolled down the slope.

3. What did you learn about yourself in this trip?
That I really love riding, especially on the long haul.

4. What did you learn about the others in this trip?
Although coming from different backgrounds, ages and riding styles, we were able to accommodate each other throughout the trip. Most importantly, we took care of each other, enjoyed our rides (the main reason why we participated in the WMLR2011) and most of all … that all of us returned home safely.

5. What aspect of the trip would you like to see changed in the future?
Nothing in particular. Perhaps we can push a little further by clocking in 3000km instead of just over 2000km, or maybe travel further North into Thailand (but for that, the name WMLR will become irrelevant). [Ed: Don’t be so sure, Alex!]

6. Would you do it again? Why?
Yes, I would probably do it again if time permits. I would do it again for the love of riding and for the good company.

7. Would you recommend your friends? Why?
Yes, I would, just as I recommended LPG and SA for the WMLR2011 this time around. The reason is simple … “good things need to be shared with others”.

SA (aka swiftee)

SA was riding the smallest bike in the group, an XL200 dual sport, with tires that made her bike one of the most versatile in the gang. However, as most of the riding was on tarmac, it also made for the least comfortable ride. Riding a dual sport bike for such a long distance is a real test of will. I did something similar last year and could understand how much of a beating a ride like this can have on the rider. It was great to see SA completing the WMLR2011 without major problems on the XL200, a testament to the toughness of the bike and the rider!

1. What is the one word that best describes the WMLR2011 for you?
Wow!

2. Describe your most memorable experience in the WMLR2011.
Certain route we traveled (think it is route 66) it is really beautiful. [Ed: Yes, it was Route 66 heading up from Gua Musang to Jeli.]

3. What did you learn about yourself in this trip?
I learnt that Singaporeans (ok me at least) don’t really drive/ride that well, as the kinds of conditions they are used to are only about 15% of what you can possibly encounter.

About my bike:
Wow! This little bike is pretty hardy and capable. The only damage sustained was purely cosmetic (despite being whacked for 6 days straight). Rather comfortable in scrambler terms. And my high beam did not disappoint me. Thumbs up for Honda!

4. What did you learn about the others in this trip?
I met a fellow ‘satan’, lol! Don’t ask as this is a private joke.

Realized that our ages were 12 years apart from each other… this meant that there were 3 generations on this trip! Hehe.

Also learnt that we had “disco king” traveling with us, lol!

5. What aspect of the trip would you like to see changed in the future?
In my opinion, I feel that the gap between the bikes was a little huge in terms of speed and capability. Dual sports are not really built for going long distances at speed in terms of stability and ergonomics. However, due to my inexperience I did not really anticipate this situation. Next trip I will make sure that my bike is better matched with my trip mates.
(This is not to say you can’t go touring on a little dual sport, just that little dual sports will probably be happier with other little bikes). It’s best to match your companions’ bikes.

6. Would you do it again? Why?
Yup. Cuz otherwise what would I do with all the touring stuff I bought? lol!

7. Would you recommend your friends? Why?
Yes, trip leader was easygoing and responsible and everyone watched out for each other and was willing to make changes to accommodate other trip members when they needed to. Thanks Simon, Alex, LPG and Karl!

LPG (aka Lim)

LPG told me that this was his first long touring trip. Hard to believe at first as his bike was fully kitted out for a long road trip with those humongous boxes and that large windshield. It was great to see him enjoying himself on the rides and carving the corners with so much gung-ho. It was great having LPG on the ride as he was always around helping out with things that needed doing…including knocking on doors in the morning. Hahaha!!! Apparently, he had a problem with his carburettors during the trip which explained the less than stellar acceleration issues. I look forward to riding with him and experience his renewed Shadow!

1. What is the one word that best describes the WMLR2011 for you?
Shiok! (Is that a word?) [Ed: It is now!]

2. Describe your most memorable experience in the WMLR2011.
The most memorable experience should be going through the numerous twisty and windy roads, and the near misses …. hehehe!

3. What did you learn about yourself in this trip?

 

4. What did you learn about the others in this trip?

5. What aspect of the trip would you like to see changed in the future?
Nothing much. Maybe we should have spent less time at the petrol kiosks. Then we can get to the hotel before dark.

6. Would you do it again? Why?
Yes of course! I think this is the beginning of an addiction.

7. Would you recommend your friends? Why?
Yes. I would recommend this to anyone who loves riding motorbikes leisurely. The speed is just nice and the route was scenic.

Karl (aka karlmarx)

It is the rider, not the bike. I heard this countless times on the forums when folks would ask which bikes were best for touring. I have to admit that I had my worries when I found out that Karl would be riding a maxi scooter for the WMLR2011. Those small wheels would not go well with the huge potholes that we were going to experience. I was pleasantly surprised with how well Karl was able to keep up with his maxi scooter, despite the potholes, cracked tarmac, loss of a wheel nut and a cracked exhaust pipe! I cannot wait to see where he will go on his next bike!

1. What is the one word that best describes the WMLR2011 for you?
Fun!

2. Describe your most memorable experience in the WMLR2011.
Mountain roads.

3. What did you learn about yourself in this trip?
You don’t need the best bike or the best gear. Take away that limiting believe and have fun!

4. What did you learn about the others in this trip?
Different people different pace. Learn to accommodate.

5. What aspect of the trip would you like to see changed in the future?
Trip itself was well-planned. All credit to Simon. I think at the end of the day, it is not really the destination, but the journey. Glad to share this journey with Simon, Alex, LPG and SA. It’s been a good one.

6. Would you do it again? Why?
Definitely. Everybody needs an adventure once in awhile.

7. Would you recommend your friends? Why?
Yes. See answer to number 6.

Simon

1. What is the one word that best describes the WMLR2011 for you?
Fulfilling.

2. Describe your most memorable experience in the WMLR2011.
It is hard to describe the one most memorable experience in this ride. There were the beautiful and dramatic scenery around me, the fantastic roads with curves and bends, the warm hospitality of the staff at the Banding Lakeside Inn, the friendly assistance of the owner (Ah Peng) of the auto parts shop in Gerik, the solidarity and company of the gang, and so much more. The day that stood out most for me was when everyone rallied around with ideas to get that wheel nut fixed. It was a testimony of the togetherness that was forged in just a few days of riding together. The friendships built was my most memorable in this ride.

3. What did you learn about yourself in this trip?
I learnt that I could actually troubleshoot and fix things…hahaha!!! It would have been nice to have Tony MacGyver around though! More importantly, I really enjoyed exploring and sharing my explorations with people around me. That I found great fulfillment in bringing joy to others, and that I am very fortunate to have the support of the ones I love back home to be able to make this trip.

4. What did you learn about the others in this trip?
I learnt that everyone had something to offer regardless of experience and background. That every contribution made the trip that much better. Sure, we all had our low moments. Getting cold and wet, losing our cool, getting discouraged by our progress, worrying about our bikes and our abilities…but more important, that despite all of this, everyone pulled together to make it an enjoyable, safe and successful trip. I learnt that this spirit, above all, was what made this a great ride.

5. What aspect of the trip would you like to see changed in the future?
Every good plan can be made better through the benefit of hindsight. In this case, a better assessment of range will need to be done for future rides. It would be much better to arrive at our destinations with enough energy to enjoy the place. This would definitely be something to look into for the next ride!

6. Would you do it again? Why?
Absolutely. The opportunity to explore and make new friends is truly refreshing. It broadens my view of the world and allows others to share in my passion. I believe this is a part of my calling in life…to share my explorations with others and to empower them through this.

7. Would you recommend your friends? Why?
Certainly!  I believe that everyone can benefit from a trip like this. It is a great opportunity to learn and grow…and to enjoy what the place has to offer. It is an experience not to be missed!