Join a WMLR
I often get asked what it takes in order to be able to participate in the adventure. Would you require a bike of a certain type, capacity, speed, range etc? Do you need to be Iron Butt certified? How much would an adventure cost and how many days would be needed?
In reality, it is not difficult to participate in one of these adventures. What it takes most of all is an attitude for adventure. These are not rides for fussy individuals who need to do things in a particular set way. Due to the nature of the rides and the fact that there are many people involved, plans get changed, riding legs can drag on, destinations get switched or missed, riders get lost (and found), food options can be limited…you get the idea. So the most important attribute is that of an open mind for exploration.
The next thing to think about are the more common sense. You should be a healthy individual with a valid riding license and insurance for the class and model of bike that you intend to ride. You should be able to communicate reasonably well in English since most riders will be speaking English. Most riders would be able to speak a smattering of Cantonese, Mandarin and Malay so we should be able to get by should you be more comfortable with these.
Then comes the question of the bike. Your bike needs to be road legal in Singapore and Malaysia. Your bike needs to be able to go at highway speeds of 110kph even though we usually shy away from highways. Your bike should have a reasonable range of 180-200km at least (though you can probably get by with slightly less if you carry a jerry can with you). Your bike should be able to carry you and everything that you will need for the trip (duh).
You do not need any additional certification beyond the licensing certification for riding a bike in Singapore and Malaysia. Each riding leg would be around 150-200km so it would be preferable if you can stay on the saddle for up to two-hour stretches. We take fairly frequent breaks so this is more a maximum number than a normal number. You do need to be comfortable riding with your bike in all conditions including long straights, sweeping bends, tight corners, elevation changes, hot sunny afternoons, cold rainy nights, strong winds, heavy traffic etc. You do not need to be fast at all costs as safety is of utmost importance. Understandably, you may be faster on the straights, slower at the corners, more confident in the dry day and less in the wet night. So would I. At the same time, if you can only muster along at a 50kph pace in many scenarios then this adventure is probably not for you.
The ride usually lasts for seven days and takes place between February and April depending on availability of riders. Cost is dependent on many factors including your bike, the accommodation options that you pick, food options and others. The cost will be estimated before the start of each adventure so you will have the opportunity to make an informed assessment of your participation. Having said that, this is a very reasonably priced adventure that everyone has found rewarding!
Do get in touch should you have other questions…and suggestions!
