West Malaysia loop ride

Riding a motorcycle is fun in itself. Riding a motorcycle on great roads with fantastic scenery is even better. For me, riding a motorcycle on a long tour of West Malaysia is made memorable because of the friends I ride with. I had the pleasure to ride with some great friends in my last two WMLRs. This ride is shaping up to be very promising with six friends coming along. I will leave it to them to tell you more about themselves here. So read on and see how they answered some of the questions I sent them. Enjoy!

Alex

I have been riding with Alex in the last two WMLRs. Alex has always been the reliable joker around. He seems to have an unending supply of jokes for all sorts of situations. I enjoy riding with Alex. His easy-going nature puts everyone at ease and makes every ride that much more enjoyable. Here is how Alex answered the questions.

1. When and why did you decide to start riding?

I rode for about 3 years during my early 20s and like any good gentleman, stopped riding to pursue my Singapore Dream. However, throughout the years the passion of riding kept burning inside me, and by 2008, I can no longer cap the desire to ride. I decided then to release myself and go for it.

2. What is your best riding memory?
It has to be The Kruzer’s Seventh Anniversary ride to Fraser;s Hill as that was my first overnight ride. In addition, it was the first time that I experience my floorboard scraping the ground at almost every turn during our final ascend to the summit of Fraser’s Hill.

3. Which bike best captures your riding spirit? Why?
Of the bikes that I have ridden, the Harley Davidson FLSTNI offers the best comfort and torque for long distance riding. I like that it is sufficiently heavy and bulky for a very steady and balanced cruise.

4. Name the furthest place you have ridden to. When and why did you ride there? How was the experience?
Penang island is the furthest that I have ridden to and it was one of the destinations during the WMLR 2010. Although I had driven many times to Penang, riding there gave me a totally different sensation.

5. Why did you decide to go on the WMLR2012?
This will be my third installment and I like going on the WMLR as it is all about easy riding. We travel mostly on trunk roads that offer truly relaxing and enjoyable routes instead of rushing from Point A to Point B.

6. What bike will you be riding on the WMLR2012?
I will be riding my Harley Davidson FLSTNI.

7. What do you hope to gain from the WMLR2012?
Hope that it will be as enjoyable as WMLR 2010 and WMLR 2011. Hope that all participants will start the ride as a happy person and return an even happier one.

8. What concerns you most about riding in general? Why?
I do not like riding in heavy rain as the dangers are numerous.

LPG

I tend to chuckle to myself every time I think about LPG. I am sure you must be thinking how he got himself this very interesting nickname. I assure you that it has nothing to do with his incendiary nature because LPG is a naturally calm person who seems never to be frazzled by anything. A returning gang member from the WMLR2011, LPG provided for many fun memories. I will never forget the laughs I had when I witnessed him trying to overtake a truck somewhere between Kulai & Layang Layang last year. It was hilarious. Enough from me, here is what LPG had to say in response to the questions.

1. When and why did you decide to start riding?
I got my class 2B license in the middle of 2008. I started taking riding lessons after hearing friends talk about riding. Interestingly, those guys still do not have a motorbike license today! After getting the license I could not control myself and bought a second hand Honda Phantom…

2. What is your best riding memory?
I did not go on any bike trips before the WMLR 2011 so that was probably the most interesting riding memory I have today. The WMLR2012 may become my best riding memory yet…hahaha!

3. Which bike best captures your riding spirit? Why?
I thought cruisers were my favourite type of bike, but now I am beginning to stray towards street bikes or tourers. I think as time passes I will probably have different preferences so I can’t give you a decisive answer. Last year I answered the Yamaha Vmax was my dream bike. This year I think the Kawasaki Z1000 looks good.
4. Name the furthest place you have ridden to. When and why did you ride there? How was the experience?
The furthest places I have ridden to was on the WMLR 2011. I joined at that time to try motorcycle touring. It was tiring for my right wrist but fun for my soul.

5. Why did you decide to go on the WMLR2012?
Because of WMLR2011…

6. What bike will you be riding on the WMLR2012?
The Honda Shadow 400.

7. What do you hope to gain from the WMLR2012?
See more of Malaysia on a motorcycle and getting to know more of my fellow bikers.

8. What concerns you most about riding in general? Why?
I guess the concern would be the dangers involved. However the concern is always forgotten as soon as I mount my bike!

Nabil

I met Nabil on one of the rides I led in Singapore a few years ago. My first impression of Nabil was that he was a very courteous young man. He had the ability to handle conflict in the most natural way. A great conversationalist, there is always something to talk about when Nabil is around. It is great to have him on the gang. Here are Nabil’s answers to the questions.

1. When and why did you decide to start riding?
I started riding officially on 29th May 2009, a Friday, when I bought my first bike: the CBR150R. I had passed my class 2B License just the day before. I was in India few months before that in February for a holiday. It was my time in India, with my cousin taking me around to all sorts of places on his bike, when something clicked inside me to decide to take up this whole adventure of motorcycling. In fact, I enrolled the day after returning from India! I just loved the idea of the convenience and the fact that I can go to many more places easily…and probably coupled by my laziness to take the public transport to the Polytechnic everyday!

2. What is your best riding memory?
Oh man I have soo many beautiful memories. The one I can’t ever forget was when I organized a local riding outing on the Singapore Bikes Forum and only one person signed up. He came with his huge 1000cc Fireblade. I was shocked…how am I gonna get him to ride so slow behind me (was riding my CBR150R back then)??? We started chatting and I realized that while he was from the UK, he was born in India. he told me: “park your bike, hop onto mine and I’ll show you Singapore and the best riding routes.” So I agreed (normally I don’t take chances, especially with a guy whom I have just met), but he took me for a ride that blew me totally away. We did the 99-bends in under a minute, he showed me a stoppie and a wheelie. It was my best ride ever!!!

3. Which bike best captures your riding spirit? Why?
I would say a Street bike. I rode a Super Four for one year and never regretted it once. I loved it utterly. It is firstly very practical in a city like Singapore, it can be used as a street fighter (when you want to have that adrenaline rush) or just a normal street bike. It’s an all rounder I must say!!

4. Name the furthest place you have ridden to. When and why did you ride there? How was the experience?
George Town, Penang. Honestly I didn’t plan for it at all. I had a call from one fellow I had never met before, never ridden with before, asking whether I had any rides organized and I replied: “How about going George Town tomorrow?” It did not occur to me to think of the distance involved as I knew some friends of mine had ridden up to Penang the night before). We set off at 7pm the next day and checked into a hotel there at 4am in the morning1 It was one hell of a ride I must say, but a really thrilling one too.

5. Why did you decide to go on the WMLR2012?
I have known Simon since 2009. I knew about the first WMLR2010 he organized and was an avid follower of their journey through reading the blogs, status updates and pictures. I always wanted to join but time did not allow me too. I am thankful this year that I have more time and some leave which I can take to join in the ride which I wanted to go on 2 years ago. Thanks Simon, thank you very much for organizing this again and having me be part of the TEAM!

6. What bike will you be riding on the WMLR2012?
I will be riding my Honda Hornet 600cc, 2004 model.

7. What do you hope to gain from the WMLR2012?
I hope to learn more about my bike and about the other riders’ bikes. This is so that I can organize such a ride in the future. I want to know how I can cater to the characteristics of different bikes: the terrain, distance, range, ascents, bends etc. I also want to enjoy myself, to break loose and connect myself with the surroundings and nature, to enjoy riding at its BEST! Most importantly, I want to cherish every moment of the journey. Finally, I would love to deepen the ties with my fellow riding mates, working hand-in-hand for the safety and enjoyment of everyone throughout the ride.

8. What concerns you most about riding in general? Why?
Nothing now. I used to be quite scared when I saw or read about accidents involving riders. I even stopped and called for an ambulance once for two best friends who were killed while riding (they were killed by a car), I have seen it all. Still, that is the passion I have in riding…nothing stops me now. While safety is always a concern, with the right mentality, and with the fire in me…nothing is going to stop and hold me back.

Chris

Chris is quite the dude. Articulate and quick witted, there is never a dull moment in a discussion with Chris. My fondest impression of Chris is how he maneuvered his bike through my precision skills gymkhana course a few months ago. He negotiated the twists and turns like a pro without skipping a beat! I am sure we will have a ton of fun with Chris on the ride. See what Chris had to say to the questions.

1. When and why did you decide to start riding?
I started riding in 2008. I had just ORD-ed and had nothing else better to do when my friend asked me to take the class 2B license together. I never gave riding much thought before that but I agreed anyway. I completed my license while he gave up at last lesson because he was driving a car at that time. I decided to buy a small bike for commuting purposes and I never looked back ever since.

2. What is your best riding memory?
That following year in 2009, I got to know Tony. Both of us decided on the spur of the moment to make a one day trip up to Mersing on our Honda CBR150 and CG125. We took a relaxing ride along the trunk roads at speeds of 60-70km/h all the way. It was really memorable for me as it was my virgin touring trip, even if it was for just one day.

3. Which bike best captures your riding spirit? Why?
Depends on the itch at my backside and whether I give in to the itch to change bikes. I have not ridden many bikes so I have no idea what represents my riding spirit. For now, a bike is a winner in my book as long as it moves, is reliable, and is near indestructible. I adapt to whatever bike I am riding. To me, the rider adjusts to the bike, and not the other way round.

4. Name the furthest place you have ridden to. When and why did you ride there? How was the experience?
Melaka, for the 3 Nation Charity Ride in November 2011. It was my first experience blasting along the north south highway at 140km/h. Finally, after so long, I get to overtake vehicles on the NSHW instead of perpetually hugging the road shoulder on the left getting blown to bits every time an Optimus Prime or tour bus passes by doing 110km/h. Imagine what ridiculous speeds I could obtain if I rode a litre class bike!

5. Why did you decide to go on the WMLR2012?
I was unable to join the past rides because I was still in school. I have no such constraints now that I am done with school and not yet employed.

6. What bike will you be riding on the WMLR2012?
A Honda Super Four. I was considering taking my CBR150 but its been to many places with me already. It is time to give another bike the chance.

7. What do you hope to gain from the WMLR2012?
Nice places to go in Malaysia. I have no idea what they are like.

8. What concerns you most about riding in general? Why?
Safety, (said the person who just talked about blasting at obscene speeds along the NSHW).

Eric

I did not get a chance to meet or ride with Eric until a few nights ago during our trial ride. My impression is that he is a very steady rider, not fussed by anything the roads throw at him. He was quietly confident and I have a sense that he will be handle any situation he is presented with on the roads. Here is what Eric has to say to the questions I sent.

1. When and why did you decide to start riding?
I started riding through the influence of my friends. I remember falling in love with riding when my friend took me on his bike as a pillion in the year 2000.

2. What is your best riding memory?
Riding at 260 kph in a Yamaha Fazer 1000 with my wife.

3. Which bike best captures your riding spirit? Why?
The Yamaha Fazer 1000. I will not feel tired no matter how far I ride.

4. Name the furthest place you have ridden to. When and why did you ride there? How was the experience?
Malacca. In the years 2003 & 2011. They were fun & interesting rides.

5. Why did you decide to go on the WMLR2012?
Nabil recommended me.

6. What bike will you be riding on the WMLR2012?
The Yamaha Fazer 600.

7. What do you hope to gain from the WMLR2012?
I hope to gain more experience riding in Malaysia. I am sure it will be a wonderful and long-lasting memory in my riding life as it will be the first time I ride for six long days in a row, and in such a big group as well.

8. What concerns you most about riding in general? Why?
I am always concerned about safety. I have my loved ones waiting for me to return home.

Teng

Teng has an interesting riding history. He racked up thousands of kilometers in a very short span of a few years. I got to know Teng a short while ago when he called me about the WMLR2012. I will leave Teng to tell you more about himself through his answers to the questions.

1. When and why did you decide to start riding?
I rode a bike when I was a teenager and loved the outdoors feeling. I did not pursue riding for a long time after that but eventually decided last year that I have had enough of politics in office. I wanted to do the things that I wanted to do and that meant riding a bike and seeing the “whole world”. As such, I bought a bike in October last year and I love it.

2. What is your best riding memory?
I went on a riding trip from Singapore to Phuket last year. That trip made me feel like I have accomplished something that I never imagined I would do.

3. Which bike best captures your riding spirit? Why?
When I went shopping for a bike, I was not impressed with the service from Kawasaki, Yamaha and Triumph. I did not look at BMWs as I used to drive a BMW car and was not impressed with it. When I went to Harley Davidson, I was certainly impressed by the look of the bike and I bought it without even taking a test ride. However, after these few months, I am much more aware of bikes and would certainly consider a BMW or other Japanese bikes apart from Harleys.

4. Name the furthest place you have ridden to. When and why did you ride there? How was the experience?
I rode to Phuket in December 2011. I just felt like riding as far as I can. As such, decided to just keep riding from Singapore to anywhere and we ended up in Phuket for the New Year’s countdown.

5. Why did you decide to go on the WMLR2012?
I got to know Alex from a Harley Davidson ride and expressed to him my interest in meeting more like minded people. As such, I was introduced by Alex into this team.

6. What bike will you be riding on the WMLR2012?
I will be riding my Harley Davidson Sporster XL1200C bike for this trip

7. What do you hope to gain from the WMLR2012?
I hope to meet new friends who share the same interest in life: Live to Ride and enjoy the outdoors.

8. What concerns you most about riding in general? Why?
I would consider Safety and Discipline as most important in this ride. I certainly want to go as a team and return as a team. I also hope that we all share the same interests and are a bunch of “easy going” members to get along. I hope that from here we will continue to ride more and further into other countries.

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**Start of Edit**

I realized that I forgot to answer the questions myself so here are my answers to the same questions.

1. When and why did you decide to start riding?
I remember vividly the experience I had while I was on assignment in Danang, Vietnam back in 2006. I met the executive chef for the Furama Beach Hotel there who happened to be from Penang and we hit it off. He took me on his motorcycle then to go around the town and sample some of the street food. I remember enjoying that ride very much and thought it would be great if I could ride a bike and go around the Indo-China area in the future. I did not do anything about it until 2009 when I finally signed up for my first lesson. It was one of the best decisions I had ever made in my life.

2. What is your best riding memory?
My best riding memory is riding around the state of Johor, Malaysia with my buddy Randy. We both had a whole day to explore some of our favourite roads. It was a day of riding with only one objective – explore as many roads as possible. We rode all the way till Temerloh, Pahang and eventually covered the entire length and breadth of Johor as well. I did not think much about it at that time but the memory of that ride is what came up when I asked myself this question.

3. Which bike best captures your riding spirit? Why?
I am an explorer at heart and my riding spirit is adventurous as well. I enjoy riding to places I have never been to, meeting people and sampling the food on offer. While I do am no slouch when riding, I do enjoy a relaxed pace more than excessive speed. After all, the whole point of riding is to enjoy the experience and the environment. The bike that best captures this spirit would be an adventure bike: one that has a relaxed riding posture, a good range, sufficient power, some off road capability and a really comfortable seat. At the same time, I think my riding style is quite unique. So the bike that captures this spirit best would be the Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX. Go look it up and you will know what I mean 🙂

4. Name the furthest place you have ridden to. When and why did you ride there? How was the experience?
The furthest place I have ridden to must be Jeli, Kelantan. Very few people would have heard of this tiny little town but it is the gateway to one of the best riding roads that West Malaysia has to offer: Route 4. I rode there in both the previous WMLRs and I have to say the experiences were both unforgettable. The first time in 2010 I rode there in the day time. The sweeping bends and sloping hills made for some of the best scenic rides around. The second time in 2011 was completely different as I rode there at night. I could not see much but the view was spectacular when I looked up: the sky was FILLED with stars…and I saw a wild elephant at the side of the road too!

5. Why did you decide to go on the WMLR2012?
I had decided back in 2010 that I would like to do this ride every year if I can. So here I am organizing this year’s installment while I still have the time and energy!

6. What bike will you be riding on the WMLR2012?
I will be riding Anker, my trusty Honda CB400. Anker has been my faithful steed for the last ride as well and is the perfect bike for this kind of riding.

7. What do you hope to gain from the WMLR2012?
The WMLR has become my annual retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life in busy Singapore. I get to spend some long hours on my bike in solitude, and time with like-minded friends at the end of each leg of riding to kick back and relax with. I am looking forward to seeing new places, sampling new food and meeting new friends. I came back from the last two rides with a fresh perspective on life and I look forward to gaining new insight this time round too.

8. What concerns you most about riding in general? Why?
Like every other person in the gang, my biggest concern is that of safety. I do take it very seriously which is why I never ride anywhere without being fully geared up. I believe that safety begins in the mind and must permeate every aspect of a rider. What is the point of spending all that money in a cool bike just to crash it? What about spending tons of cash on protective gear and then ride recklessly? At the end of the day, I believe that it all begins with safety in mind. Being alert to every aspect of the ride. The bike, the gear, the roads and the traffic…and the pedestrians too, obviously, is what will matter most. See, I think that riding slow does not mean riding safe. Equally, riding fast does not mean reckless. It all depends on the context. If I ride outside of my capability, if I ride without regard to every other road user, then I am being irresponsible and reckless. So I do my best to ride differently.

**End of edit**

And that rounds up everyone in the gang! Come follow us as we ride on in the days to come!