water monkey

My Year 2009 Trips

2010-02-04T22:27:00.003+08:00

It's been some time since I last blog. Happen to meet up a friend for coffee chit and start to talk about blogging......so here I start my blog again.

This is a video compilation of my year 2009 trips.

My New Camera

2009-05-10T09:56:00.004+08:00

I've just bought a new below average 8.1mp camera to replace my 2nd hand old 4mp camera as the latter photo quality was not good especially night scene.

Somehow, I've developed an interest in photography during my tour rides and I still have a long way to learn to take nice photos as compared with my peers.

Every photos taken tell a story or a memory of what, where and when I've been. [the 3-Y analytical tool which I'd used in my work sometimes]

Bought my camera along when meeting Eugene for the photos transferred last Saturday and I've taken 2 photos 'secretly' to test out the quality...

What I can say is I'm pleased with my camera though is not of a high range.

I'm now waiting for my next trip to put my camera into real test...
:)

Eugene lubricating his bike's chain

3 DAYS EAST COAST TRIP

2009-05-03T20:30:00.027+08:00

Day 3 – GENTING & PORT DICKSON [19 Apr 2009]

Completion of 3 days trip

Finally I got the photos & some videos of the trip from Eugene. Nice photoshots, it was well taken and I've still got some photography lessons to learn from Eugene.

Thanks Eugene for sharing the photos & videos!

The weather was cool and road was clear usually in the morning in Malaysia which we’ve encountered these 3 days unlike in Singapore, kind of stuffy and warm. This kind of weather gives one’s a peaceful and comfortable, carefree feeling. Non-stress and is good for riding too…

We left Rawang and rode to Batang Kali which was the route to Genting from behind, less traffic. It suited us well.

Greenery was everywhere on both sides of the road and we’ve a good, pretty clear view of the mountains including Genting in the background while travelling.

Halfway thru Batang Kali, the road was straight with occasionally some bends here and there. We could see rows of plant on both sides and couldn’t resist taking some pictures along the way when nature at its best…..

Batang Kali Route; To Genting; The bends

Out of nowhere and naive we’re, gradually the minor bends becomes uphill of steep bends here and there. We’re kind of 'forced' to cornering at our best [felt like Valentino Rossi again as encountered in Gerik, but speed is much slower, hahaa]

After having getting used and fun of the uphill steep bends, we reached the 3-quarters mark at an altitude of 1265m and paused a while, appreciating the nature.

Rest to appreciate Genting; Eugene's GPS showed we're at an altitude of 1265m

Further up Eugene and I made another stop for photo-takes, at the same time waiting for Daniel. It was a wonderful feeling and a wonderful sight to be with the passing cloud…

Waited for sometimes when we still did not see Daniel, Eugene decided to look for Daniel while I stay put with the bikes. Daniel’s bike had a hard time riding up and his bike couldn’t started.

Eugene gave a lending hand to push started Daniel’s bike, it ended well with the 3 of us gathered for photo shot. Touring with no photo shot is tasteless like soupwithout ingredient. :D

Cool Eugene; A relax me; Daniel,Eugene & Me together

Our bikes

We continued our rides and reached the top of Genting at an altitude of 1647m. What a spectacular view it was.

View of the route & mountainous...

As we walked to take our breakfast at Mary Brown before going to the Casino, people would look at us 'strangely' because we’re in our riding gears, jackets, riding boots, totally different from those tourists in their holiday dressing or businessman in smart suit. We’re kind of out-of-place, but who’s cares. hahahahaa.

We're @ 1647m above sea level; Parked our bikes; Eugene's Vara125 battered rear tire

The infamous graffiti on staircase landing; Mary Brown's nasi lemak

It’s been years since I lasted visited Genting by coach and the rules are flexible. We could enter the Casino with our riding gears. In the past, it would have to be long sleeve [before that with tie] or batik shit.

Time has changed and so was the Casino. There were LCD monitors to show the betting set/scene. Along the column/wall, there were more LCD monitor showing repeated EPL, La Liga football channels.

I tried my luck on the one-arm bandit, probably this is out-of-phrase as jackpot are computerize now without the ‘arm’… I lost 10 bucks for the fun of it and we hanged around for 2~3 hours before we left Genting for North South Highway via KLIA as Daniel had to go back at 5pm.

I’m felt disappointed that we had to go off after we came all the way to Genting just for few hours, it was a kind of touch & go trip. I’ll come back to Genting again if the opportunity come and will not repeated this type of touch & go trip, at the very least I’ll stay a night.

Going down Genting is no joke and we left at a time where coaches began to left Genting. Traffic considered heavy and it was scary initially. After sometimes, I did manage a few cornering with ease but still a lot of improvement needed to make U-turn cornering

DOWNSLOPE smoothly!!!

KLIA traffic volume was high and in a way congested, we’ve to squeeze in-between the cars and stopped for petrol before entering North South Highway.

We parted way with Daniel at the petrol station at 2pm and since Eugene and I had some times, we decided to visit one more place – Port Dickson.

Eugene rode into Ayer Keroh petrol station as I followed him, I signalled to him that my bike’s fuel is enough to reach Pagoh. Asked him is his bike’s fuel enough, he replied ok.

We reached Pagoh exit and lucky at this point, Eugene’s Vara125 fuel emptied, it came to a stop and he had to push UPSLOPE for some distance to the petrol station. Can’t imagine if we’re to stuck mid-way North South Highway, probably I'd top-up fuel at the next petrol station in a bottle and U-turn back while Eugene stay put to look after his bike.

And indeed luck was on his side, after few meter, he ‘rocked’ his bike and able to start with some residue fuel. Guess he was an experience rider/tourer who knows how to react in situation.

After fuelling up our fuel tanks, we proceeded to Port Dickson

beach, clear blue sea with not many activities. After some photo taking, we went to Port Dickson’s town for lunch [too late] or

dinner [too early] or teabreak [heavy teabreak???]. It was hot and I rode with my jacket in my box.

Port Dickson beach

I had mee goreng [look more like cha kway teow] and share with Eugene a plate of rojak. Eugene ordered roti prata…we had ABC [not guiness stout] but ABC ice. It was nice and refreshing, I ordered 2 ABC to quench my thirst. To my liking, not too sweet, just nice.

ABC's stall; ABC ice; My mee goreng + rojak

Eugene roti prata

We had our filled and proceeded to GP Petronas. We met a familiar face at GP Petronas, Eugene has some hearted chat with him as he was well-liked by most bikers. : )

I had some friendly, buddy-like chat with Eugene before we called it a day.

These 3 days adventure were great ... glad I’m did this tour, though we were tired with average riding of 12 hours daily, we managed and experienced the misty weather, tough terrain, the unexpected Eugene bike’s footrest broken, the nasty cricket in my food [though to some is nothing, yeah probably I over-reacted]…blah blah blah, overall we were thrilled with the fun we’re having. :D

For these 3 days, we were lucky the weather was good...and total distance covered 1735km. We've made it round the East Coast of Malaysia...

Pictures and video courtesy from Eugene...

My Passion My Dream

2009-05-02T09:04:00.007+08:00

Still pending for day3 photos because I'm busy these few weeks...will get it soon.

Well, here is a video compilation of the trips that I've been to.

For every new trip, the feeling is different...in terms of road condition, weather, kakis, be it few of us [2 0r 3 person] or in a convoy of 20~30 people.

Every of my trips, I really enjoy the rides, the company and the friendship that bonded...

Last but not least, I want to live my life fullest because we only lived once...

My Passion My Dream = My Life

3 DAYS EAST COAST TRIP

2009-04-25T10:21:00.027+08:00

Day 3 – 19 Apr 2009

These are the 2 photos of Eugene and me by Daniel, on top of Gerik icon signage. As a young-at-heart and at times playful, I climbed further up with Eugene and waving the flag heartily....hahahaha.

At times I wondered do I look, feel like I'm in my 40. More of a 14 years old lad to me :)

Eugene and me on top of GERIK sign

Me waving the flag if I've CONQUERED Gerik...hahaaa

This morning I woke up by the alarm, not from my handphone which I doubled it as alarm clock daily, but from the cars alarm. Daniel bike-key alarm was too activated…

And for the 1st time in my life, I brushed my teeth with a water hose. The budget hotel was indeed budgeted with simple facility, a double-bed, toilet functioned also as a bathroom which is fine for me. BUT there was no wash basin, so as traveller I make do with the hose. Well it still does the job...

We left the budget hotel at 6.30am for the next destination. The sky was still dark, the place Rawang was quiet and cool unlike last night full of people and trafficccc

I like the early morning weather, environment which gave one peaceful feeling.

Take a last photo with my camera that I took inside the police station of our bikes before my camera went 'Batery depleted...beep' and it went dead. So for the rest of the journey, I'd to rely on Eugene's camera.

I've forgotten that I still have my 3.2mp handphone camera, picute quality is not that lousy and good enough for simple photography.

But I've forgotten about it till I came back, is this the sign I'm into my silver year...

*to be continue for my day3 adventure

3 DAYS EAST COAST MALAYSIA TRIP

2009-04-21T22:50:00.030+08:00

Day 2 – Full Gerik [18 Apr 2009]

After a day of 15 hours riding and a night of well rested body and soul, we started our journey to Gerik at 6am in the morning because we do not want to be caught up as Day1 with the dark and foggy weather. We timed that by the time we reached Gerik, it will be bright and shine in the morning.

We loaded up our stuffs to our bikes and prepared to set-off. Suddenly I heard a ‘thud’ sound of bike fallen and saw Eugene’s bike on the ground. I helped him to lift up the bike and saw his right footrest has broken off. The cause of bike fallen was due to Eugene forgotten to remove his lock from the front wheel disc brake.

Eugene's bike footrest GONE...but not his spirits

With no alternatives of fixing or swapping his rear footrest, we rode off to Gerik town with Eugene riding with no footrest to hold on his feet. The front brake also came in contact when riding making Eugene uncomfortable with his bike. But what to do, still need to ride it. Suggest to him if he felt uneasy and wanted to U-turn back home, I’ll be with him…my thought ‘We came together, we back together’.

The morning ride was good, weather cooling and road condition clear with not many traffic. We went through Rantau Panjang checkpoint and to Gerik town via the close border of Betong next to it.

Nice scenery along the road to Gerik town. Reached Gerik town and we settled down for breakfast of rice with veggy, chicken drumstick and squid for me. It’s a self-serving meaning we just took how much we want.

Route to Gerik; Grik 155Km - Eugene start to ride off; Riding off

Nice scenery; Cold in the morning - nice weather; Mist and the many many insects on my visor

Well I just took moderate portion as I’m not a big eater. After a few mouthfuls, what a nasty and disgusting sight I’ve…a black cricket below my veggy. It immediately caused me to lose my appetite and spoiled my day. What the hell I’m cursing inside but still I finished the rice, drumstick and squid as I still need to fill up my stomach for the long journey ahead. As for the cricket and veggy, I’m not into fear-factor and left those 2 untouched.

The cricket, arghhhh + yuck yuck yuck + pui pui pui!!!

After breakfast, Daniel checked with a local, as he is more conversant in Malay, is there any bike shop around to fix Eugene’s bike footrest. Lucky there was a bike shop around the corner and Eugene got his bike fixed with RXZ’s footrest, damaged RM20 for a pair.

Without much ado, we proceeded to Gerik as we’re behind time. We’ve fun riding the trunk road of Gerik with many up and down turns and the nice scenery of mountains, greenery and lake. It also improved our skills.

Singapore road is kind of monotonous and is a big difference if one ever rode on Malaysia soil. We reached 3 quarters of Gerik and hit upon Gerik town and have our lunch at KFC. It was hot and Eugene’s camera memory was full.

Eugene's bike fixed with RXZ footrest, damaged RM20...

After lunch, we rode around the town as Eugene wanted to buy new memory card but it cost RM60 for a 1GB memory card. End up he burnt all his photos into a CD for RM5 and clear his memory card for more photos to be taken.

While waiting for Eugene in a coffeeshop, I dosed off again under the hot weather. And feeling bored, I went opposite to look see look see and bought a few stickers as souvenir.

We started to proceed again with the remaining quarter of Gerik which I lasted went through when going to Betong. Reached the Gerik icon signage, this time Eugene and me climbed further up the GERIK sign and from there I took some pictures that were awesome.

GERIK icon signage; Daniel below; An elated Eugene

Top view from GERIK signage

Feeling great with the Gerik trip, we went to Rawang for a night stay to prepare for day3. Reached Rawang at night, there was no street light and traffic was busy. It made our riding tough. And as the going gets tough, the tough gets going.....our spirits was still high!

Couldn’t found a place to stay, we took our dinner at 10pm in Uma Yam, 10 minutes ride after Rawang as we’re famished and tired before deciding where to stay put. During dinner, Daniel remembered he saw a budget hotel at Rawang, so back to Rawang we booked a budget hotel for the night. Eugene and me again shared a room [we're NOT gay!!!, LOL] and as usual Daniel has his own room.

While parking our bikes with Daniel checking the hotel price, a lady told us that Rawang here have bikes stolen almost every night and suggested to us to park opposite inside the police station.

The budget inn hotel

It made us worried and we went to ask for permission to park our bikes INSIDE the police station. The policemen were friendly and agreed to our request. While parking inside the police station and chained and locked our bikes, I joked with Eugene ‘Aren’t we ‘insulting/belittle’ them that we have to chain and locked our bikes INSIDE their premises'.

Rawang polis station - Eugene; Kup kia with thick chain and locked

Well is always better be safe than sorry as we saw a kup kia with chained and locked much tighter than ours. Went to our room and took our bath and rested to prepare for day3….

* to be continue. My camera battery went flat with no photos for day3, pending Eugene to post his photos…

3 DAYS MALAYSIA EAST COAST TRIP

2009-04-20T07:35:00.030+08:00

3 DAYS EAST COAST TRIP
17 ~ 19 APRIL 2009

Day 1 – East Coast of Malaysia

Part of the East Coast I've been

Kota Bharu

I began this trip 4am early in the morning to meet up with Daniel & Eugene @ Kranji MRT. I was the first to arrive, followed by Daniel. Eugene was late again and when I called him 30 minutes later, he was still at home. So Eugene, if you see this blog, pls be punctual. LOL.

Well while waiting for Eugene, Daniel and me rest or sleep a while on the pavement. Eugene came at 5am, without delay, we rode to 1^st link and start our east coast ride to Mersing for breakfast with Eugene leading and Daniel behind.

Daniel sleep on pavement

Mersing

A small town with lots of colorful boats, a few of them heading toward Tioman Island.

It was fogging and cold along the way to Mersing at 6am. We rode on route no.3 and I was stressed out after breaking away from Eugene when he overtook a truck because I used his VARA125 rear red light to guide me before I lost him. The visibility of the road was only about 2 or 3m, all I had to guide me is the white lines.

Literally we were riding almost blindly and I was traveling around 50kmh without knowing when is the turning or any obstruction in front.

Lucky Daniel came up after sometimes and he rode in front with his blinking lights as marker. Eugene waited for us and we stopped to clear our visor of

the condensation. My spec were misted too because I lifted up my visor for a better view but it seem to get worst.

Condition of the visibility was getting better as the sky slowly brighten up. We reached Mersing around 8am though I do not keep the timing.

We took our breakfast along the roadside which reminds me of Spore in the 70s. It was a much needed rest and I had a simple yet rich breakfast of steaming hot Luo Mai Kai and Siew Mai plus a cup of nice hot coffee.

Park our bikes beside the roadside coffeeeshop; The coffeeshop; Hot steam buns, siew mai & luo mai kai

We proceed with our journey and along the way, took some nice photos of the Coast. The weather was getting

hot and we rested for drink at a coffee shop to keep us from dehydrated. Rest and lots of water/drinks is a

‘protocol’ for long haul trip to keep riders with the energy and mentality for safe riding.

Some photos taken - The East Coast Beach; My reliable Super Four; Route to Kuantan

Turning sign; Another coffeeshop - good about coffeshop in malaysia is we can park our bikes beside it, no worry of summon; Daniel, Me, Eugene

Kuantan

A developed but relaxed city.

Cherating

A very long beach with a long stretch of western restaurants, resorts and activities...

Reached the public Cherating beach @ Kuantan, Capital of Pahang, The beach was quiet and calm with very few locals and Ang Mos, maybe due to

it isn't popular as Club Med Cherating beach which is some distance beside it.

We had our lunch here. The fried rich was sedap - malay

for delicious under the shelter roof with the hot midday

breeze blowing and I could still dozed off! Tired after 400km ride…

Kelantan

The relaxed Islamic Capital of Kelantan ("Land of Lightning") with lots of museum & performances for the mind and lots of food stalls for the body.

We rode past Terengganu and into Kota Bahru, Kelantan. This is yet another impromptu trip where we do not booked a hotel in advance before or during the trip. we just rode and find a hotel or any place to stay for a night.

I like it this way as it was more of an adventure, exploration, carefree and thrill rather than the same old style of so-called monotonous, effective, efficient ‘good, great planning’ as in our work.

Booked into Azam Hotel, Eugene and me shared a room while Daniel took a room. We unloaded our stuff and took a ‘long-wishing, needed’ bath to clean ourselves of the dust, dirt and the many many small insects which covered our visor, helmets, bikes and us, the human body…hahahaahahaaa

Saw a pamphlet of A&W and was getting excited about it as A&W in Singapore has closed down. Needless to say, we had an A&W dinner and I ordered 2 Rootbeer floats.

Taste was different, it is less sweet from the one I had in Singapore. I prefer the old A&W Rootbeer float in Singapore. After dinner, we went to walk around and explore the night market, pasar malam selling mostly clothing with few cuttlefish stalls.

Me @ A&W Kelantan; My one and a half finished Rootbeer Floats; Pasar Malam - Eugene

We rested into the night for the preparation of tomorrow trip to …..

* Day 2 to be continue…..

1 Day 2 Trips

2009-04-05T16:04:00.023+08:00

4 APRIL 2009
MALACCA AND BUKIT INDUS TRIPS

For this Malacca trip, I set out very early from 6am in the morning to meet up some of the guys @ Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim exit 15A Shell petrol station where most bikers would meet before entering Malaysia thru the 2nd Link.

Nittybing

When I arrived, Nittybing – new biker was already there with his Phantom. Followed by Bryan and Daniel arrived. I’ve forgotten to bring my RM and SGD was not enough, so I made a trip nearby ESSO petrol station to draw some SGD.

Almost reaching ESSO petrol station, my bike engine dies off. My fuel is low and I pushed a short distance [very lucky] and pump petrol. Engine oil indicator lights up and bike couldn’t start with a ‘rusty, very rough’ crank sound. Bought a 4L engine oil cost me SGD 100+ and top-up engine oil and bike started. I’m lucky it did not happen in North South Highway – that’ll be very troublesome.

Went back to JAI, saw the rest there – Insaint[Patrick], SP, Flareon1982 [Joseph]. We proceed to meet Huairen’s [Eugene] group @ GP Petronas cos we’re late due to the minor hiccup I’ve and missed the kopi & loti session with Bryan. But is still nice riding with him. :)

Bryan @ GP Petronas

Reached GP Petronas, saw the group of 10+ bikers there, some with pillions. Few new faces but the group gel together well along the trip. FRIENDSHIP BONDED. :)

Miracle’s HAYA-baja having some problem with the bike rpm idling at 4k rpm. Some of the guys help-out to trouble-shoot. Problem lies with her throttle cable stuck and Steve helped her to rectify. Problem solved and Miracle was happy that she gave Steve kisses which last seem like minutes, hours. Steve face was as his X9 becomes ‘RED BULB’.

Well, I exaggerated abit. Hmm ok in fact I added the last part of kissing. *Just to make it more lively…LOL.

As usual, rest with some catch-up chatting and we proceed to Machap followed by Pagoh petrol station with Eugene leading and Steve as sweeper. I leisurely followed Steve with Bryan and Oriental[Shadow400].

At Pagoh, the other Super-Four members arrived
– Lacerdust/Wee Li [though he nick is Stardust but we prefer to call him Lacerdust hehehee] with his partner, Jeanne
– Fling/Andy with his partner. [Didn’t get her name, trying not to be a RED BULB…heheee]
– Chawanmushi [hard for me to pronoun], Japanese egg with his partner [jialat, forget her name]
– Allan, met him 1st time
Lacerdust with partner, Jeanne

They traveled ‘open throttle 180kmh’ and able to meet us @ Pagoh. Actual they’re traveling at 160kmh constant and that’s the reason why Wee Li is called Lacerdust by us. Heheehe.

Total 18 bikes and we proceed to our destination, Malacca.

Eugene, the organiser

Eugene told me to be Marker. So I blur blur followed him to Ayer Keroh entrance point leaving the rest behind with Daniel’s taking over the leading role.

Reaching Ayer Keroh, Eugene asked me why I followed him, told him to be marker, right. He told me is AFTER MALACCA TOLL, hahahaaha.

His intention of getting Ayer Keroh 1st was to video the guys and gals on their bikes. Guess I’m the only one left out of his production aka Malacca 2B trip.

Into Malacca, we had our lunch [me very hungry, I did not eat breakfast], famous Chicken Rice Ball. The chicken meat is tender and nice. Kind of chewy. Somehow the rice ball, nothing special to me except it just looked like fish-ball.

Chicken Rice Ball stall, Chicken with rice balls look like fish balls; Me nonchalantly enjoying my Chendol

We also ate chendol and I tried the Mango ice-kacang. Not to my liking. The other members try the laska, food fritters etc…..

Half-way, Oriental called Eugene. He's coming over solo as he is late and missed the group.
We met him inside the Cendol stall and I ordered Mango Ice-Kacang - verdic: not to my liking.

The group separated into 3 and to meet again at 4pm where we parked our bikes. Malacca town is small, so won’t get lost easily.

At 3pm, Daniel and one of the SP biker had to leave and back to Singapore. Daniel a happy man as he had eaten what he wanted and bought what he wanted – pineapple tarts.

We walked around look see look see. It was hot and the group suggest we go to the shopping mall – for AIRCON. All the way to Malacca, we looked for AIRCON, crazy huh??? LOL

In the mall, we came to a interesting net surfing ‘vendor’ machine. Steve slotted in RM0.20 for 2 minutes of surfing time and we logged in clumsily due to time limitation to SBF, to make our presence ‘seem’ LOL.

Eugene writing in sbf; The forum page we wrote

Finally we called it a day and proceed back to GP Petronas via Machap, Pagoh for petrol stop. Along the way, WaitForMe, bike had to push start and bike dies off once throttle is off. He has to constantly ramp up his RPM to prevent bike's engine dies off.

We reached GP Petronas 9pm+ and the group went home. The Super-four group led by Bryan, hollanded and went straight into 1st link.

Eugene, Steve, Darren, Stanley & me proceed to meet up with Encik Pat at GP Petronas going to Johor. We’re at GP Petronas going back to Singapore….hmmmm. Wonder how to go back to meet Encik Pat without going to toll. Eugene made a ‘special’ U-turn and we meet Encik Pat’s gang.

Few familiar faces – Lao Uncle, Sam + partner. New faces – Rev’s, Vidak and some members who I do not know their name. A friendly bunch of bikers.....

We move-off. It has been sometimes since I rode at night in North South Highway, I like the silent night, cool weather, with only the front bikes rear red light as marker.

Reached Bt Indus, I ordered Frog’s leg porridge. The frog’s leg serving is generous and nice. Do not lose out to Geylang and Joo Chiat. Will patronized again when I’ve the time.

Frog's leg porridge

After makan, chatting, we proceed to next stall, the famous Old Town White Coffee for coffee!!!
I was too tired and did not really engage much on the conversation…all I want is a GOOD SLEEP now !!! LOL.

We went back around 1am. Gosh, Eugene, Steve, Darren, Stanley and me are dead tired, having been traveling whole day…..but feel good with the ride.

Eugene, Vidak, Darren, Steve tired-looked

Kg Pendas Sunday Lunch

2009-03-25T06:44:00.019+08:00

KAMPONG PENDAS LUNCH WITH VARAs AND FRIENDS
22 FEB 2009

It was a cooling sunday afternoon, I met up with the VARAs group and friends to Kg Pendas for lunch.

I like this kind of cooling weather after the rain [is it, can't remember is it after rain, LOL]. Singapore is either hot sunny day or wet raining day which makes traveling sux.

As usual, met up in GP Petronas saw YanCurly, David+Mavis, Fuji & Niall all riding Varadero 1k.

I bought 750ml 100plus to quench my thirst. Everytime I reached GP Petronas I would feel thirsty after the ride.

Along the way, the other joined in [not in order] - Don Didi + Mel, James + Nia.

The last to arrive was a HAYA........teh. To be exact, SUZUKI Hayateh, kup chai rode by Joemac + Suzie, hahaahaaa.

Eddie riding alone a Deauville 650 joined our group after some chat with Fuji.

HAYA...teh>>>

The group has some heartily chat and was joking with the 2 fierce kup chai - Sparkz & Haya---teh. Why fierce??? Because both using full face helmets with Don Didi using a high end Schuberth full-face helmets.

Chatting

We set off via North-South Highway and turn to Nusajaya and thru the long winding trunk road to Kg Pendas because James STX1300 is too big to squeeze thru the short-cut behind GP Petronas.

Reaching Kg Pendas, we park our bikes and leisurely continue to have our lunch. 2 tables with 10+ members. Halfway thru the lunch, Noh called that he was in GP Petronas towards Singapore.

Kg Pendas >>>

Don & David guided him thru the handphone to Kg Pendas. A berrrr-nice looking black-yellow Africian Twin arrives. Noh joined us for the lunch.

Lunch was good with prawns, ikans, squid kichit[is this the spelling for small in malay, LOL].....+ tom yan soup & the nice conversation with laughter. :)

I broke the chair while chatting happily, wondering am I putting on weight lately. LOL.

Sumptuous lunch

After lunch, we went for bike wash nearby while Don+Mel get the goreng pisang. Bike wash shop closed but everyone was not affected by it. Who's cares...is the company that we love riding together with.

We rode back to GP Petronas, chat and enjoy the goreng pisang and 'ikan-roll' something like that.

Riding back to GP >>>

I like the goreng pisang, different from Singapore. Is a half banana that look like being 'flatten' and crispy fried. Taste sweet, is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Finished our goreng pisang and chat, we headed home at 5pm to rest and prepare for next day work.....

Nice outing with the guys and gals plus the 2 KUP-CHAI!

Photos courtesy by David & Eddie

David & Niall Eddie's bike

2009-03-21T18:31:00.037+08:00

MY FIRST SOLO TRIP - MALACCA
21 MARCH 2009
Distance covered 423km

Today I done a solo tour ride to Malacca after the planned Endau Rompin group trip was cancelled. I choose Malacca as the destination because the distance is ideal [not too far or short] for my comfort. Plus it was the birth place of my father.

Before the trip, it was a hard decision should I do it alone because it can be stressful and problematic if anything happens in a foreign land - bike breakdown, stolen, robbed etc.

I decided to do it, to venture it out, to see what it is like. In life, if we're constantly fear of this and that, we won't be able to achieve much. and not to forget we only lived once....

I began the journey doing some errand from 8am and reached the usual 2nd link GP Petronas at 9am to top up fuel and have a light breakfast, so I can try more Malacca delicacies.

This is what I'd - a 1.5l 100plus [which I always bought to drink during my trip along the way] and a peanut bread.

I reached Pagoh Shell through North-South Highway after 1.5hrs, travelling around 120~130kmh, distance 146km. I love Shell V-power which makes my engine feel smooth. I thought of top-up my fuel at Ayer Keroh to save time as I believe my super-four fuel tank is able to last till Ayer Keroh. But since I'm on my own, I played safe to top-up at Pagoh.

Meet a group of Singapore Yamaha FJR bikers, chat with the lead-man, they are going to Seremban waterfall and asked if I want to tag alone. I replied courteously that I'm doing a solo trip to Malacca and thanks for his offer. I'd like to continue with my solo trip.

We chatted and at the same time resting. I moved off together with them and proceed to Malacca with my MP3. The ride was hot and my ear was 'hurt' with the 'bulky' earpiece but can still tolerate for the only 'companion' I've.

Travelling at 120~130kmh, I can barely hear the music + the sound of the 'hissing' wind which is louder than my music. :(

As I approached the entrance of Malacca thru Bandar Melaka, I slowed down to make sure I do not overshot. I gauged where is Bandar Melaka thru my bike meter. Malacca is est. 204km.

Into Malacca street, I rode at 60 kmh as I'm not familiar with the places I'm going especially Jonker street.

Although Malacca is the 3rd smallest Malaysian state, it is bustling with tourists. Traffic is heavy and can see tour buses with loads and loads of tourists.

Malacca is bursting with life which is the opposite of Ipoh that is slow, serene and gives one a relax feel.

The state is divided into 3 districts, that is Central Melaka (Melaka Tengah) (314 km²), Alor Gajah (660 km²), and Jasin (676 km²).

I reached Central Melaka total about 2 or 2.5hrs from GP Petronas. I took some picutres of the places of interest.

I did not go in the World Heritage, the Chirst Church and miss out other attraction as I just want to familiar with the places. And I'll be coming to Malacca again next 2 weeks with 20+ bikes and still counting. The group tour was getting hot and I just can't believe that it was originated with few of our usual kakis and now expanded to 20+ bikers. Is like the Labis waterfall trip which i went with 30 bikers and is so 'grand'. :)

World Heritage with my maps; The Melaka iconic Christ Church; Chinese Temple

Rode into Jonker street and feeling hungry, I went to search for the something to eat and famous chendol. Not going to try the famous chicken rice ball as it is very crowded and the one that is quiet is not the original.

Jonker street, it is a one-way, one lane street with cars park beside it. Saw a chendol 'stall' with lots of patrons and decided this is the one I'm going to try.

I have a hard time to park my bike, saw one small 'lot' and I just squeezed in-between the cars. Told the 'stall' boss that I'd remove my bike if the owner of the car wanted to move out. The owner with a 'expression-less' face told me that that was his car. That's just too good for me as I can comfortably and worry-free to eat my lunch.

I ordered a normal baba-chendol with gula malaka [which Malacca is famous of. I've tried Ayer Hitam chendol, it is indian style and 'saltish' type] and baba laska RM3.50. I like the laska, it kind of like penang-laska. Chendol-wise ok, not too sweet to my liking and feel refreshed under the hot sun that my arms also perspire....

Park my bike; Chendol and laksa stall; Chendol & Laksa; the other plate is others, sharing of table :)

Chicken-rice ball stall

Walk, ride, walk, ride and i bought the Malacca state flag badge as a souvenir of my trip. Decide to head home after around 2 hrs i think in Malacca.

Head back to North South Highway and half-way thru in Machap, it's raining. I was drenched and went home thru 1st link. Reached home around 5pm.

<<< Raining @ Machap

For this trip, I've done some preparation work especially studying the maps which I feel is important. What is the place famous for - food, place of interest, culture etc

The good point of doing solo is I can travel at the speed I want and comfortable with, stop anytime, go anywhere but the minus point is no one to consult, to ask if anything happens. Can be lonely and that's the reason I'm not staying over.

This trip make me feel is much better to travel at least with a companion for morale support as it's a lone journey of total 8hrs, for company, to chat during trip.

Will I do solo trip again, I don't know because is a challenge and 'achievement' to me for doing solo... :D

I bought Malacca state flag here; Stopped by machap to relax my 'tight' right thigh

Insects covered my visor; Feeling hungry and grab 2 curry puff from Pagoh Esso

Ipoh, Gerik & Betong Impromptu Trip

2009-02-23T21:04:00.037+08:00

3-Days Ipoh, Gerik and Betong Impromtu Tour Ride
[20 Feb~ 22 Feb 2009]

Day 1, 20 Feb Friday

It was a nice Friday's morning, weather was pleasantly good with sunshine bright and cool. I began setting out for this 'long' awaited impromptu trip or some called it ad-hoc trip.

While travelling along BKE, KJE and AYE to Tuas 2nd link, the traffic was heavy and I was ½ hrs late meeting up Bay & Daniel.

Meet-up @ GP Esso

I reached GP Esso at 8.30am, meet up with the guys. We rested a little and started to begin our long journey along the North-South Highway. It was a smooth and pleasant ride, road condition - normal straight road with not much traffic unlike BKE, KJE & AYE that i encountered earlier.

Our first stop was Pagoh, followed by Dengkil petrol station to top-up our petrol. I had my lunch at Dengkil before we reach our 1st destination, Kellie's castle.

Kellie's Castle was known to be haunted. There is a bear-image tree on the garden and it was a 3-storey high and spacious colonial building. It is now empty and run-down.

Bear-image tree

Kellie's Castle

Our next destination, Ipoh town. A quiet town which remind of Singapore in the 70s. Reached Ipoh in the evening, booked Excelsior hotel for a night. Ride and park our bikes near the road side restaurant and order plum drinks [I had 2 glasses, very nice and quenching] + ya chai ji, famous chicken rice with fat bean sprouts in Ipoh.

Me riding in T-shirt, short & run-down SLIPPERS @@

Daniel, Me & Bay toasting on reaching our 1st destination, Ipoh

We stayed in Ipoh, Hotel Excelsior for a night. Bay & me share a room, damage RM158. [Note - I'm straight, so is Bay. LOL]

Day 2, 21 Feb Saturday

Next morning after breakfast, we move off at 8am and proceed our journey to Gerik.

We stopped at Lasar to take some photos. The mountain view was magnificient and weather is cold. Can feel my hands icy-cold even with my gloves on. I like this kind of weather.

Stop by to take photos

A refreshing me at the midpoint of Lasar

From Lasar's View

The trunk road ahead was winding and with slope going up and down. It was a great experience for me and I enjoying cornering my bike, one's has to be careful with the traffic.

The view, the weather, the music [with my MP3 on] and the ride was wonderful.

We reached Gerik after few hours, can't remember to be exact. The trunk road was same as Lasar, long winding, slope-y trunk road with trees along both side of the mountain.

I love the ride and view. I began to realise trunk road is much more fun riding than the straight normal North-South Highway for travelling. Unless one goes for speed, then Noth-South Highway is the road to go. Still continuing with our journey riding with my faithful MP3.

Half-way mark, we took photos on the Gerik-icon signage. Being the young-at-heart me, I climbed to the top of the Gerik sign and egging both Daniel and Bay to climb up. They, on the other hand were advising me to stop the climb. LOL.

My thought since we've travelled 600km here, isn't it a great 'achievement to get close and personal' to what we've been aiming for - GERIK. The photos tell its all.

GERIK - CONQUERED!

We continued the journey to our final destination - Betong, Thailand.

We reached the custom of Betong, Thailand after 4 hours ride from Ipoh.

Betong - A small town in southern Thailand with the people there conversing to us in Malay, Cantonese, Mandarin & Hokkien. And of course also their native language - Thai.

3 stages to go through to enter Betong, Thailand.

1. Pay RM2 for the counter lady to fill up the 'white card'.

2. Get the passport stamp.
3. Import the bike into Betong, Thailand. another RM2.

Betong accept both Ringgit & Baht.

BETONG, THAILAND - CONQUERED!

We entered Betong at ease, no checking just ride through. And start to look for hotel to stay for the night.

Along this only vehicle tunnel in Thailand, I lost sight of Bay & Daniel while entering the 200m tunnel. Probably I'm too slow..... in donning my helmet and gloves.

I did a U-turn. Bay saw Daniel entered the small street and chased after Daniel to inform of my 'lost'. I was lucky to see Bay & Daniel waiting for me in one of the small street road leading to Sri Betong Hotel, if not I'd probably be doing a solo trip back from Betong to Singapore. And that's another achievement or record for me, provided I can find my way. Heehehehee

We booked our hotel - Sri Betong Hotel. Place our stuff into our room - my tankbag with my clothings and take a good nice bathe, and proceed to had our lunches opposite the hotel coffeeshop.

After filling our hungry stomache, we made our way to the Hot Spa, riding passed narrow kampong street. Along the way, some Malaysian bikers were riding up to with their class 2 big bikes.

I bought a Thai sticker which the uncle-seller told me it is a 'L-plate' sign in Thai. I pasted the sticker on my bike's box to make people aware that I'm a L-plate rider...in Betong. :D

Visitors would buy quail eggs, chicken eggs and had it boiled-cook with the hot spa water. Not so much of an attraction to me.

Next we went to Piyamit Tunnel which was built by the Malaya Chinese communist. The tunnel was cooling, very cooling although outside it was sorching hot. The road to Piyamit Tunnel was a high steep slope trail and our bikes were going at 1st to 3rd gears only. It was another new experience, new road condition for me riding on.

After the Piyamit Tunnel, we proceed to Winter Flower garden. it was yet another high steep slopes but this is a mountainoues route. We're travelling at 30 kmh, one wrong corner or slip, the bike would falls off the mountain together with the biker. So we'd to be extra careful. And I was still riding in my T-shirt, short and worn-off slippers. No protective gears with me.

On our way back to hotel for some rest, it started to rain heavily and we had to stop at the half-way mark stall for some light refreshment. We're all drenched but not down. Our spirits getting stronger and higher the more we travelled.

Reached our hotel and keeping ourselves dry and fresh, ready for dinner. We shopped around and I bought myself a pair of slippers to replaced my worn-off slippers. It cost me 200.....baht. We'd our dinner - Thai horfun style 35 baht and walked around to look-see look-see. Tried some kind of prata - just to oblige the ladies and to try out the country street delicacy. Prata-with-condense milk 15 baht. it tastes ok to me only, kind of too sweet for me. [No more sweet tooth]

the 200 baht slippers - nice and comfortable to wear,

35 baht - thai horfun,

15 baht - prata with condense milk and i'd a good time teasing the lady how to do prata Singapore style. Hahaa.

Into the night and in my room, I engage a massuer to massage those aching muscles of mine. Damage 500 baht.

Day 3, 22 Feb Sunday

Next morning ready to head home. It was fogging and the visibility is low at the Betong custom. The fogging was the cloud passing by...

We went home to Singapore thru the Gerik trunk road once again, it was fun as we're doing zig-zag cornering with my MP3 on. It was kind of a playground for us. The ride was like a roller-coaster, going up and down, turning left and right, speed fast and slow... except the difference here is we controlled the speed, the direction. It was thrilled all the way.

We stopped at Gerik & Tapah to top-up our petrol. After Tapah, it was rain, drizzles, heavy rainfalls and occassional lightenings along north-south highway. Along the north-south highway, we past few accidents with the car into the pits, drain. And there was few cars about 10 bumping onto one another. It was a terrible sight and we rode cautiously. Resting at Pagoh for rain to subside.

Bay & me lost Daniel at our last destination home. We're in Johor 1st link Petronas whereas Daniel was in 2nd link GP Petronas. My friend, Fuji called to ask me where am I as he is in 2nd link GP Petronas. I'd have met Fuji if I went to 2nd link GP Petronas.....

Reached home safe and sound after getting myself tired and wet...in the rain. It was a memorable and tremendous trip for me as I've experienced different kind of terrians and road condition, clocked 1600km, conquered 3 places - Ipoh, Gerik, Betong.

I do not know will I have the time to travel like this again.

Last but not least, I love my super-four and begin to appreciate it more and more...

Sawadee Kup

2009-01-26T19:18:00.004+08:00

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!

I've started touring with my humble super-four across malaysia on 24 Sep 2008. My first trip was to Taman Indus White Town Old Coffee with 16 bikes.

I love the nice scenary, the ride, the friendship......it's a wonderful trip for me.

Below is a self-made videos of my trips.

The last trip was on 17 Jan 2009 with 12 bikers to Desaru. On th e way back, 3 of us lost the other group members but we re-group again at Zhu Lin Restaurant. Another nice trip with good friendship.

i'm now waiting for next trip to mersing, followed by malaca[tentative], cameron..... :)