Meanwhile, in Malaysia...

[nik.hisham]

Hi,

Last week I had the opportunity to join a group that was going out on a 5 day ride from KL all the way up to the Malaysia-Thailand border. I only rode with them for the first two days. Was tempted to do the entire 5 day stint but the wife and kids also wanted to spend some time in Singapore for the rest of the week.

Here are picture from the first two days:

Faizal and Botak - waiting for the others to arrive before we start the ride.

Martin was the first to arrive...

The others followed suit and we started loading the bikes in earnest.

We were soon rolling. 9 bikes in all. I was also starting to experiment taking photos using a small point 'n shoot while riding one handed. The easy part was controlling the bike e.g. shifting up and down one handed, turning one handed, etc. The hard part was getting the stupid camera to consistently focus where I wanted it to.

After about 30 minutes into the ride, we stopped for a short while to make sure everyone was ok with their bikes and other gadgets.

Terry was the sole lady rider. She's a journalist from one of the Australian bike magazines - and she rides really well.

I was taking a close look at Martin's riding boots. Was thinking of getting a pair for myself.. (I eventually bought a pair of Alpinestars SMX while I was in Singapore for the rest of the week)

We continued our ride, heading up Genting Highlands and I set off behind Terry to get pics of her for the article she was going to publish..

We reached the top just before these guys did. Riders from Thailand who came down to watch motogp.

We had time for a quick snack and drink while Terry mingled with some local riders...

We set off again, descending from Genting Highlands onto this highway which is all 4th or 5th gear curves that you can take at 140 km / hr. This stretch goes for about 70 kilometers.

(If you recall in one of my earlier posts, there was a pic of how my worn tires were bald on the sides and not in the center - well, this is why. This highway is only 20 minutes from my house. I ride this road every saturday and sunday )

We stopped for a simple lunch before hitting the road again...

We soon started again on a newly opened road into Cameron Highlands but it started to drizzle so we had to be extra careful...

This is Feizal, riding in front

Then Jason followed suit

And then came Mick

And then Don

And Terry

And finally Martin

Here's Terry and Botak playing catch. We had ridden out of the rain and roads were dry so we were able to have some fun...

We eventually reached Cameron Highlands. Parked the bikes, showered and headed out for dinner. Lots of stories told - peg dragging and close calls.

Martin and Terry

Jason

Mick

Don

The food

We continued the next day - group shot before leaving the hotel.

Descended Cameron Highlands on bone dry roads as smooth as a billiard table..

We took a short breather - also as a safety measure. Beyond this point, the roads go from 4th gear 120 km/hr sweepers to 2nd gear turns.

We got off the mountain pass and now were on a highway - the first real stretch of straight road so far. So I took some more shots from the bike.

Stopped at this lake for lunch and saw this guy with his fishing rod.

Terry and Mick couldn't contain their excitement when they saw the guy actually reel in a catch.

After lunch, I followed the guys for a bit more before breaking away to head home while the rest continued for another 3 days.

On reaching home, I inspected my pegs. I'd been dragging them a lot lately and judging from the state they are in, I think I need new pegs. I hope they are not too expensive.

Left side - half gone

Right side - completely gone.

Anyway, thanks for looking. Hope you enjoyed the RR.

 

[TriggerT]

Lots of great pics, but I think this one is fantastic. Looks like the camera is practically dragging on the ground.

 

[Niehart]

Always great pictures. Thanks for taking us along.

I liked the collection of different bikes and riding styles.

 

[dsmack]

Thanks for the usual great ride report, Nik. You're doing very well with your new Point N Shoot camera! Your photos have always been fun to view, but the added bonus of the "in motion" shots is great as it adds that feeling of being there in action with you.

You are blessed with some beautiful country in which to ride. I recognize a couple of your riding buddies from some of your earlier posts, and when I see the great food you are enjoying, it makes my mouth water!

Just as a point of interest, when you folks are all together and enjoying your ride and breaks, what is the common language used? Are the Caucasians in the group proficient in your local language? If so I envy them, as being a typical "American" I'm afraid I'm language challenged, being fully conversant only in English, with just enough Spanish thrown in that I could order a simple meal in that language so I wouldn't starve!

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing with us... :clapping:

Don

 

[ahchiu]

Nik, Nice RR as always you take great pictures!

 

[Panman]

Great quality on the photo's, I was thinking to myself "I wounder if I could ride in the left lane".

Thanks for sharing.

 

[SacramentoMike]

. . . tempted to do the entire 5 day stint but the wife and kids also wanted to spend some time in Singapore for the rest of the week.

Feel ya, Nik. Same with my wife and kids.

Your RRs are on my "automatic click" list. This was another great one. Thanks.

 

[Tyler]

I was also starting to experiment taking photos using a small point 'n shoot while riding one handed. The easy part was controlling the bike e.g. shifting up and down one handed, turning one handed, etc. The hard part was getting the stupid camera to consistently focus where I wanted it to.

Takes awhile to get the hang of it but practice makes perfect... well, maybe just less photos of the side of your helmet or blurry bikes on a blurry road! For every good pic taken in motion, there are a bazillion crappy ones... take lots of 'em, try different techniques, and you'll find what works. Love your shots as always, Nik! B)

 

[puppychow]

What I love most about your pictures are the subtle colors! This one for example - most excellent!

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Very nice indeed.

Yep! a peg transplant for sure....salvage may be a good option.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Nice RR Nik...as always thanks for taking the time to share your adventures!

Question: A Versys [or many] is always present in your reports. Is this the group you ride with, or is the bike a popular one in KL?

--G

 

[SkooterG]

Wow. Outstanding as usual. ALWAYS love your RRs Nik.

Thanks to you, riding in Malaysia is on the bucket list.

 

[nik.hisham]

Hi guys. Thanks for the compliments. Glad you enjoyed the pics.

Thanks for the usual great ride report, Nik. You're doing very well with your new Point N Shoot camera! Your photos have always been fun to view, but the added bonus of the "in motion" shots is great as it adds that feeling of being there in action with you.

You are blessed with some beautiful country in which to ride. I recognize a couple of your riding buddies from some of your earlier posts, and when I see the great food you are enjoying, it makes my mouth water!

Just as a point of interest, when you folks are all together and enjoying your ride and breaks, what is the common language used? Are the Caucasians in the group proficient in your local language? If so I envy them, as being a typical "American" I'm afraid I'm language challenged, being fully conversant only in English, with just enough Spanish thrown in that I could order a simple meal in that language so I wouldn't starve!

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing with us... :clapping:

Don

Don, English is spoken by everyone in Malaysia. I've had the pleasure of riding with people from all over Europe, including Germans, Scots, and Irish. There were Aussies, Kiwis, and of course Americans too. During the ride, we all converse in English so its no problem for any one of us.

I was also starting to experiment taking photos using a small point 'n shoot while riding one handed. The easy part was controlling the bike e.g. shifting up and down one handed, turning one handed, etc. The hard part was getting the stupid camera to consistently focus where I wanted it to.

Takes awhile to get the hang of it but practice makes perfect... well, maybe just less photos of the side of your helmet or blurry bikes on a blurry road! For every good pic taken in motion, there are a bazillion crappy ones... take lots of 'em, try different techniques, and you'll find what works. Love your shots as always, Nik! B)

Hi Tyler. Yeah, I have a whole bunch of blurry pics - I keep getting my shoulder or helmet in focus. Gonna keep trying tho..

Nice RR Nik...as always thanks for taking the time to share your adventures!

Question: A Versys [or many] is always present in your reports. Is this the group you ride with, or is the bike a popular one in KL?

--G

Hi, yeah the Versys is a very popular make. It is one of the most affordable bikes on the road in Malaysia. Plus, a lot of people say its really easy and comfortable to ride for long stints, although I can't seem to get the hang of it myself. The bikes that you see in my pics are all rentals from Malaysian Motorcycle Getaways - I usually ride with their tour group and do some photography for them so that's why you'll always see the same bikes.