Solar radiation in Malaysia is such that ride organizers lay on the Fire Department to cool down participants at the finish.
Read MoreCategory: Asia
Serendipitous Blues
The Paya Indah Wetlands – Paya Indah means Beautiful Swamp – is a man-made wetlands area that was created on land which had been heavily degraded by tin mining and sand dredging activities. The excavations left by the mining works have been converted into lakes which are now home to fish, lotus plants and water … Continue reading "Serendipitous Blues"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 45: That’s a Wrap
I’ve come to the end of my “Travels on a Bicycle” archive of photographs. I’ll finish with some of my favourite photographs. Not all taken while on a bike ride, but all related to cycling. Malaysia I really like the composition of this one. The shot was taken by a photographer for Cycling Malaysia magazine … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 45: That’s a Wrap"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 43: Teluk Intan
Teluk Intan is in the state of Perak. About 160km / 100 mi north of Kuala Lumpur. The area around Teluk Intan was originally populated by refugees from the Malacca Sultanate who fled the Portuguese conquest of Melaka in 1511. The sight to see in Teluk Intan is the Menara Condong or Leaning Tower. More about that … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 43: Teluk Intan"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 39: Fraser’s Hill
You have seen Cameron Highlands. Fraser’s Hill is another hill station that dates from the British colonial era. Not quite as high up as Cameron, but closer to KL. I spent many a childhood family holiday in a Fraser’s Hill bungalow. Louis James Fraser, like Cameron and Dickson, is Scotsman who has a place in … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 39: Fraser’s Hill"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 37: Murals in KL
A fellow R@SKL turned me on to the fact that there are a lot of murals in KL. I knew of some along the bank of the Klang River because they are visible from the rapid-transit trains. I had no idea that there were so many more within 8km / 6mi of where I live. … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 37: Murals in KL"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 36: Malacca
Malacca, or Melaka as it is known locally, has a history that dates back to around 1402. Parameswara, the last king of Singapura, fled the island kingdom after a Majapahit naval invasion in 1398 and founded his new stronghold on the mouth of the Bertam river in 1402. Malacca is a good port. It is accessible in all seasons and … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 36: Malacca"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 35: Port Dickson
Port Dickson (PD) is a beach resort destination in the state of Negeri Sembilan, about 100km / 62mi south of Kuala Lumpur. It was originally a small fishing village named Arang. It was renamed after a British official named Sir Frederic Dickson who turned Arang into a port for transporting the rich tin ore deposits … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 35: Port Dickson"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 32: Taiwan Revisited Day 4
Wednesday was a wet day. Not a day for riding a bike. But a good day to be in the Nangang Exhibition Centre for the Taipei International Cycle Show. The show featured 1,150 exhibitors displaying their newest products spread over 65,000 square meters on floors 1, 4 and 5 of the Exhibition Centre. It was … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 32: Taiwan Revisited Day 4"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 30: Taiwan Revisited Day 2
The first effort of Day 2 was a gentle stroll to find breakfast. This was the route for the day. Southeast to Tangweigou Hot Spring Park. We were ready to start riding at about 8.30 am. It was a very short distance to the bike path along the left bank of the Tamsui River. We … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 30: Taiwan Revisited Day 2"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 29: Taiwan Revisited Day 1
Dodsun is a Taiwanese OEM bike frame manufacturer. One of their products is a relaxed geometry road bike in titanium. What makes this bike stand out is the build. The groupset is SRAM Red 22 eTap with hydraulic disc brakes. The seat post, saddle, stem and handlebars are Ritchey. The wheels are Ritchey WCS Zeta. … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 29: Taiwan Revisited Day 1"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 28: Cameron Highlands from Simpang Pulai
The road from Simpang Pulai to Blue Valley is part of the second East-West Highway completed in 2004. 56km / 35mi of the route below is on Federal Route 185 before the right turn onto Federal Route 59 to Brinchang. There is much less development along this road (translate that as places to stop for … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 28: Cameron Highlands from Simpang Pulai"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 27: Cameron Highlands from Tapah
The Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations. The Cameron Highlands were named after William Cameron, a British explorer and geologist who mapped the area in 1885. In 1925 a Survey Department report confirmed that tea could be grown in the area. This provided the impetus to build a road from Tapah … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 27: Cameron Highlands from Tapah"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 23: Penang
The island of Penang is a favourite destination for the R@SKLs. We’ve gone there annually since 2016 for the Campaign For A Lane (CFAL) rides, and have always done at least one other ride on the island during those weekends. Penang has one of the longest histories of the cities and towns in Malaysia. It … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 23: Penang"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 22: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Day 3
Ham chim peng (Chinese fried doughnuts) and coffee for breakfast. We rolled out of Taiping at 6:30 am. I used Ride With GPS to plot the shortest route from our hotel to Federal Route 1. We would spend most of the day on that road. All went well until 7km from the hotel. We came … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 22: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Day 3"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 21: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Day 2
We were on the road a 6:00 am. We had 126km / 78mi to cover to Taiping. By the time it was light enough to see our surroundings we were on the A112 Jalan Kampung Bali. A quiet Kampung Bali road. Very quiet. No one had eaten breakfast before we left Kampar. Once we had … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 21: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Day 2"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 20: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Day 1
The annual Campaign for a Lane (CFAL) ride on the island of Penang was coming up. My cycling group aka the R@SKLs has made a weekend trip out of CFAL for three or four years now. We usually fly or drive to Penang. This time seven of us decided to cycle to Penang over three … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 20: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Day 1"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 16: First Taiwan Trip Day 4
This was our last full day in Taiwan. The itinerary at the start of this trip listed a Day 5 ride as optional. Not having ridden at all the day before, we were all up for riding in Taipei. There are at least 200km of bike paths in the city. We rode a 95km / 59mi route … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 16: First Taiwan Trip Day 4"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 15: First Taiwan Trip Day 3
The plan for Day 3 had been a 125km / 78mi ride from An-Tong to Hualien. With 1,139 metres / 3,737 feet of elevation thrown in just for fun. That plan was modified into something less ambitious. We would instead drive part of the way and then ride. So we lounged in the hotel while the … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 15: First Taiwan Trip Day 3"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 14: First Taiwan Trip Day 2
Our Day 2 route took us northeast out of Taitung across the Beinan River and along the coast for the first 35km. Our first stop was at the Jialulan Recreation Area. Not even 10km under our wheels and we were already stopping for photographs. You must admit that the views are stunning. The site was … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 14: First Taiwan Trip Day 2"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 13: First Taiwan Trip Day 1
I ride with a group that calls itself the R@SKLs. One of the R@SKLs is Taiwanese. He suggested a cycling trip to Taiwan. He would make all the arrangements. So in April 2018 fourteen of us arrived at Taoyuan Airport in Taipei. Our bicycles were loaded onto the two vans which would accompany us over … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 13: First Taiwan Trip Day 1"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 11: Marina Bay Singapore
Marina Bay is a bay located on the southern side of the island of Singapore. The area surrounding the bay itself, also called Marina Bay, is 360-hectares of prime waterfront built on land reclaimed from the sea. Those of you who are F1 fans will recognize Marina Bay as the site of the street course … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 11: Marina Bay Singapore"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 9: Southern Thailand
I’ve been three times to Southern Thailand to cycle. In 2013 to ride in the Samila Century. In 2016 to do the Satun Century and a two-day bikepacking tour. And in 2017 to ride in the Satun Century and some more touring. For the Samila Century, six of us drove from Kuala Lumpur to Songkhla. … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 9: Southern Thailand"
Read MoreAnother City Tour
I took a ride that stayed even closer to home than usual. I regularly ride some of these roads. Others not so much. The numbers on the ride map below correspond to the photographs you will see. The photographs are arranged in order from the start of my ride to the finish. Less than 2km … Continue reading "Another City Tour"
Read MoreFurther From Home
It is a public holiday in Malaysia today for Wesak. This Buddhist festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. I rode east from home to meet KS at 6:30 am. There were not many people on the roads. We decided to hit the highways and ride uninterrupted by intersections and traffic lights. … Continue reading "Further From Home"
Read MoreNo rain today
This is the route I ride if I don’t want to go too far from home. The furthest away from my apartment I am on this route is about 8km. I add extra loops or diversions down side streets if I want to cover more distance. The numbers on the map correspond to the photographs … Continue reading "No rain today"
Read MoreOn the Road Again
The Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented on 18th March. Non-essential outdoor activities were banned. I snuck out for a ride on 26th March, but then people started being arrested for breaking the MCO. I took to walking up and down the multi-level car park where I live for exercise. To date, Malaysia has had … Continue reading "On the Road Again"
Read MoreRestricted Movement Order in Malaysia
“Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses?”
Read MoreWinter solstice in Taipei
So I’m at least close. I got a photo of nearly the sunrise (I’m about 45 minutes late), on a nearly east/west road (off by about 15 degrees), on nearly the solstice (one day late). The photo is taken biking east along the Xindian River near Bitan Scenic Area, just south of Taipei. There’s a … Continue reading "Winter solstice in Taipei"
Read MoreDecember’s challenge: a wall, a bike, and a mountain
So my first December submission flopped miserably, rejected by sharp-eyed Suzanne’s observation that an iron fence doesn’t fit the definition of a wall. Let’s try again. This wall is maybe open to question too. It sure looks wallish to me, but some my view it as merely a highway restraining barrier. There are still a … Continue reading "December’s challenge: a wall, a bike, and a mountain"
Read MoreSeptember Challenge of The Month #1
My participation in the Challenge of the Month for September. This photo was taken by my buddy during our regular weekend group ride along the seaside. Weather is getting a little bit cooler as we are approaching autumn. Light breeze with plenty of sunshine. Great day ?
Read MoreShimanami Kaido Ride 2017 – Last Day of the Journey
This is the last episode of my Shimanami Kaido Ride 2017. From Omishima, we had moved across the Tatara Bridge (twice), the Omishima Bridge and the Hakata Oshima Bridge. As we were slightly behind the schedule and afraid that we would not arrive Imabari before the bike terminal closing time, we finally decided … Continue reading "Shimanami Kaido Ride 2017 – Last Day of the Journey"
Read MoreShimanami Kaido Ride 2017 – Day One (Imabari / Oshima)
With typhoon Noru moving away from the Seto Inland Sea area, we kicked off day one of our cycling journey. First went to Imabari by bus. Then rented our bikes and had our round-trip to Oshima via the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. Click here to see what we had experienced.
Read MoreShimanami Kaido Ride 2017 – How my ride was affected by typhoon Noru
The weather forecast provided by JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) was excellent. Typhoon Noru was hitting the Seto Inland Sea area on 7 August 2017 as predicted. Since it was also projected that Noru would be leaving the Japan main island one day later, I had re-worked my cycling plan and changed our cycling routes … Continue reading "Shimanami Kaido Ride 2017 – How my ride was affected by typhoon Noru"
Read MoreShimanami Kaido Ride 2017
In 2017, I had been to Shimanami Kaido (One of the best cycling routes in Japan and probably the world as well) twice. The first time was an ad hoc visit while we were travelling in Onomichi. The second one in August was a planned cycling trip as requested by my … Continue reading "Shimanami Kaido Ride 2017"
Read MoreChallenge of the month – August – Liquid in the form of the sea
Date: 2018/08/05 (Sun) Place: Sha Lan, Sam Mun Tsai, Taipo, Hong Kong Remark: We were taking a short rest along the beach at Sha Lan, a small and lovely village near the Sam Mun Tsai fishing village. The sea right behind the silhouette of us is the Plover Cove with Ma On Shan … Continue reading "Challenge of the month – August – Liquid in the form of the sea"
Read MoreChallenge of the month – July – Yu Cheung Tong (豫章堂)
Date: 2018/07/08 (Sun) Place: Yu Cheung Tong, Ting Kok Road, Taipo, Hong Kong Remark: Our sweet ladies and I were passing “Yu Cheung Tong” while on our way to Tai Mei Tuk from Sam Mun Tsai. The 82 years old hakka house has been abandoned for many years and is now waiting for … Continue reading "Challenge of the month – July – Yu Cheung Tong (豫章堂)"
Read MoreBicycles across Asia, 1984
Old stuff? How about some old photographs? Here are a few random shots of some bikes encountered while travelling across Asia in 1984. PS: Including a few ancient photos of Old Grumble-Face and his beautiful young support crew. Read more at Bill Bikes
Read MoreChallenge of the month – July – Two Old Men
Date: 2018/07/01 (Sun) Place: Brompton Station, Ngau Tam Mei, San Tin, Hong Kong Remark: My team-mate and I were having short rest at my old friend’s bike shop selling lovely Brompton folding bikes. Obviously, standing at the fore-front of the photo are two OLD men and I believe this should meet the criteria of … Continue reading "Challenge of the month – July – Two Old Men"
Read MoreChallenge of the month – Many many trees along Tolo Harbour
Date: 2018/06/24 (Sun) Place: Tolo Harbour, Taipo / Twin Bridge, Shatin, Hong Kong Remark: Minor accident with one of my buddies and we ended up with one rider handling two bikes. Photos taken on the return trip along after the accident. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed our ride. ?? … Continue reading "Challenge of the month – Many many trees along Tolo Harbour"
Read MoreChallenge of the month – Trees along the Bank of Shing Mun River
Date: 2018/06/16 (Sat) Place: Siu Lek Yuen Playground, Shatin, Hong Kong Remark: My bike in front of a series of trees along the bank of Shing Mun River. Photo taken on the return trip of my group ride between FoTan and Taipo.
Read MoreChallenge of the month – Tree and My boy’s new road bike
Date: 2018/06/02 (Sat) Place: Shing Mun River, FoTan, Shatin, Hong Kong Remark: My boy’s new attempt – Riding a flat-bar Fuji Ace 24-Inch Road bike for the first time. That Fuji road bike comes with a wonderful 3 x 10-Speed Shimano XT Groupset.
Read More2018 Cycle Days Challenge – Photo #003
Date: 2018/05/19 (Sat) Place: Lam Tsuen River, Kwong Fuk Estate, Taipo, Hong Kong Remark: My team-mate’s Giant Rapid taken while having late lunch. The footbridge in the background allow pedestrians and residents to cross the Lam Tsuen River.
Read MoreTop of the Town @Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong
I have a short hiking with my family to the highest peak in Hong Kong – Tai Mo Shan, on last Saturday. This reminded me my last riding here few years ago. Despite I had selected the safest route to start the cycling journey, the initial 13 Kilometres climbing at an average gradient of 5% … Continue reading "Top of the Town @Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong"
Read MoreSeaside Riding along Ma On Shan, Hong Kong
Continuing with the Hong Kong Cycling Routes Collection, our group have a short ride along the seaside of the Ma On Shan area. This is not a challenging trip but just to enjoy the blue sky, bright sunlight and beautiful view with friends and loved ones. You may click here for more details on my … Continue reading "Seaside Riding along Ma On Shan, Hong Kong"
Read More2018 Cycle Days Challenge – Photo #002
Date: 2018/05/06 (Sun) Place: Sai Sha, Sai Kung, Hong Kong Remark: My team-mate’s Giant TCR SLR 1 taken on our return trip from Sai Sha. The footbridge in the background facilitates residents and pedestrians to safely cross the busy motorway below. By the way, I’m a little bit lazy and tried to … Continue reading "2018 Cycle Days Challenge – Photo #002"
Read More2018 Cycle Days Challenge – Photo #001
Date: 2018/04/29 (Sun) Place: Kau Lung Hang, Fanling, Hong Kong Remark: My road bike taken in a group ride.
Read More2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 7th RIDE – FoTan to the old Hong Kong Frontier at Lo Wu, Hong Kong
This is my 7th ride for the 2018 Cycle Life Challenge which took place on last Sunday, 22 April 2018. This time I will take you to one of the historical spots of Hong Kong – the old Hong Kong Frontier at Lo Wu. With the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United … Continue reading "2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 7th RIDE – FoTan to the old Hong Kong Frontier at Lo Wu, Hong Kong"
Read More2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 6th RIDE – Journey to Revitalisation
This is my 6th ride for the 2018 Cycle Life Challenge which took place on 2 April 2018. Today we will take a look at one of the most successfult revitalisation projects in Kaohsiung, the Pier 2 Art Centre located in YanChang District. In the afternoon, we will also have a relaxing ride along the … Continue reading "2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 6th RIDE – Journey to Revitalisation"
Read More2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 5th RIDE – Riding in Love
This is my 5th ride for the 2018 Cycle Life Challenge on 30 March 2018. For the past Easter holidays, I have been to Kaohsiung in Taiwan with my family and friends. Other than sightseeing, I have also arranged a number of short bike trips in Kaohsiung. The first ride was along the Love … Continue reading "2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 5th RIDE – Riding in Love"
Read More2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 4th RIDE – FoTan to Sheung Shui, Hong Kong
This is my 4th ride for the 2018 Cycle Life Challenge which took place on last Sunday, 25 March 2018. This was another group ride with nearly the same team as in last ride plus a number of new faces. We took the new bike path extension linking Taipo to Fanling and arrived at our … Continue reading "2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 4th RIDE – FoTan to Sheung Shui, Hong Kong"
Read More2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 3rd RIDE – Yuen Long to Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
This is my third ride for the 2018 Cycle Life Challenge which took place on last Sunday, 18 March 2018. Without my cycling jersey and clipless road shoes, I enjoyed a group ride with my family and friends in the Western part of the New Terrirories in Hong Kong. You may click here for more … Continue reading "2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 3rd RIDE – Yuen Long to Tuen Mun, Hong Kong"
Read More2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 2nd RIDE – Shatin to Tai Mei Tuk, Hong Kong
This is my second ride for the 2018 Cycle Life Challenge which took place on last Saturday, 17 March 2018. The weather is not good. No bright sunshine, only grey sky and gust of wind to accompany my short solo ride from Shatin to Tai Mei Tuk in Hong Kong. You may click here for … Continue reading "2018 CYCLE LIFE CHALLENGE – 2nd RIDE – Shatin to Tai Mei Tuk, Hong Kong"
Read More2018 Cycle Life Challenge – 1st Ride – Virtual Ride along Lake Biwa, Kyoto
This is my first ride for the 2018 Cycle Life Challenge. I live in Hong Kong and my usual bike rides are in the countryside which is quite far away for home. To save time on travelling, I have kickstarted the challenge with a virtual ride on my indoor trainer. This is my bike … Continue reading "2018 Cycle Life Challenge – 1st Ride – Virtual Ride along Lake Biwa, Kyoto"
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