On the way, we found nice kampong names like "Lahar IKAN MATI" with the direct translation of "Volcanic Mudflow Fish Dead" (whatever it means, find out yourself...) and lots more to be revealed later on haha It started all the way from Bukit Mertajam, Penang. As day passes by on the very sunny day, we ventured the day with high hopes to finish the trail with less than 8 hours. Oh! In the morning, when the riders set out, hopes we initially dimmed when it started to rain.. and rained.. as the car crew were still sleeping of course.. haha but at 10am the riders had it all out despite drizzles that can only hurt mosquitos. But yet again the rain kinda halt their journey along the way with one or two more heavy splashes from mother nature.
Approx 1pm the riders passed the kampung area and reached the border of Kedah and that's where the happiest moment came to our dear car crew Catherine where she replaces Ian to continue ride on. Due to the sun Ian overheated. Not long after Ian's dismiss on the bike KJ the Photographer/Car Crew/whatever have to replace Nic after a freak accident that happened right after a cheer up high five given by KJ that ended like bells knocked with a metal brass.. you do the thinking, i do the riding.. nevertheless our fearless leader Nic has always live in the edge of the road facing any possible danger ahead of him. Hmm..
See how STRONG she is
& see how he FLIES
MooMoo touched down in SP
The so called Power Ryders...
Water Boy!!
Patching some holes
OUTCH!!
A meet with Joe the photographer/photojournalist that travels across Asia and had been around Malaysia since 1994. He was enlightening to us about the route to Kuala Kedah as well.We reached Sungai Petani later on finding ourselves some lunch/tea at 5pm at the Nasi Kandar store and practically re-routing the whole way as it's pretty confusing to reach Kuala Kedah on that day itself. We later on find ourselves running out of time as it's 6pm and our riders are running out of daylight, energy and mostly the time to jetty is just 2 hours away before the last call for the Langkawi ferry. The dusk came by gracefully as the riders switched on their CatEye with the car crew this time watching the riders back closely with high beam lights. The stretch of road seems endless as this is technically the 1st time we rode at almost pitched dark situation. KJ with his overflowing energy decided at one point to lead far ahead of the pack to check on the road situation in front as well as the fastest route to Kuala Kedah as the team starting to lose not only energy but motivation as well. The car crew had to stay back because of the pitch black road for emergency purposes and a light in the dark.
Suddenly somewhere nearby Kampung Batu 14, Nic really got stumbled upon as he slipped off the tar road and slide on the sand alongside with his bike, leaving him some injuries, but thankfully not major ones. At this point of time, it kinda shown the riders has really worn ed down along with their spirit at one point of this time. It was such a test given to them as one team rider was down and worries runs high. Upon reaching Simpang 4 police station, KJ has made a few inquiries regarding the route to Kuala Kedah jetty and when the team arrived, discussion popped up again to use the most possible fastest route to Kuala Kedah's jetty and this time around it's already around 10pm. It's late.. It's tiring.. and the route seems endless. KJ and Cat decided to take the route with the car to estimate the distance as the others took their rest at Simpang Empat. Came back, and the results came with another 16km to Kuala Kedah with a really pitch black road alongside the paddy field. Stress lingers around some of the riders as their doubted the road but a few still insist on going to the jetty as Kedah's town is a little further away.
Jet's new socks (so we have new socks and gloves...)
This was indeed, The Longest stretch ever recorded by the riders. Patience tested..
Stamina on a stretch..
Vision blurred..
Ability doubted..
We move on.. at around 12am but we ride on.. Armed with only a Proton Saga with hazard lights on and high beam lights on the paddy field road, 3 riders were very tired and KJ tries to lead the way with full stamina and armed with him.. is a smile only.. and a camera despite nightfall. Riders reached the jetty at around 1am with exhaustion is the only word on their mind. We manage to find another good samaritan as he allow us to take bath at a small motel with burst out pipes but kindness are never to be measured when it comes to this stake of life. The day ends with mosquito lingers our feet as we try to sleep in the car, 7eleven or the coridor of the jetty centre.
Ryders tried to stay awake
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