drive

‘Fly’ like a superhero on a big bike

BY MELISSA DUIS
June 14, 2014

One can enjoy the safe and ample tarmac of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak highway that gives one access to Genting Sempah or Sempah Pass which is a transit point and mountain pass on the border of Pahang and Selangor. – The Malaysian Insider pic, June 14, 2014.Superheroes and villains never fail to capture the imagination.

Comics like Marvel and DC have produced timeless reading material, regurgitated and emulated time and time again.

Flying: a much desired superhuman ability could plausibly delineate a complex web of roads, trails and motorcycle routes all over Malaysia, from a spectacular vantage point.

I suppose, riding does get one as close as possible to the sensation of possessing wings of a different kind.

Asking any motorcycle rider why he or she rides may be likened to asking a curious cat why it climbs heights that later on renders it stuck, unable to climb back down to safety; it’s a cat’s nature.

Humans want speed, freedom, practicality and so on and so forth which are all impossible to justify, so one might as well mark out a safe and deserving playground. Any responsible rider would tell you to be wary of the riding path you choose.

From a compilation of accounts – from seasoned riders – it’s fair to conclude that new riders,  especially lady bikers, have a lot of room to play with when it comes to motorcycle routes in Malaysia.

Starting off with the peninsula, one can enjoy the safe and ample tarmac of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak highway that gives one access to Genting Sempah or Sempah Pass which is a transit point and mountain pass on the border of Pahang and Selangor.

There’s always the small Malay village of Janda Baik for those who prefer narrow, technical and winding roads.

Although it’s often frequented by cyclists, it still affords quite the riding experience for lady bikers who crave a rustic and bucolic atmosphere. Because it’s so conveniently located, about 30km from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur city, Janda Baik is neither too far nor too near, and finding other riders there is commonplace.

Areas with a bountiful offering of mountainous terrain seem to be the favourite among Malaysian riders. Another suggestion made to me was the Gunung Jerai-Banjaran Titiwangsa route that is pretty self-explanatory in terms of precipitous landscape.

Lady bikers, always travel in a group for safety. – The Malaysian Insider pic, June 14, 2014.For those who love a bit of a challenge, the ride from KL to the east coast (Kelantan/Terengganu) via Kuantan, again requires one to take the Karak highway. With plenty of R&Rs along the way, this mountainous route is flanked by lush greenery and eventually welcomes riders with the almighty presence of the ocean once one reaches Kuantan, Pahang.

And if you ever find yourself in Sabah, North Borneo, do treat yourself to an astounding view of the Crocker Range which comes dangerously close, as one indulges in a ride on the Kota Kinabalu-Kimanis-Keningau-Kalabakan-Tawau route.

With a rough terrain that takes one through fluctuating elevations, only an adventure bike would really do justice to this motorcycle route.  

All in all, Malaysia offers a lot in terms of riding room for new riders and lady bikers looking for a safe, adventurous, fairly challenging and fun riding route.

It suffices for a lady biker to go alone when it comes to short distances, but for longer journeys that require one to drive up and down varied terrains, and in and out of forest reserves, jungles and sporadic civilisations, it’s best for a lady to ride in a group – just for safety sake.

If riding is an outlet for living out your fantasies of being that flying or speeding superhero, be the superhero that you can be, but always at a calculated risk. – June 14, 2014.

* Last week’s column can be found here.