When I was selected to join in the convoy of the 2nd annual ride of Kingz MG Malaysia, I was ecstatic. I have covered quite a number of car and bike convoys but had always been on the sidelines, but this time, I was part of the convoy.
The programme which I participated in was themed Eat.Travel.Ride.2017 #SayangMalaysia, jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and Gaya Travel Magazine.
So, the ‘Ride’ was where members of Kingz MG Malaysia played their part. Riding on their powerful Harley-Davidson motorcycles of various models, they were flagged off at MaTIC with members of the media (and yours truly) following behind in MPVs.
By the way, Kingz MG Malaysia, where abbreviation MG stands for ‘Motorcycle Group’, was established on 15th Dec, 2015. Its main objective was to bring together like-minded Harley owners who would ride responsibly and with respect.
Initially, the group only had 15 members but to date, it has increased to 80 in Malaysia and 12 in Singapore. This group organises annual rides. The first ride was last year to Penang, in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
Despite having 50 bikes and more than ten vehicles in the convoy, it was an orderly ride, thanks to the assistance of traffic police (PDRM) who diligently kept control over other vehicles as we traversed over 300km from MaTIC to our hotel in Nusajaya, Johor.
The first stop was at KL City Gallery, followed by a short photo break at Nouvelle Hotel, one of the sponsors. And then it was straight on the North–South Expressway.
With many fuel stops along the way, it was only then that I realised how small a fuel tank these bikes have. Meanwhile, the longer break was taken at Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park in Ayer Keroh, Melaka. There, the bikers were treated to refreshment and cultural performances.
It was also in Melaka that we had our lunch break at Restoran Lot Lapan Lima before it was time to hit the road again. Despite the size of the convoy, there was a strict schedule to adhere to, you see.
Maybe because I was not on a bike or at the wheel, I felt as though the distance just faded away and we were soon able to check into our rooms at Millésimé Hotel, Nusajaya Healthpark.
It was at this hotel that Kingz MG Malaysia hosted their 2nd annual dinner and took the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of founder, Harry. Five new members from Malaysia and Singapore were also inducted into the club that evening.
The following day, some of Kingz MG Malaysia members crossed the Causeway to proceed to Singapore, where they were joined by 20 Singaporean biker members.
Those who decided to stay back in Johor went visiting their local biker buddies. Meanwhile, members of the media had other work to do as we were introduced to new tourism products in the state. I will write about these attractions separately, so stay tuned to emily2u.com.
It was a full-day programme for both groups, so we did not get to spend time together. That changed on Day 3, when it was time to ride home to Kuala Lumpur. Pushing off early, the estimated time of arrival at MaTIC was 8pm.
Fuel stops were made, as usual, and we also visited Putu Bambu Juriah at Ayer Hitam before going for a hearty meal of curry lamb rice at Restoran Kari Kambing 40 Hari. The queue for lunch was crazy but we did have our meal soon enough.
Shortly after being on the highway again, it rained suddenly, and heavily, too! Hats off to the bikers for persevering and keeping focus on the task at hand. Thankfully, the skies cleared or it would be a most dreary ride!
The last stop for the convoy was at Hype Motorsports Hotel, also one of the sponsors of the event. Obviously, it was only courteous that we call on them! Not only did we have the chance to rest, we also refuelled our tummies. Haha!
Well, it wasn’t for long that the bikers had to get on their bikes again and hit the road. The sky was gloomy once more but the notorious after-work traffic was what we wanted to avoid!
And you know what? We arrived at MaTIC at 8pm on the dot! Syabas to all the riders and bikers and especially to PDRM personnel who helped pave the way all through the city.
What great memories we had during the three days. It’s a different experience being part of a convoy, rather than being an outsider covering the ride at pit stops. Thank you very much to the organisers and sponsors for making this ride possible for me.
May Kingz MG Malaysia continuously organise these cross-country rides to create awareness on responsible riding.
Event: 2nd Annual Ride of Kingz MG Malaysia
Venue: Kuala Lumpur – Singapore – Kuala Lumpur
Date: 8th – 10th Dec, 2017
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