The thunderous roar of the rumbling engine of not one but more than a hundred Harvey-Davidson motorcycles was the sweetest music to the ears of many, as the Kingz MG (Motorcycle Group) convoy snaked its way from the west coast to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, over the 3-day weekend in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
It was an early start for the bikers on Friday morning, beginning at KL Tower, for this East Coast Ride, the group’s third annual ride, also known as Kingz Annual Ride, or KAR in short.
Besides members of Kingz MG (Malaysia & Singapore), making up the 6km convoy was a double-decker bus, two MPVs and various cars, as well as support crew of the Malaysia Civil Defence Department (APM) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
From Kuala Lumpur, the convoy was to head to Cherating, before calling it a night at Kuala Terengganu.
It wasn’t as straight-forward as it had seem on paper, as the bus broke down and had to be sent to a workshop for repair, resulting in passengers having a four-hour eating-cum-shopping break at Giant Gombak. We were soon on our way, though, and arrived at our designated accommodation for the night, Kuala Terengganu’s Hotel Seri Malaysia, just an hour later than scheduled.
Saturday was a brand new day, with all vehicles consolidated and fuelled, as well as energy replenished. A full day of activities laid ahead, wrapping up with Kingz Annual Dinner. What made it even more exciting was the participation of riders from Iron Head MG and Harley Owners Group (HOG) Terengganu. It was brotherhood at its best, brought together by their common passion for Harley bikes.
The first stop for the day was at Terengganu’s famed Masjid Kristal (Crystal Mosque). It was merely a photo opportunity – after all, one is said to not have set foot in Terengganu without a photo showing the Crystal Mosque as proof!
Read about Masjid Kristal (Crystal Mosque).
After that, it was time to push off to the captivating Terrapuri Heritage Village at Pantai Penarik, for rest and recreation. The ride along narrow kampung roads was not as monotonous as it would be on the highway. Moreover, friendly locals came out of their houses and waved ‘hello’ to the convoy. It was a rare sight for them, I believe, or for anyone. How often can one see a fleet of 100+ roaring Harley bikes?
Read about Terrapuri Heritage Village, Penarik, Setiu, Terengganu.
Although we were feted well at Terrapuri, that was just refreshment. Lunch was waiting at Kampung Durian Burong, Kuala Terengganu, at the home of a member of Harley Owners Group (HOG) Terengganu. The 1+ hour of ride in the heat of the day did not dampen the bikers’ enthusiasm. Just thinking of the scrumptious meal, especially of Terengganu’s famous food of nasi dagang and keropok lekor, was enough to keep them going.
No matter how delicious the lunch was, the bikers had to move on as there was serious business to take care of, at Taman Sinar Harapan, Kuala Terengganu. In fact, this visit to the special needs school was the highlight of the 3D/2N ride, an annual Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by Kingz MG. Passing the hat around, more than RM5,000 was raised on the spot.
Cash would help the school meet some of its expenses for the month but what made the Kingz MG visit way more memorable for the children was the opportunity to go on a fun ride on these huge Harley bikes.
Although the ride was merely ten minutes, the exhilaration would last for a long, long time. Kudos to bikers who helped to spread warmth and love to these special needs children.
Once serious business was done and dusted, it was time to return to base: Hotel Seri Malaysia Kuala Terengganu, where the Kingz Annual Dinner was to be hosted, with a refreshing Hawaiian theme. Having attended Kingz MG second and third annual dinners, let me tell you that these Kingz and their Queenz can really party! Ride hard, party harder.
Making a special appearance at the dinner was young rocker Aweera, who coincidentally is a biker himself. His performances certainly ramped up the vibe of the party, as everyone sang along to the best hits of Aweera, who obliged with one encore after another.
The dinner, including induction of new members into Kingz MG Malaysia and Kingz MG Singapore, as well as the launch of a new global Kingz MG logo, lasted way past midnight. OOPS! There’s a long day waiting, so better to call it a night!
Read about Aweera.
Sunday, 16th Sept, Malaysia Day. It was a long ride back to Kuala Lumpur, but before that, a courtesy call had to be made at Pantai Teluk Mak Nik (Monica Bay), for Meet & Greet with local Harley bikers group, Iron Head MG. As mentioned above, Iron Head MG also participated in the convoy, but this was where they split, as the main convoy would be returning to Kuala Lumpur.
After filling their tummies with sata, pulut lepa and otak-otak, cruising along the beach for a short distance, it was time to head to Temerloh, Pahang, for its famed ikan patin (catfish). On the way there, the sky opened up and it rained cats and dogs. Still, the convoy pushed on, thanks to the hard work of police escort, who cleared the road for a smoother and safer ride.
Dining at Restoran Terapung D’Mukmin in Batu Satu, Termeloh, Pahang, was an experience by itself, as guests grabbed seats on floating bamboo pavilions along the river while enjoying a mouth-watering meal of ikan patin (catfish) reared in cages in the river itself.
As the convoy arrived at Restoran Terapung D’Mukmin quite late, there was not much time to spend over lunch before hitting the road again. Thankfully, the thunderstorm had reduced to just a drizzle. Rain or shine, the bikers rode on without a fuss. That’s living up to their motto: Ride & Respect.
The final stop for Kingz MG 3rd Annual Ride (KAR): East Coast Ride 2018 was Craven Café at Bukit Antarabangsa, Kuala Lumpur, an eatery on a hilltop that is owned by a member of Kingz MG. Over delicious refreshment, it was a moment to reflect on the ride, and to bid one another farewell… until the 4th annual ride comes around. Where do you think the ride will be next year? Let’s make an educated guess….
Kingz MG is a motorcycle group that comprises of Harley-Davidson bike owners from varying backgrounds. With the motto “Family First, Work Second and Ride When Free”, riding is a passion for members of Kingz MG, known as Kingzmen. Besides this Kingz Annual Ride (KAR), members go on shorter rides such as breakfast rides, teh tarik session rides and others.
All Harley owners are invited to join Kingz MG as a member and participate in the group’s activities to forge brotherhood with fellow Harley owners. Ride & Respect!
Event: 3rd Kingz MG Annual Ride (KAR): East Coast Ride 2018
Venue: Kuala Lumpur – Terengganu – Pahang – Kuala Lumpur
Date: 14th – 16th Sept, 2018
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