Touring Negeri Sembilan

My humble Grom at Port Dickson Waterfront.

After a very very long time, I've finally got the chance to sit down and relieve my multiple road trips that I've embarked on earlier this year. 

I've always wanted to visit Seremban because I've a friend living there. I've also wanted to drop by Port Dickson after hearing so many stories of people having really great time there. Really, they made it sound extremely fun.

And so, inspired by all these stories, I took to the roads of Malaysia once again on my Humble Grom.

(For people who are wondering what's a Grom. A Grom is a seriously underpowered bike for touring.  At 125cc, it's top speed is only a mere 90-103KPH depending on road conditions and sloping angle. It is a Honda, that makes it pretty much indestructible as according to many seasoned riders out there... Humble?) 

Okay, I've to admit. They are fun because those trips are done with friends. When I reached Seremban, I was totally lost. I was quite amused by some of the road names and some local sights and sounds that I've encountered along the way. No really, the mayor of Seremban must be extremely proud of "Taman Happy". Okay, enough of all these rubbish though. What really what made this trip so different was the accompaniment of a friend. :)

So here's a big shoutout: 

#THANKYOUHUEYTHENG #FORBRINGINGMEAROUNDTOWN

Disclaimer, I rode alone while she drives ahead of me the whole time.

So here's a little introduction before I continue with my travelogue. Seremban is the main city within the state Negeri Sembilan. It is situated North of Malacca, South of Kuala Lumpur. It is situated in the same state as Port Dickson (not sure why many friends of mine visit PD but not Seremban). 

Seremban is famous for 2 things: Crabs and Seow Pow （烧包）.

Port Dickson is famous for its seaside resorts. (Spoiler alert: The seaside isn't really all that fantastic). Oh, and not to forget Port Dickson has a really famous Bak Kut Teh too! On a side note, I'm not quite sure why is Bak Kut Teh so famous everywhere in Malaysia.

Below are my travelogue:

9 July 2016

Point B 11:15am - Woodlands Checkpoint (Mileage 9252KM)

Point B11:40am - Crossed Checkpoint

Point C 12:20pm - Shell Hentian (Kulai) Petrol Kiosk Northbound (NSH) Fuel Stop, 2.38L, 5RM

Point D 01:55pm - R&R Pagoh BHP Petrol Kiosk Northbound (NSH) Fuel Stop, 2.142L, 4.5RM

Point E 03:40pm - Reached Seremban Seafood Village (Seremban)

Total Time Taken: 4hours 25minutes

So I reached Seremban Seafood Village roughly 15 to 20 minutes earlier than Huey Theng. But hey, it's fine. I got to explore what's on the menu.

As according to Huey Theng, the most popular in the house is the Seremban BBQ Crab. However, it is highly advisable if call before coming. Apparently, the sales of crabs is based on seasons and when we were there, the crabs aren't in yet...! What a pity. We were so determined to get our fair share of crabs that we went to multiple other restaurants in Seremban, but all to no avail. Guess it really is the wrong season.

Famished, Huey Theng brought me to taste the famous Empayar Seremban Siew Pow

Seremban Seafood Village Crab's Menu

04:35pm - Empayar Seremban Siew Pow

Personally, it isn't really fantastic. But then again, you can't trust the tastebuds of a hungry man. I will be back...!

I convinced Huey Theng to bring me to try more good food. And she suggested Port Dickson. What a surprise! Apparently, Ah Cui Bak Kut Teh is one of the most popular Bak Kut Teh restaurants in town, and that's where we headed!

05:15pm - Ah Cui Bak Kut Teh (Port Dickson)

Huey Theng insisted that I try both dry and soup Bak Kut Teh, and they're both awesome.

07:00pm - Port Dickson Seaside

After a very late lunch / early dinner, we headed to the seaside. She was quite reluctant but I insisted saying I wanted to see how "World-class" is it. She gave in. Thank you Huey Theng! 

A very nice spot I must say. We caught up with life and we shared about a thing or two. There's a huge incomplete hotel to our right left desolated for unknown reasons. The waters aren't as clear as I'd expect it to be, but no doubt it's a nice spot to just chill and chat.

08:00pm - Port Dickson Waterfront

We left the seaside for the waterfront (the other more developed side) for McDonalds. That's got to be the only time I had Macs overseas. But it's okay we got to chat over McFlurry.

Fun Fact: In some restaurants in Malaysia, helmets are not allowed. When I entered, people were staring at me for carrying my helmet. Apparently, bringing a helmet gives people the impression that you're there to rob the place.

We wandered around the waterfront, watching people playing bubbles and whatever not. It really is a calming sight to behold. The night was really cold though. We bid our goodbyes and I took my leave. I followed Huey Theng in the direction of Seremban before rejoining the North South Highway.

In all honesty, without her, my ride would be just like all the rest. A friend added meaning to my trip, No seriously, I'll prolly think of her whenever I venture to Negeri Sembilan from here on out.

My Ride Back

Point A 09:10pm - Depart Port Dickson (Mileage 9585KM)

Point B 11:25pm - BHP Pagoh R&R Petrol Kiosk Southbound (NSH) Fuel Stop, 3.33L, 7.00RM

Point C 11:55pm - Hentian Sebelah Yong Peng R&R (5min break)

My Grom at Hentian Sebelah Yong Peng R&R

10 July 2016

Point D 12:28am - Shell R&R Machap Southbound (5 min break)

Point E 01:40am - Pasir Gudang Petrol Kiosk before crossing border, Fuel Stop, 3.17L, 8.40RM

Point E 01:57am - Crossed Border into Singapore (Mileage 9901KM)

Point F 02:20am - Home Sweet Home!

Total Time Taken on my return trip: 5hours 10minutes

Total Distance Travelled: 649KM

Average Travelling Speed: 90-103KPH

Cheers to friendship forged and many more rides ahead!

10th Post: Mersing

"You'd try to ride the East Coast of Malaysia via Mersing! That one best ah!"

That was what my motorcycle instructor shared during my Class 2A theory preparatory class. He said it with such excitement, it almost felt like there is no other route better than the East Coast! That was the first time I heard the name of that small town.

About Mersing:

Mersing, is a touristy spot! There are more tourists there than I initially expected. Though it is not as crowded as Malacca and Kuala Lumpur (or Port Dickson for the matter), there is still a significant number of tourists roaming the area. They are mainly caucasians and europeans if you ask me.

Mersing Town Centre

Interacting with the locals, I've learnt that these are "seasonal tourists". They will only visit the town when the tide is low enough for diving activities on Pulau Tioman. Hotel and restaurant businesses boom during the period (roughly March to October). However, when the tide rose and Pulau Tioman closes it doors to tourists, the town will return to its usual cosy state.

Refuelling in Mersing during my most recent trip up, 13th August, 2016.

The town is so small, there is only one primary school and two secondary school. Most of the population are Malays, however, there is also a reasonable number of Chinese residents there in the "new town" (or otherwise known as “新村”). This new town is located along Jalan Besar and Jalan Lamma, a short drive from the town centre (which is a round-a-bout).

The highest peak in Mersing is the site of a mosque: Masjid Jamik Bandar Mersing.

From there, you'll be able to see the entire town of Mersing.

The main religions in Mersing are: Islam and Moral Uplifting Society (德教会).

There are only two Christian Churches in Mersing: Gereja Presbyterian Mersing and Gereja Kristen Xian.

Fun fact 1:

If you ever think of getting into a relationship in Mersing, think again. The town is so small, every one knows each other and if you plan to ask someone out for a meal, your parents would have known before your meal is even finished. ;D

Fun fact 2:

Most people don't lock their doors in Mersing. You can literally walk into your neighbour's house without knocking or ringing the bell. The town is so small that everyone knows each other, everyone trusts one another.

And if there's a foreigner in town, the entire town will be notified.

Why Mersing:

After conquering the South Western coast of Malaysia, I was determined to go the other direction: The East. After listening to the sharing of my motorcycling instructor for my Class 2A, I was all the more encouraged to visit the Eastern village of Mersing in the hopes of exploring further from there.

Riding Log:

My first ever ride into Mersing was really, a leap of faith. My first ever time riding,... Not on a normal highway. I have absolutely no clue what is to come, how dark the roads will be, how scary the roads will be, what the road conditions will be, etc. I knew nothing.

First ever ride into Mersing: 6th July 2016 (Hari Raya Puasa).

Bike used: Honda MSX 125

Average Riding Speed Daylight (in the straights): 85 - 95KPH.

Average Riding Speed Daylight (in the bends): 60 - 70KPH

Average Riding Speed Night (in the straights): 80 - 90KPH.

Average Riding Speed Night (in the bends): 50 - 60KPH.

Point A - 1615H - Left Home

Point B - 1720H - Crossed Woodlands Customs

Point C - 1740H - Pumped Shell V-Power, 3RM (Jalan Pandan).

Point D - 1930H - Reached Eelo Restaurant

I originally intended to visit Loke Tien Yuen Restaurant, however it was closed when I reached.

Total Time Taken: 2 hours, 10 minutes (from Checkpoint).

Pumped Shell 95 at Ling Kaw Mee Shell Station, Mersing, because there was absolutely no V-Power left (that's my interpretation of what the petrol kiosk personnel is trying to say via hand signals because I can't speak Malay and he can't do English). So I knowingly, and legally, broke the law. No matter, I pumped full tank: 3.10L, 5.45RM.

Riding Notes:

• Roads are generally straight and level all the way to Kota Tinggi.
• After Sungei Mawai, roads start to meander.
• Road meander more after Jemaluang.
• Keep far away from road shoulders because it is littered with dead animals, portholes, tree branches, and bricks.
• If there are two lanes, stay on the outer lane because the left lane is often extremely uneven and dangerous to ride on.

Food:

The food at Eelo Restaurant is honestly, not worth it. Compared with Singapore, I honestly believe you can get better food in Singapore. Note: Having been to Mersing for multiple trips, I still don't fancy the food there, the only thing I enjoyed was the ride.

Side note: Mersing is famous for their seafood. But it is really hard for me to enjoy it alone. 

Riding into the Sunset, en route to Mersing. 

Finally Reached Mersing Town Centre, Eelo Restaurant

Special Roasted Pork, with Rice. Really, not fantastic. And incredibly expensive.

15RM + 1.5RM (rice). Totally not worth it.

 Eelo Restaurant Menu

Hari Raya Puasa Decorations in Mersing

During my trip there, I rode around Mersing in search for a cafe to chill because visiting a restaurant isn't enough! I reached Mersing after sunset, because of that, I figured it wasn't safe to visit the Beach. (wasted). But I was greeted with random displays of fireworks (I couldn't capture them in film because it was really random). Residents there are allowed to fire their own fireworks from their homes in celebration for Hari Raya.

#BringingCafeHopingRoAWholeNewLevel

Cafe 71 Seventy One Coffee House.

I did not order a lot. The cafe was filled with a good mix of europeans and locals. I really loved the ambience in the cafe. The decos and whatever not. It's welcoming!

My Humble Grombie Celebrated its 9,000th Kilometre in Mersing!

The Ride Home

2245H - Left Mersing (71 Cafe)

0045H - Reached Shell, Pasir Pelangi. Total distance travelled from Mersing to Johor Bahru: 137KM. Total petrol consumed: 2.7L (2 bars dropped). 

Fuel efficiency: 50.74KM/L.

Average speed home from Mersing: 65 - 80KPH.

Total time taken: 2 hours (to Shell, Pasir Pelangi, right before Woodlands Checkpoint).

0125H - Reached Home.

Riding Notes:

• Ride slow especially after nightfall.
• The turns are sharp. Some of them are what I consider as "hair-pin turns".
• Only overtake when the road is straight and you're sure there's no vehicle in the opposite direction.
• Do not overtake in a bend.
• Do not overtake when there are a series of bends.
• It is better to ride slow and stay behind a vehicle at night. Keep a safe following distance.
• Follow the front vehicle's tyre tracks. Do not ride in the centre of the road for you may not know if there are portholes.
• Do not overtake using the road shoulders. You never know what lies ahead.

Road Conditions at Night

Concluding Thoughts:

I truly enjoyed my ride up to Mersing. Though it wasn't as awesome, the roads aren't the best, the sceneries aren't the most gorgeous I've seen, but it truly is one of my most humbling riding experience.

I have spent the most time in this small fishing village. It is the cosiest place I've been to in Malaysia thus far. The culture in Mersing differs a great deal from what we are accustomed to in Singapore.

But that's what riding is all about, isn't it? Engaging and mixing with the people at every location. Experiencing the culture, emerging in the journey. Feel the texture of the road, smell the food from roadside stalls, and indulging in what nature throws at you.

Snippets from one of my most recent ride to-and-fro Mersing

"People say when you drive, you're watching a movie. But when you ride, you're in the movie."

Ride safe!

Ninth Post: Desaru - The Beauty Once Unreachable.

"Desaru? So far!"

The last time I visited this gem was a few years ago,... For a church camp. The previous time earlier than that? That was before I entered Primary School.

Since then, Desaru has been a place situated in my distant memory. Tucked away at the back of my head where my family used to be so closely knitted together. How we used to stroll along the beach as a family. Building sandcastles and pushing each other into the sea.

The vaguest of my best memory from childhood came from that place. Yet, it has been so unreachable; so distant. I have always dreamt of revisiting the place, just to catch up with remnants of memories still left within. However, that dream was simply so far off, I never thought it was humanly possible to even achieve...

About the place: Desaru

Situated roughly around 88KM from Johor Bahru, the holiday destination is just about an hour's drive from Woodlands. It crystal clear waters and fine beaches make it one of the favourite holiday hotspot for Singaporeans and Johor Bahru residents.

Yes, my cover photo and my profile photo for this blog were both taken in Desaru. :)

My Honda Grom at Desaru Public Beach, Desaru, Johor, Malaysia

Look at just how blue the skies and the waters are! And I cannot tell you how comfortable and how nice it was to walk it beaches..!

They are known for some of the best food in town. Many people visit the place for seafood, their fruit farm, and most notably, their relaxing resorts.

The Journey to Revisit the Past

As for me, it was really a journey back memory lane. No, the last time when I was younger, I did not rode a bike here. In fact, I followed tour buses there for church camps. The purpose of this visit was to remember the time spent there as a family. Friends whom I used to be close with. Things that we did together by the seaside.

It's a sobering thought that memories and friendships fade away over time. Whatever that's left are just some facebook photo albums that are kept private because you simply don't want new friends to see them anymore.

Preparations 

This was one of the first ride that I did some research and preparation on what route I should take. Because of its awkward location in the South-East of Johor and my unfamiliarity with the Woodlands Checkpoint, I decided to take the Tuas Causeway. From it, I slowly navigated my way upwards.

My Route towards Desaru

The Ride

The ride up was... Can I say, boring? It was a really huge detour because of my stubborn decision of not taking up Woodlands Checkpoint. But then again, every journey was an experience. The road is straight. Comparable to that of the North South Expressway. However, the mere thought of the big detour set me back quite a bit. I slowly realised that I'm trying to pick up as much speed as I could instead of enjoying the ride just so I could get to my destination earlier.

Straight roads all the way to Desaru

Photo taken somewhere along Lebuhraya Senai-Desaru.

Desaru Public Beach (Pantai Desaru)

There is a public beach situated in the midst of all the resorts - an alternative for visitors who would want to enjoy the beach alongside the tourists but not wanting to book a hotel. 

Below are some of the information about the public beach:

Entrance Fee to the Desaru Public Beach 

Location of the Desaru Public Beach

You'll be given this ticket after you've paid the entrance fee.

The Food

Okay, I'm not in a very good position to share about food because I didn't have the budget to eat a lot, neither do I have the "kakis" to order a lot and try the many eateries there. So I will just share whatever that I've had. 

 Restoran Ehsan Jaya, Jalan Cengal 1, Desaru, Johor, Malaysia.

This is by far, one of the best mee goreng I've ever had.

Coupled with the Teh Tarik, it costs only RM5.50.

The Ride Back to Singapore.

The ride back was extremely quick. I took the plunge and headed for Woodlands Checkpoint so as to overcome my dislike of that particular Checkpoint. Partly because I was in a hurry. 

My Route Back to Singapore.

The ride back took me just under an hour and thirty minutes. That included the time taken to clear the customs.

Interests Sparked, Friendships Fostered.

My ride up to Desaru sparked interests amongst the people within my circle. All of a sudden, I've been bombarded with questions from everyone. Questions like:

How did you accomplish it?

Is the beach still as pretty?

Can you bring me up together?

Oh my goodness this place is so pretty!

Even my dad was interested to revisit the place after knowing how quickly I made it there and back.

It was also because of this ride that I got to make a new friend, Tom. Someone whom I later brought on his first ever ride up to Desaru. This gave me a new experience on how to lead someone, teaching me how it felt to take care of one another's safety and well-being while on the open road.

So Near Yet So Far

Praise be to God that the ride was uneventful. This ride also pointed out to me just how near the holiday resorts are to us and how accessible it truly is! If not for the blessing of two wheels, I doubt I'd be able to revisit the place that brought back so much great memories of the past!

Riders who are concern about riding up to Desaru or to Malaysia in general, do read up on my previous posts on how to keep yourself safe! The trip is bearable and can be easily done as long as you do your necessary preparations! So what are you waiting for, go for it already! :)

Eighth Post: Riding a Bike is a Lifestyle

This post is dedicated to Singapore Cool Riders (SCR) and the awesome group of people I've met through facebook who share common interests in riding small motorcycles, namely the MSX and PCX.

There are so much about riding that I still cannot fathom. And with each passing day, my knowledge of riding shapes my life continuously.

My initial take on riding was a selfish mode of transport. Think honestly, no one likes riding with a pillion. Not like the pillion will enjoy the ride, most of my friends / family members are in fact, petrified at the idea of riding pillion on any bike... So you commute around the City on your cozy machine, arriving at the destination before everyone else while everyone else is stuck in the craze of public transport. When they're sharing laughters and time together, you wait for them at the designated destination, with no one to accompany you...

My ride beyond the comforts of the Singaporean border further amplified this emptiness within me. Through my many rides, I get to experience joy beyond comprehension, freedom that knows no boundaries. The ability and the power to go wherever I want at a twist of a throttle. The flight through and beyond the urban jungle into the natural one, and into a distant town or city. The tremendous joy and liberation that the motorcycle bring... Unimaginable.

Yet, I was unable to share this piece of joy, with any of my loved ones.

Well, even if I did, it was pretty much unappreciated.

Overlooking the Pontian Seaside, alone.

But thanks be to God, my humble sharing of my #miniroadtrips opened up the doors for me to join a facebook group: Honda MSX Riders Club of Singapore. And in fact, this is only one of the many riding groups out there!

Suddenly, a whole new horizon opened up. People with similar interests and passion, gathering together to share about motorcycling. People, from all walks of life, each with a very unique story to tell. You simply would not know who you are going to meet! The person riding next to you may be a boss of a company, or an army personnel, or a doctor, or a chef, or a house wife,... You really would not know!

What I truly like about these groups are the fact that they are so closely knitted. Okay, those who chooses to participate actively are closely knitted by choice. They share things about weather updates, to great promotional bargains. We even have riders out there who own motorcycle workshops who can share great discounts and bargains when it comes to bike maintenances. Lets not forget we have people who are restaurant owners who offers great discounts too to people within the motorcycling groups.

I'm not saying that I join these groups for these offers and discounts. I wouldn't have known too. But in all honesty, it is the shared passion and interests for riding that bond the people together. And it is in these gathering that we share whatever we have with one another, be it businesses, or personal experiences. We grow, bond, and live together.

Singapore Cool Riders' Outing to Geylang Bazaar

What I truly admire and treasure in these motorcycling groups are its helpfulness towards group members. Motorcycling, is no doubt a dangerous sport. However, it granted me an elevated sense of humanity. In fact, it alleviate sufferings from those who suffered due to accidents. There were a few occasions whereby a group member encountered an accident, those who are around him/her immediately rushed to the scene to help. The rest prayed for the injured on our own accord. Whatever faith we believe in, we prayed for them.

Now, there is one thing I must clarify because someone once told me that "Motorcycling groups are dangerous". MOTORCYCLING GROUPS ARE NOT THE GANGSTERS OF THE PAST. Even if they do exist in Third World countries, the groups in Singapore are mainly filled with nice people who never discriminate or cause harm to others, in fact we only help each other and exhibit the positive side of humanity.

In time to come, we do also organise road trips up north to guide those who are afraid to ride across the causeway to experience the vast open roads beyond Singapore soil.

My first Meet-up with Singapore Cool Riders

So riding friends out there, if you haven't yet joined any motorcycling groups, what are you waiting for! Just find one and join already! My idea of riding changed completely when I met these people. You'll be amazed how life will change if you haven't already!

Seventh Post: Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has been a very important landmark in the South East Asian map. The capital city of Malaysia seem so close to Singapore on the map, yet it felt so distant to many at the same time.

Many shrug at the thought of going the distance. Most would even opt for the option of flying between the two major cities instead.

As for myself, I did not give much thought to whether or not the journey on a humble underpowered motorcycle would be tough or even treacherous. The immense freedom the two wheeler gave was my only motivating factor. The decision was set, and I'm on my way. I headed to Kuala Lumpur for lunch and was back before the day ended on the 8th June, 2016.

All set and ready to go!

My Odometer's Reading before Setting Off for KL.

Odometer Reading: 6552KM. 

My Travelogue is as follows:

Kuala Lumpur Bound.

Total Time Taken: 5 Hours.

09:45 - Point A - Depart from Home for Tuas Causeway.

10:05 - Point B - Reached Tuas Checkpoint

11:22 - Point C - Reached Machap Northbound R&R for Petrol. - Topped 6RM of Petrol, 2.9L.

13:00 - Point D - Reached Ayer Keroh Northbound R&R for Petrol. - Topped 7.2RM of Petrol, 3.5L.

14:15 - Point E - Reached Petaling Puchong Petrol Kiosk after Plaza Tol Sungai Besi. Topped 5RM of Petrol, 2.4L.

Fuel Stop at Petaling Puchong, Petronas, KL.

14:40 - Point F - Reached KLCC... and Parked!

KLCC Parking Ticket for Motorcycles. 

Parked Safely in KLCC!

There is something quite peculiar about KLCC that I don't get everywhere else. Every single motorcycles you see here are locked with more than one disc lock and a chain. Some of them also have a sticker stating that they're equipped with GPS tracker and alarm. Not sure if they're real or fake, but the security of this complex does send chills down my spine.

At every corner, there are more than one CCTV and there are also quite a number of security guards patrolling the area. Despite all these security, and the 2 bicycle locks that I have brought with me, I somehow don't feel safe having my Grom parked within the complex. So I headed off for a short ride around central KL for food!

15:00 - Left KLCC.

You can't go to KL without a selfie with the Twin Towers! 

The Twin Towers are too tall for a combined shot with the Grom despite me kneeling down at a very weird angle. This is the best of my ability - a shot with half the tower.

My Humble Grom has made it!

Had the luxury to ride around aimlessly given the not-so-heavy traffic when I was there. The weather was perfect with slight drizzles but all was well! In the end, I decided that I will ride to KL Tower and make do with lunch at a touristy spot.

15:15 - Reached KL Towers.

The Grom is here at KL Tower! 

A Trip is Never Complete without a Selfie 

Parked at KL Tower, right next to the security post. Yes, I've still got my locks just in case. 

Lunch: - Nasi Goreng Kampung & Teh Tarik Iced

Not as fantastic though but, I'll make do.

Visited the Upside Down House, KL, right beside the KL Tower. 

They have a really nice garden! 

One last photo before I depart from KL Tower.

Do refer to Map Below for the Detailed Locations of the Points Indicated for my Return Ride.

16:30 - Point A - Departed form KL Tower.

Upon departing, I was immediately roped into the unforgiving KL peak hours traffic.

That's the Petronas Twin Towers in the distance. Traffic was almost standstill.

The return trip was extremely exhausting. Especially, after a long day of riding, my body is starting to feel the physical strain. I took breaks whenever I desperately needed them but throughout the rest of the ride, I simply pushed on.

Note: Motorcycles are not allowed into the SMART Tunnels of Kuala Lumpur. For this ride, I accidentally ventured into one (no photos taken because it was too much of a traumatising experience). The speed limit of the Tunnel if my memory served me well was 60kph. I was riding at 80kph and all vehicles are horning, flashing, and speeding past me within it. Additional note: there's no road shoulder to ride on either within the tunnel. That's got to be the scariest part of my KL ride, ever.

Because of the awesome agility of the Grom, I was allowed to pass by the toll booth without paying nor the Toll Officer lifting the swing arm for me.

16:50 - Finally cleared the traffic and departed from KL.

17:35 - Point B - R&R Nilai Southbound, 5 minutes short break.

5 minutes short break at R&R Nilai

17:50 - Point C - R&R Seremban Southbound, Petrol Stop. 3RM, 1.47L.

18:55 - Point D - Kampung Bemban Layby Southbound, 5 minutes short break.

5 minutes short break at Kampung Bemban Layby Southbound.

19:40 - Point E - R&R Pagoh Southbound, Petrol Stop. 7.20RM, 3.5L.

Petrol Stop at BHP Petrol, Pagoh R&R Southbound.

21:20 - Point F - Somewhere in Pulai. Disaster struck.

Somewhere in Pulai, my IU mounting bracket broke in half, probably due to Metal Fatigue.

I guess, this was caused by excessive vibrations and the constant pushing of the machine at 7.5K RPM and higher that have caused this incident to happen. Either way, I was panicking to find a solution to handle this IU that is hanging by a thread. In the end, I emptied my china made handphone pouch off its foam and stuffed my IU into it, hoping that it wouldn't fall out... Well it did not!

Just to add: this mounting bracket which I later found out, is only unique to MAH Motors Pte Ltd. When I wanted to have it changed, LTA was already closed so MAH was the only option for me at the time. But I highly recommend riders to have their mounting brackets changed if you intend to ride long distances. It was pretty dang scary to have the IU bracket snapping and the IU hanging loose at 100kph.

Just another point to add: After a few days, I've realized that my bracket for my rear top box has also cracked. Yes, it was also from MAH Pte Ltd. I've nothing against them really. They knew themselves that it was pretty weak. But then again, if you're attempting to travel long distances like I do, these brackets are prone to suffer from metal fatigue probably due to the intense vibrations that are present throughout the long ride. So if you ever intend to travel far, get firmer, stronger brackets...!

21:40 - Point G - Reached Gelang Patah Shell and pumped the Grom with 10RM worth of Petrol.

21:55 - Crossed Tuas Causeway.

22:18 - Point H - Reached Home!

Finally Home! My Odometer Reading: 7269KM.

That is how I stuffed my IU into the handphone pouch.

T'was concluded my day ride to KL for lunch and how I returned before the day ended! Total Distance Travelled for the Ride: 717KM.

Home Bound.

Total Time Taken: 5.5 Hours.

Got to say, this trip was really about the pushing of my own personally limit. To ride further and longer than I have ever done before. To know my own personal physical limits as well as to realize that there is no such thing as boundaries. Boundaries are all in the mind. You will only know what you're capable of when you break them.

Thank God for this experience and for journey mercies. :)