The serenity of the Embassy of Malaysia’s compound was shattered by the revving sounds of a convoy consisting of 50 superbikes and about 80 participants led by YB Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who was on a peace mission by traveling from Chiang Rai in the northern part of Thailand down to Danok bordering Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam. The convoy made a stopover at the Embassy after traveling about 1500km and was treated with the traditional welcome by the Ambassador and staff of the Embassy.

In welcoming the convoy in a simple yet meaningful reception, H.E. Dato Husni Zai Yaacob underscored the importance of social activities of that nature which could help to cement closer and stronger relations between Malaysia and Thailand. More so, there were several riders from Thailand and Indonesia who participated in the convoy. Hence, it augurs well with the above intention and would contribute to the aspiration of ASEAN in nurturing and strengthening ASEAN’s connectivity.

In his reply speech, YB Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi candidly mentioned that peace could be contributed unofficially through unofficial and public diplomacy. While in Thailand, the Minister said he was impressed with Thai kind hospitality and excellent arrangements in making the expedition a success.

The camaraderie built has certainly contributed towards greater sense of togetherness among the members of the convoy and the Minister stated that he would consider to organise the event on an annual basis. At the side line of the event, YB Minister was interviewed by a number of Thai journalists who had been invited to make a coverage on the event and the news will be published in local travel magazines and the interview will also be aired over Bangkok Radio.

The convoy which was initiated by the Superbikes Association of Malaysia  (SAM) spent a night in Bangkok and will continue its journey to the south until it reaches the border on 31 January 2010. The Embassy would like to thank every one who had contributed to the success of this event, particularly, to the Tourism Office of Malaysia in Bangkok for their generous contribution and excellent arrangement for the media’s coverage.

March 2010 – Expedition to Kalimantan, Indonesia 10 days ride

This is the part 2 of Borneo Ride that was started last year. So for those who completed Part 1 of the ride don’t miss Part 2 of Borneo Ride.

May – Early July 2010 – Ride to Mecca/Umrah Ride 50 days ride

Starting from Putra Jaya towards Mecca for Umrah

October 2010 - Expedition Vietnam 14 days ride

Ride all the way to Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Houlong Bay. From Vietnam it will be flight back home.

December 2010 - Expedition Cambodia – 14 days

Ride to Angkor Watt, Siem Reap and Phom Penh all in 14 days!

Ride to Kunming to be included later.

All expedition date to be confirmed later. As organiser we have the privilege to change the locations and dates.

Other Rides

Short ride 3 or 4 days will advice on going. But this ride only covering  Thailand

We regret to inform BMW Motorrad Expedition to Motorrad Day in Germany from China is postponed to next year as the date clashes with Expedition to Mecca. We just got the approval for Mecca which is quite difficult to obtain. So the management decides that we should take this opportunity to go there first.

Israq Adventure is planning to embark on another journey. The 2010 year-opener adventure will be an overland ride from Putrajaya to the holy land of Mecca.

Convoy will be flagged off this coming 15th May 2010 from Putrajaya. It will an adventure of an estimated 50 days plus Umrah covering a distance of 15,000km.

The ride will be covering 12 countries from Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. For those interested, get your place confirmed as space is limited. Check out the website for updates regarding the expedition.

For more info please email israqadventure@gmail.com

This was the last expedition organized by Israq Adventure to close the curtains of 2009 with a bang. It was originally planed as the Cambodia Ride but due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, the organizer decided to change it to North Thailand Ride. Turned out the change of destination was a good decision. The riders get to ride on their own pace and have the freedom to stop whenever they feel like it.

To the riders this particular ride was deemed the “Santai Ride” as it was relaxing rather than rushing to arrive at the destination. Lunches and dinners were at the best restaurants in town. The riders got their rest in a number of small towns and they get to enjoy their stay. Despite it being the “Santai Ride”… the riders managed to visit all the important places of interest for bikers in Thailand.

The riders had the opportunity to experience the infamous 1864 corners of the misty Mae Hong Son, Golden Triangle a whole lot of other interesting places. The riders stopped over to enjoy the Floating Market, crossed over Tachilek, Myanmar and Laos… all in 10 days with a total mileage 5276 km of riding under their belt. Kudos to all. The riders also managed to reach the most western point and the most northern point in Thailand during this ride.

It was a ride consists of 3 generations with the youngest being 18 years old of age while others in their 20s and 40s. The youngest rider was Muhammad Nazreen Jihad riding a GS800 and the only flower among the thorns was a 19-year old Nurfazza Azlim riding a Kawasaki Z750.

“I’m really proud of them as they managed to complete the ride. I hope they can share their experiences among their peers,” said Azman Baharuddin the founder of Israq Adventure. He also added that 2009 had been full of interesting rides and he’s looking forward to organize more two-wheel based expeditions in 2010 with more riders joining in the fun.

Below was the route taken by the riders in this year-end North Thailand Ride organized by Israq Adventure:

R&R Sg Buloh – Songkhla – Nakhon Sawan – Mae Sariang – Pai – Mae Sai – Lamphang – Kanchanaburi – Nakhon Si Thamarat – R&R Sg Buloh.

Again BMW Motorrad owners embarked on a journey. This time around it was the BMW Motorrad Yunnan Ride 2009. On the  13th November, the convoy made their way from the city capital,  Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok via Hatyai. As it was quite a long journey the riders had a rest and relax in Bangkok the day after.

at the Thailand/Laos border while waiting for the ferry

the ferry ride from Chiang Khong, Thailand to Huay Sai, Laos took about 20 minutes

a stop over on the way from Mohan to Mengla, China reminded us it's a long way to go!

The next day, 15th November, they continued towards the next destination, Chiangrai. It was another long ride of about 800km as the next day was scheduled as border-crossing and everyone need enough rest so that mishap can be avoided.

From Chiangrai, the riders made their way to Mengla. It was the first border-crossing in the ride via Chiang Khong to Laos by ferry, crossing the infamous high-current Mekong River. From there, the riders made their way to Boten, the no man’s land of Laos/China. Arriving Boten was a bit late than anticipated, the organizer Israq Adventure had to negotiate the border-crossing with the Laotian officials since it has been closed for the day. A bumpy ride of 30km of gravel brought the riders back to reality of the distance of the journey was still far ahead. The riders managed to arrive at Mohan, the border town in China. After going through the documentation process, riders made their move to Mengla for a good night’s rest.

Mohd Fauzi contemplated of taking the sign back home

the convoy stopped over a small village on the way to Mojiang from Puer

Yazid and Azmi traded their bikes to share this ride

The next day the riders ride their way to Puer. Since motorcyles are not allowed to be on the highway, all the routes through China consist of old roads, which the Chinese government called national road. It was quite a feat for all the riders since the roads are narrow and winding. What made it worst was the presence of potholes and uneven surface. Puer was selected as the destination of the since it is nearer to Kunming. Puer is a tea plantation town similar to our own Cameron Highlands. The riders had a break at the Tropic of Cancer in Mojiang for a much -needed lunch and pictures.

the curious locals were ecstatic with the bikes as the biggest cc there is mere 250cc

a short stop on the bridge required a photo session

Azmi and Nadzuar tried their best impersonation of ninja assasin

On the 18^th November, the riders made their way to Kunming braving the extremely cold harsh weather as the temperature dropped from a welcoming to extreme chill of 5 degree celsius. Riding through this weatheris not advisable but we had to continue in order to keep up with the schedule. It was a tough journey for all but the riders managed to made it to Kunming as each riders fully understand the concept of teamwork and never to leave anyone behind. Despite the extreme weather, the riders were ecstatic to be in Kunming.

it's the result of riding through muddy areas

it's 1800m above sea level. it was foggy and temperature started to drop tremendously

after a hard day's ride, he riders get to enjoy Chinese Muslim food in Mojiang.

The next morning the riders attended China Travel Mart Exhibition functions. The Yunnan Tourism Bureau gave us a very warm welcome. The riders had the opportunity to experience the cultural show and many other activities organized by the Yunnan Tourism Bureau in the cold of 0 degree celsius. During the function, the riders met the Consulate General Malaysia; En. Roseli Abdul. The riders enjoyed their stay in Kunming for another day before continuing the ride back home.

group picture is a must! we're at the The Tropic of Cancer in Mojiang, China

Nadzuar enjoyed the company of a local lady in her traditional garments

everywhere we go, we attract the attention of all!

After being rested for three days, the riders made their way to Jinghong, the final destination in China before entering Chiangrai the next day. It was two border-crossing of China to Laos and Laos to Thailand all in one day. Since it was Sunday, the riders had to pay extra for the ferry as the service is not available unless requested for.

curious locals crowd us everywhere and when we stopped

local chinese bikes had no attention unlike ours!

Azman, Jihad and Yazid were ecstatic to be in Kunming, China despite the extreme cold weather

From Chiangrai the riders, decided to ride straight to Pattaya and spend two days there. After the cold ride in China, a long ride in the sunny sunshine of Thailand was all the riders need to wind down. Having two days in Pattaya gave the riders some time to rejuvenate themselves and enjoy the hustles and bustles of Pattaya.

local chinese girl in a striking pose on the bike

a sign of peace is a must for the picture!

enjoying the weather of 5degree celsius in Kunming

riders had a group picture with the Consulate General of Malaysia

On the 25th November, the riders made their way to Hatyai before riding all the way back to Kuala Lumpur as it was the Hari Raya Haji celebration te next day to spend their time with loved ones and relatives. From Kuala Lumpur to Kunming and back took the riders through a journey of 5000km, along with experience and fun under their belt. For those who’re looking for overland adventure on two-wheels in and out of the Malaysia, any inquiries you can contact Azman Baharudin at +6019 332 3253 or israqadventure@gmail.com.

BMW Motorcycle Owners Club Malaysia Oktober Fest Ride was held at The Pulai Desaru Resort Hotel in Desaru, Johor, after a 400km ride from Kuala Lumpur on the 31st October 2009.

75 BMW Motorcycles owners started the ride from Sg Besi Toll as early as 10am on Saturday 31st October to ride together towards Desaru. They stopped for lunch at the infamous Kluang Kari Kepala Ikan before heading to The Pulai Desaru Resort Hotel.

Upon arrival at the hotel at 3pm, everyone registered themselves, checked in and once refreshed,  headed for dinner at 7.30pm.  Mr Jimmy Tee, the Club president gave a short speech and introduced the committee members right before dinner begins.

By Sunday 1st Nov most riders headed home by 10am. This 1st event organized by the club was very successful and everyone’s eyes are at the calendar anticipating for the next upcoming event by the club.

10 BMW Motorrad owners have already confirmed to join the BMW Motorrad Yunnan Trip 2009 Expedition begin 13th Nov. Follow the expedition news here with us. 

The BMW Motorrad Cambodia 2009 the registration is open now. Closing date 15th Nov. Hurry up and register as it is LIMITED!

Last weekend 18 KSR bike was ferried to Kuala Tahan from Petaling Jaya to start offroading on Saturday from Kuala Tahan to Kg Bantal.

Saturday morning we started riding from Kuala Tahan as early as 10am. This was the first KSR event supported by Israq Adventure. It was quite a successful event and all the participants enjoyed their ride approximately 130km route of Kuala Tahan – Kg Bantal – Kuala Tahan.

After a hard ride about 60km, participants enjoyed their night at Kg Bantal in a small dorm-style accommodation. Food was good there and it was a picturesque and serene village at night.

The next day we rode back to Kuala Tahan via a different route. We stop over for lunch and enjoyed a dip in the river. For KSR bike going through this kind of ride, it was quite a challenge.We at Israq Adventure are looking forward for more KSR expeditions in the future. 

Day 1 – 18th December Friday

Kuala Lumpur – Hatyai (Riding)

Hatyai – Bangkok (By flight)

Day 2 – 19th Dec Saturday

Bangkok

Day 3 – 20th Dec Sunday

Bangkok – Siem Reap

Border crossing – Thailand/Cambodia

Main Offroad 130km

Day 4 – 21st Dec Monday

Siem Reap – Visit Angkor Watt World Heritage Site

Day 5 – 22nd Dec Tuesday

Siem Reap – Phnom Penh capital of Cambodia

Day 6 – 23rd Dec Wednesday

Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville

Day 7 – 24th Dec Thursday

Sihanoukville – Pattaya (border crossing – Cambodia/Thailand)

Day 8 – 25th Dec Friday

Pattaya

Day 9 – 26th Dec Saturday

Pattaya – Hatyai

Day 10 – 27th Dec Sunday

Hatyai – Kuala Lumpur

RM 4,100 twin sharing 3 star hotel in Cambodia , transfer cost, border cost, bike permit n guide in Cambodia. For pillion is RM3100.

Please register early because December is high holiday season. Registration will be closed by end of October.

BMW Club will be organizing the October Fest Ride The Pulai Desaru Beach Resort from 31^st October – 1^st November, 2009. Be on the lookout for bundles of fun and galore! A number of activities has been planned for all! Hurry up and get yourself registered for the event. It will be LIMITED to 60 bikes only. Don’t miss out on this event! For more inquiries please contact Kenneth Ee at 019 356 8896 or kenneth@ee-1.com.my before 15th October 2009.

Proud To Be Malaysian… Ride Like A Bavarian

Fun On The Road… In The Sun… In The Water… By The Beach

Love The 80s Music… Seafood BBQ… German Booze

Join us… Limited To 60 Bikes Only

Closing Date… 15th October, 2009

Club’s Merchandise (t-shirt, cap, bike sticker & membership card) collect at registration counter at the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort lobby on 31st October, 2009.

It was a three-day event and the reception was astounding. The support that came from BMW Motorrad owners made the event a successful one. From demonstration to basic training, test ride and off-road training activities filled all three days with fun and galore. The tent itself was full with activities as owners mingle around and share their experience on riding and whats not.

For those who didn’t make it to Motorrad Day@ Genting Adventure World Carnival, sorry to say this, but it’s your loss… so to make up for it enjoy the pictures and be sure to take part in the next BMW Motorrad Day… most probably to be held next year as I heard that there are rumours saying that there’s been some planning to make it an annual event here in Malaysia.

This event is a gathering for BMW Motorrad owners. Highlights of the event is the outdoor dinner; Saturday 3rd Oct starting from 8pm. BMW owners are welcome to participate either of the days from 2nd to 4th October. Free event and goodies for owners only.

This is the inaugural BMW Motorrad Day to be held during the Genting World Carnival. Calling for all BMW Motorrad owners and enthusiasts to come and enjoy the activities! Admission is FREE.

Date:      2nd – 4th Oct 2009

Venue:  Near Goh Tong Jaya , Genting Highlands

Highlight: Demo Bike with Knobby Tires on GS1200Adventure, GS1200, GS800, GS650

UNSTOPPABLE Enduro

2nd October Friday

10.00am  BMW Motorrad Owners Registration – Genting Adventure World Carnival Official Opening

Morning Session Demo Ride

Free Activity

Afternoon Demo Ride

9.00pm    Close

3rd October Saturday

10.ooam  BMW Motorrad Owners Registration

11.00am  BMW Motorrad Basic Enduro Training Briefing

12.30pm  Lunch

2.00pm    BMW Motorrad Basic Enduro Training Begin

5.00pm    BMW Motorrad Basic Training End

7.00pm    BMW Motorrad Owners Outdoor “Dinner” Free & Easy

Lucky Draw (TBC)

12.00pm  End program

4th October Sunday

10.00am BMW Motorrad Owners Registration

11.00am  BMW Motorrad Basic Training Briefing

12.30pm  Lunch

2.00pm    BMW Motorrad Basic Training Begin

5.00pm    BMW Motorrad Basic Training End

Lucky Draw (TBC)

10.00pm Program End

Dear riders, please be advised. As per below are the updates and latest route of BMW Motorrad Yunnan 2009.

Day 1 – 13th Nov
KL – Hatyai – Bangkok
Ride to Hatyai and fly to Bangkok ( Bike go on truck)

Day 2 – 14th Nov
Bangkok – Rest Day

Day 3 – 15th Day
Bangkok – Chiangrai 800 km
Long Ride

Day 4 – 16th Nov
Chiangrai – Mengla 400km
Cross border Thai / Laos and Laos / China

Day 5 – 17th Nov
Mengla – Mojiang 510km

Day 6 – 18th Nov
Mojiang – Kunming

Day 7 – 19th Nov
Kunming

Day 8 – 20th Nov
Kunming – Yuanjiang – 300 km

Day 9 – 21st Nov
Yuanjiang – Jinghong – 200

Day 10 – 22nd Nov
Jinghong – Chiangkhong

Day 11 – 23rd Nov
Chiangkhong – Tak

Day 12 – 24th Nov
Tak – Bangkok

Day 13 – 25th Nov
Bangkok -

Day 14 – 26th
Bangkok – Hatyai – KL

Cost RM7,600 per pax. Twin sharing accomodation includes transfer, border, insurance, hotel, meals in China, ferry-boarding, visa, permit and license in China, permit for Laos, guide etc. Trip will be focussed to Kunming.
Dateline 1st October 2009. Need to send details document to China in advance.

note: routing is subject to change.

5th September 2009, Serting Negeri Sembilan: Israq Adventure headed by Azman Baharuddin initiated Charity Ride to Serting and was participated by 17 BMW Motorrad Owners on the two wheels plus a few others traveling to Serting via van, pick-up truck, 4×4 and cars. There were about  30 pax including family members took part in the event. 

The ride started from Petronas Station near Ampang Tesco MRR2 via Jln Ampang, Hulu Langat, Kuala Klawang, Titi, Simpang Pertang and a stop at Masjid Serting Ulu for prayer. Approximately it took us about 1 1/2 hour ride through the beautiful secondary road.

After Asar prayer, we went to Kampung Bayai Baru, Bayai Lama, Simpang Pertang and Serting Ulu to give away donations to 15 poor families for their preparations for Hari Raya. Contributions comprise of bicycles, groceries and monetary were given away to these families. The contributions was complimentary of the BMW owners who were involved in the Charity Ride. 

Mohd Fazli Shukor, Motorrad Manager from BMW Malaysia also attended and actively participated in the event.

After the donation, we broke fast at the small town of Batu Kikir and had dinner somewhere near Seremban before heading back to Kuala Lumpur.

This Charity Ride meant a lot both the BMW Motorrad owners as they had the opportunity to hand over personally the donations and also the families as this was a surprise for them. We didn’t inform them that we were coming.

Thank you to all that supported the Charity Ride and may Allah bless you.

November 2009 – BMW Motorrad Yunnan Ride 2009 – Trip Highlights: Kunming and Lijiang Expedition date: 13th Nov – 27th Nov

December 2009 – BMW Motorrad Cambodia Ride 2009 – Trip Highlights: Sieam Reap ( Angkor Watt ) and Phnom Penh (Date TBC)

It’s limited participation so please register soon. Email bmwbikers.adventure@gmail.com

 riding on the Friendship Bridge

at 2000m above sea level in Laos

The Mekong Ride came to an end on the 9th August 2009 ever since the riders made their way from Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai on the 1st August 2009. All in all there were 13 participants of single rider with 4 participants joined in the fun from up north of Perlis.

going through the mountain road

taking an alternate seating position after a hard day's ride

nakhon phanom

From Hatyai, the bikes were transported to Bangkok while we fly in before starting the ride towards Luang Prabang via Nong Khai, a ride of 921km in total. We completed the two-day ride Bangkok – Nongkhai – Luang Prabang before arriving at the destination to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Luang Prabang. We enjoyed our 1 day rest in Luang Prabang with nice old buildings and traditional atmosphere, best described as a mix of French and Laotian culture. As for the first timers here in Luang Prabang, they had a blast. 

usual activities by the Mekong River

suicide attempt foiled by the photographer!

riding through a small township

The Mekong ride can be considered a tough ride as the road from Vientiane to Luang Prabang took us almost 10 hours to complete. A total of 300km ride with short corners all the way. It was quite a tough day for all of us. We had to really concentrate and be alert all the way. Apart from this, fatigue sets in as we were dehydrated fully drenched in sweat. 

arriving at Luang Prabang

a snippets of Luang Prabang

175km towards Luang Prabang

To and fro, we managed to complete a ride of 3500km in total. The longest route taken during the Mekong Ride 2009 was Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok of 800km.

Laotian Coffee for sale. Is it any better than Nescafe?

what about AMEX? not accepted here?

stopping for a breather

Expedition ended in Hatyai at about 4pm. The group dispersed from Hatyai as riders went back to KL on their own.

on the way to Vientiane

upon arrival in Hatyai ending the Mekong Ride

After inflation, rotate tire and ride.

300 psi air compressor, rugged-looking carrying case, 8oz SLIME Tubeless Tire Sealant.

Includes:

1. Tire Gauge 10 – 50 psi
2. Air Hose 18″/45cm
3. Power Connection – Plug into power / lighter adapter
4. Power Connection – Pre wire to battery / Direct Pre Wire 14″/ 35cm
5. Main Harness with Fuse – Plug into power connector 8′/240cm cord length

Price: RM250 per set
Please email : bmwbikers.adventure@gmail.com or call 019 3323 253 for your SLIME!

2 units of Akrapovic R1200GS/Adventure slip on for sale @ RM3300 each.
Last 2 unit only. Hurry!

This is taken from BMWBlog.com. It’s regarding the Motorrad Days that we’re heading next year!

BMW Motorrad Days

One of our resolution for this year was to start writing more articles on BMW’s Motorrad Division, a subject that has been requested by many of you. While we’re still looking for the best and highly passionate BMW Motorrad contributor, we are going to keep you updates as they come to us.

Every year, at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, takes place a three-day event that reunites over 30,000 people in this mecca of BMW motorcycle fans. BMW Motorrad Division just issued a press release and photos that explain even better what goes on at this yearly special event.

Munich/Garmisch-Partenkirchen. “Once a year Garmisch-Partenkirchen is transformed into the mecca of BMW motorcycle fans – and so it is again this year,” announced the Head of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim at the official handing over of the keys of the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the three-day event BMW Motorrad Days 2009 by 1st Mayor Thomas Schmid on Friday evening in the main tent.

And there were indeed over 30,000 visitors, fans and riders of the brand BMW Motorrad in attendance from over 30 countries who had found their way to the picturesque holiday resort at the foot of the Hausberg mountain for the world’s biggest BMW Motorrad party, enjoying a lively program which reflected all aspects of the BMW Motorrad world – first in rather unsettled weather but subsequently in summer style. A group of eight persons from Peking had travelled furthest to get to the event.

The central focus of interest was the Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport which has been participating in the Superbike World Championship with the racing version of the BMW S 1000 RR since the beginning of this season. The team under Berthold Hauser, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, with the two factory riders Troy Corser (Australia) and Ruben Xaus (Spain), was introduced to motorcycle fans not only on the stage of the main tent – which was packed full to the last seat – but also at autograph sessions and close-up photo shoots. The riders also presented the serial production version of the BMW S 1000 RR to the public at large in the Freestyle Area of the BMW Motorrad Days – where Indoor Streetbike Freestyle World Champion Chris Pfeiffer otherwise kept his audience on tenterhooks.

With breath-taking stunts, the world’s leading motorcycling acrobat with his BMW F 800 R showed that even the impossible can apparently be performed on a standard motorcycle. The four-times World and European Stunt Riding Champion and four-times winner of the Erzberg Rodeo fascinated visitors with the same spectacular trick combinations which enabled him to outshine all his competitors and win the Indoor Streetbike Freestyle World Championship for the third time in succession.

No less fascinating were the action performances of the two mountain bikers Igor Obu and Andreas Schuster. Obu hit the headlines about ten years ago when he raced down the Olympic ski jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on his mountain bike at a speed of 112 km/h, landing after 42.11 metres. At the BMW Motorrad Days, Schuster took fans’ breath away with a jump from ramp to ramp over seven metres.

There was also pure excitement on the demanding enduro circuit – the x-track – where enduro riders Gerhard Forster, Andreas Lettenbichler, Juha Salminen, Simo Kirssi and Bernd Eckenbach provided highly competitive racing action on their G 450 X race enduro bikes.

Anyone who wanted to venture off-road themselves had the option of the 10,000 m² Enduro Park complete with BMW GS models and Husqvarna motorcycles, where five experienced instructors provided free training courses throughout the entire weekend.

Those who prefer to ride on asphalt also had plenty of opportunity to enjoy themselves at the BMW Motorrad Days 2009. In addition to test rides on current models from the BMW Motorrad range through the magnificent landscape around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the traditional motorcycle parade also took place this year on the Saturday, at least four kilometres long and running a distance of over 95 kilometres, as well as the classic parade on Sunday which ran a 25–kilometre circuit starting and finishing at Hausbergplatz and featuring some 80 historic BMW motorcycles. There were also special ladies’ tours on BMW motorcycles on offer for women riders.

For anyone who wanted to temporarily swap two wheels for four, there was the BMW xDrive circuit where visitors had the opportunity – under the safe supervision of professionals – to experience extreme side tilt, offset elevations and steep hill climbs and descents in the BMW models X3, X5 and X6.

The two motorcycle adventurers Michael Martin and Doris Wiedemann provided exciting entertainment, too. Martin gave insights into his latest project “Planet Desert” and Wiedemann talked about how she travelled in February 2009 on her BMW F 800 GS from the southernmost point of the USA in Key West, Florida, to the icy Prudhoe Bay on the Artic Ocean.

The great party atmosphere was mainly provided by the guests themselves, though of course supported by an extremely well-disposed presenter Jan Stecker and a wide range of live music acts. In the main tent the well-known party band “Blechblos’n” got guests going on Friday evening, as did the formation “Gary and Gerry and the used underwear” on Saturday evening. The US Lodge rocked with the Austrian party band “Dreirad” and “Switha’s Band” provided some excellent alternative rock from Portugal. More tranquil tones were to be heard from “Byron” with his acoustic guitar at the camp fire. Last but not least, DJ Moorat burned up the turntables and Gitty Fisher lent her powerful voice to unplugged performances for fans of country and rock’n roll music on both evenings. A big draw was held on Friday and on Saturday evening, when a BMW F 800 R and a BMW F 800 GS respectively found thrilled new owners.

Purely logistically the BMW Motorrad Days 2009 turned out to be a spectacular event, too. Over 700 people were and are still involved in the three-week preparations and implementation and the two-week dismantling process. In addition to rooms booked by long-standing regular guests in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, some 1,420 additional accommodation places were secured, with 1,400 tents in the Camping Area immediately adjacent to the event grounds providing yet more sleeping facilities. A total of more than 1,500 tons of material such as sand, tree trunks, concrete and stones were moved to create the x-track: the amount of sand alone was the same as the entire yearly requirement of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Fans and friends of the brand BMW purchased some 6,500 BMW Motorrad Days 2009 T-Shirts and 2,250 matching caps, as well as receiving the “BMW Motorrad Insider News” each day free of charge for information on the program, activities and weather situation. 5,000 copies of this newspaper were handed out on each of the three days. Over 1,000 Riders’ Passes were sold to allow visitors to make use of the numerous transport options.

1st Mayor Thomas Schmid was once again pleased at the solid and long-standing collaboration between the town and BMW Motorrad and hoped it would continue for many years to come. In this connection, Schmid mentioned not only the planned 2011 World Alpine Skiing Championship but also Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s application to host the Olympic Games in 2018. “BMW is a partner of the application company – so the bond is getting closer,” he commented. The success story of BMW Motorrad and Garmisch-Partenkirchen goes from strength to strength.

Pictures are courtesy of BMWBlog.com.

Motorrad Days at Garmisch-Partenkirchen

S1000RR on display at one of the booth

Trial run open for all

chris pfeiffer in action

This roadsign helped us finding our way there!

1st day KL – Kuala Terenggannu

It was a smooth ride all the way to Kuala Terengganu. It was a convoy of 25 bikes and we made it on time to attend the Terengganu Bike Week. We enjoyed the ride and being in Kuala Terengganu for the Bike Week was just what we needed to wind down from everyday’s  routine.

Trailing the gravel route.

2nd day  Kuala Terengganu – Kuala Berang – Tasik Kenyir – Gua Musang – Cameron Highland – Simpang Pulai – Kuala Lumpur

2nd day we decided to ride back to Kuala Lumpur through Kuala Berang – Tasik Kenyir – Gua Musang – Cameron Highlands and Simpang Pulai. We departed at 9am from Kuala Terengganu and we had lunch in Gua Musang and many other hotspots enjoying the local cuisine.It was a picturesque ride by the Tasik Kenyir.

At the wildlife reservation of Terengganu

overview of Lake Kenyir

Enjoying the serenity of the Kenyir Lake

The highway is exceptionally good but not without some gravel patches here and there. The landscape around Tasik Kenyir is a complete view of serenity and exquisitely natural. The route with many curves and corners had all the riders ecstatic and raring to ride thru this route again in near future. One thing for sure, Malaysia consists of quite a handful of beautiful landscapes of flora and fauna. Hopefully, we can preserve the jungle and educate the youngs of its importance.

A bit of gravel made it twice the fun.

Petronas Kiosk deep in the village of Felda Ciku

Fueling the oldskool way!

Petronas station is everywhere. Thank you for the support. This small station which looks more like a convenient store is located at Felda Ciku in Kelantan.

a rest stop while embracing the beauty of Kenyir

Next Event - 

Expedition Yunnan Trail 2009 – Mid November ( 2 weeks duration covering North of Thailand, Laos and Yunnan Province, China ) 

Expedition Angkor Watt 2009 – Mid December (this expedition will cover Thailand and Cambodia)

2010 Expedition – More exciting trips will be organized both Domestic and International ( details to be announced soon)

Other Services

1. Bike Rental F650GS rental USD150 per day 

2. Riding around the natural wonders of Malaysia (West, East, South, North) – package can be tailor-made to your needs

(duration, accomodations, food and beverages, accessories etc) 

3. Riding in the Borneo Island of Sabah and Sarawak . Explore the beauty of the Borneo.

October – GS Rainforest Adventure – weekend program

Nov – Expedition Yunnan – 2 weeks of adventure

Dec – Expedition Angkor Watt – 9 days of adventure

keep on the look out for details of the above events soon. Any inquiries please email bmwbikers.adventure@gmail.com

BMW1150RT For Sale RM70,000. Year End  2003 3rd owner new tyre and new battery. Very Good Price. Please call me at 019 3323 253

Expedition Info

Closing Date 15th July 2009.  Please hurry up!!!

Route