local girls with one of our bikes

I have always love riding in Kyrgyzstan. It is all in the extremely breath-taking landscapes sculptured to perfection by the snowcapped mountains of Tian Shan mountainous region that dominates 80 percent of the country… in which has deemed Kyrgyzstan to be referred to as the Switzerland of Central Asia. The population consists of the friendliest among the friendly people. Apart from that the landlocked country has one of the most outstanding multiple of adventurous terrains for those who lived on adrenaline rush such as I.

In the rural part of this country is yet to be developed hence you’d have the feeling of being back in the past as most of the building’s structures in the village consisted of old materials and when I say old… I mean really really old. Means of transport in the rurals still depends on the four-legged animal such as horses and donkeys. There are also those nomads who lives in the steppes in yurts; a portable, felt-covered, wood lattice-framed dwelling structure.

This is surely bikers’ haven… as long as it’s a dual purpose bike due to the terrains. The weather might not be up to everyone’s liking as during winter, it can be extremely cold  especially nightfall as it drops don to 10 degree. Hence I came to the conclusion that the best time to ride here in Kyrgyzstan and actually enjoy the serenity without being freeze to death would be during summer… as it’s just nice, cold and yet bearable for most especially us Asians.

With a history that span back in the 6th century BC, the earliest residents of what is now known as Kyrgyzstan were warrior tribes of Saka also known as Scythians before being invaded by Arabs in their expansion of empire of Central Asia back in 8th century. Islam was introduced during this era. The Kyrgyz state reached its peak after they defeated the Uyghur Khanate and dominated the territory for 200 years.

One of the biggest attraction here in Kyrgyzstan is the Lake Issyk Kul. It was a stopover on the Silk Road, a land route for travelers from the Far East to Europe. Many historians believe that the lake was the point of origin for the Black Death that plagued Europe and Asia during the early and mid-14th century. Issyk Kul is the 10th largest lake in the world in volume and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea.

we're wearing traditional kyrgyz hats

all well and still able to smile despite what happened

Stuntman! That’s what we called him. YB Senator Khalid was the toughest rider among us during the recently completed 1Malaysia Kembara Ke Bumi Suci 2010. Every time he fell off his bike, automatically he bounced back in stance and all ready to lift his bike up. One of his falls was quite worrying as Senator Khalid and his bike were all covered in tar as he accidentally rode on a wet tarmac while traversing in one of the sector in China in which the road was under construction.

after the mishap!

The BMW GS 1200 Adventure is a heavy bike even for an experienced rider. The bike all complete with luggage and a ride that span by the hundreds of miles everyday for almost two months can be quite a challenge both to mental and physical. Nevertheless he never complained but enjoy the ride and all the mishaps as if nothing happens. This is the kind of attitude that should be instill among us all. Alhamdulillah YB Senator had no injuries what so ever from his many falls.

all covered in tar!

YB Senator Mohd Khalid Ahmad from Arau, Perlis was ecstatic when he saw our national car being driven in Syria. We shared the same feeling of excitement and pride at the same time. He asked me to take this photo of him with the car. In Syria we saw a number of Proton Wiras and Perodua Kancils on the road. We’re really proud to be Malaysian.

senator khalid with national pride in syria

In Uzbekistan bikers’ community is really really small. Why? There are thousands of reasons for it. One of the reason for the government are extremely strict on bike use especially in the city. Second is there’s a certain time duration of which bikes are not even allowed to be ridden in the city. Nevertheless, these regulations didn’t dampened the spirit of this minute community of bikers there.

all four of the steel scorpion riders who rode with us

This particular group has a number of oldskool models such as Kawasaki Vulcan and other makes. What would have made most discontinue their passion only strengthen their enthusiasm in biking. Four of the Steel Scorpion Riders joined us on the way out of Tashkent towards Bukhara. They rode with us for about 40km before heading back home. Steel Scorpion Riders, your moral support is highly appreciated and we do hope that the bikers’ community in Uzbekistan will flourish over the years.

During the recent trip to Mecca, most of the time we serviced our own bikes. Reason being was by doing so we’d know the bike better. I personally respected one of the participant’s Musa who’s riding a BMW GS1200 Adventure. When we’re in China, he had a problem with his bike and it was considered severe as the parts needed to fix it was unavailable.

The bar above the shaft was bended when the bike plunged into a huge pothole during the off-road sector in China.  Musa’s zest managed him to ride all the way up to Tashkent where the parts was delivered by supplier. He rode about 2 weeks under this painstaking condition. Nevertheless, he managed to endure this situation.

Basic knowledge is pretty much crucial to be independent and gets to complete the journey.

pretty much in love with his bike

riders with the generous petrol kiosk owner and his workers

Since our recent expedition was deemed an ‘ibadah’ ride, we earned the title “musafir” a term that can be translated as traveler. As musafir, we had met a number of people who are kind and generous who provide us with food and drinks as alms ad in return they ask us to pray for their well being.

When we had a fuel stop in Iran , we refueled at this particular station on the way to Tabriz. After refueling we went to the retail store which is also owned by the petrol station’s owner to get drinks and some snacks. When the manager asked one of us where we’re heading to and he answered, “we’re going to Mecca for Umrah.” He was surprised and said “mashallah”. When we wanted to pay for our food he said “sedekah, halal”, which means it’s alms and we don’t need to pay. They also invited all of us to have some drinks and snacks for free.

We would like to thank the owner who I can’t recalled his name for the hospitality he gave us. Thank you.

During our expedition we were pleased and relieved to have such an adventurous doctor; Dr Fahmi Rashid with us. Not only he that kept us all in good health but he also helped the riders if they had any difficulty. Food poisoning, cough and fever were common illness during the expedition. Dr Fahmi always reminded us to drink more water to keep ourselves hydrated. We really appreciate his support during the trip.

dr fahmi

At the border of China and Kyrgyzstan, Dr Fahmi lend his experience and rode Zamran’s Africa Twin across an off-road sector. As for Zamran he rode Dr. Fahmi’s bike which is way much lighter compared to his bike. Dr. Fahmi did well to assist Zamran to go through the difficulty. (Zamran you should thank Dr. Fahmi.)

dr. fahmi in action!

A doctor’s role in an expedition is crucial. An adventurous doctor such as Dr. Fahmi is quite a rare find in Malaysia. Dr. Fahmi you’ve earned our respect.

Alhamdulillah we arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 10am. As we arrived,  we have completed our journey of the 1Malaysia Ekspedisi Kembara Ke Bumi Suci 2010.

Facts & Figures:

Departed 14th May

Arrived in Jeddah: 28th June

Returned to Malaysia 5th July

Convoy consists of 11 bikes and 1 4×4 support vehicle

Only 5 bikes not being  towed by support vehicle

1 bike were sent home from Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Traversed through 11 countries

Distance: 17800km

Lowest point: – 430 meter below sea level

Highest point: 4500 meter above sea level

Lowest temperature: -6 degree celcius

Highest temperature: 48 degree celcius

at the consulate's office in jeddah

Insyallah Israq Adventure will be organizing another trip to the holy land if there are those who are interested.

I’d say the journey the holy land is an experience of a lifetime as we get to experience the hardship and challenges to perform Umrah.

Wassalam

finally back at home. group pix at klia

Alhamdulillah everyone have successfully performed their umrah. By now we’re on the way to airport and will be arriving in KLIA tomorrow (6th June 2010) at 9am.

By today, we’ve made it in history being the only convoy of  10 bikes, 1 support 4×4 vehicle 15 participants from Malaysia to enter Saudi Arabia by land starting from PWTC Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to Dato Hidayat Abdul Wahab General Consulate of Malaysia in Jeddah, this is the first time ever a group of bikers enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. He also said that this is the 1Malaysia spirit that should be followed by malaysian especially the younger generation.

we're in jeddah!

“After 45 days riding 17800km in total distance traversing 11 countries and the participants have to go through hardship and challenges before being successful should be taken as an example by all,”  added Dato Hidayat Abdul Wahab.

expedition leader, assir mohamad

Everyone was grateful as the 1Malaysia Ekspedisi Kembara Ke Bumi Suci 2010, organized by Israq Adventure Sdn Bhd was a success. Expedition Leader Assir Mohammad said that, “The success was due to the high spirit and teamwork among the participants apart from receiving help and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as Malaysian Embassy in all the countries we’ve been through in order to complete the expedition.”

azman baharuddin

As for the Managing Director of Israq Adventure Sdn Bhd, Azman Baharuddin as the organizer, “I am really satisfied with the journey and I’d say that this was the most challenging expedition I’ve been through over the years. The extreme weather and condition, tight schedule and to top it off various of incidents and mishaps along the way, the success today is all thanks to the prayers and support of all Malaysians back home as well as other muslims we’ve met throughout the journey.”

our bikes enjoy the breeze after more than a month of hardship!

Today we’ll be sending the bikes to the Jeddah port and afterwards head to Medina and Mecca to perform Umrah before coming back home by the 5th July 2010.

pix with camel of petra

Jihad Mohd Noor, 44 years old from Kuala Lumpur – “It was an expedition of a complete ingredients. It’s a memorable experience for me.”

senator khalid ahmad

YB Senator Mohd Khalid Ahmad, 56 years old from Arau, Perlis – I’m really touched to have made it and complete the expedition. Falling off the bike, accident and extreme weather made me more determine to finish the ride. The most unforgettable and scary experience was at the China – Kyrgyzstan border as it was pitch dark, extremely cold as it’s snowing as we arrived at the final checkpoint before being greeted by Kyrgyz soldiers with warm welcome. I was really satisfied with the warm welcome by the officers there.”

mat napiah

Mat Napiah Mohd Noor 44 years old from Taiping, Perak – “It was such an extreme expedition to me especially the weather is concerned. Being there at the Tibetan plateau in cold and at the height of close to 4000 meter I faced difficulty to breath but I kept going. And I really appreciate all the help and support that I get from fellow expedition members.”

musa mohammad

Musa Mohammad 42 years old from Kelang, Selangor – It was exciting and yet challenging. It teaches us to be a better person by being patient and have the ability to work together without fail no matter what. The most unforgettable moment for me was when I had to help Jihad pushed his bike at 4800 meter above sea level with the wind blowing hard, snowing and it’s below zero degree. I almost gave up but when the going gets tough the tough gets going so I pulled through and went ahead. I was there for 7 hours.”

It was quite a short distance of ride today of only 275 km from Amman to Petra. Earlier in the morning, the Malaysian Embassy prepared Malaysian-style breakfast such as Nasi Lemak, Mee Rebus and more thanks to the ‘Persatuan Wanita Kedutaan’ which consists of personnels’ wives who came together to prepare the breakfast.

the ladies of the malaysian embassy brought us closer to home with local delicacies

Malaysian Embassy in Jordan under the leadership of Malaysian Ambassador Your excellency Dato’ Abdul Malek Bin Abdul Aziz has been working hard to help us ever since our entry from Syria – Jordan border up until we left Amman. After breakfast Dato’ Abdul Malek flagged us off from his office.

During today’s ride we had to take extra caution as the road was slippery along with crosswind due to the barren lands of the desert. Alhamdulillah there were less vehicles on the road as it’s a holiday for Jordanians today.

farihin and zamran enjoyed the nasi lemak to the max!

As we arrived in Petra, we headed to the Old City of Petra which was built 2000 years ago by the Nabateans. The old city was well-preserved by the Jordanian Government and has been quite an attraction here in Jordan.

with robert from holland who's been traveling for the past two years

Up to now, the convoy has traversed 16200km from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. By tomorrow we’ll be crossing the last border to Saudi Arabia. The journey to Jeddah would take us 1500km through the scorching heat of the desert facing vicious and unforgiving crosswind.

sun-bathing in the desert is fun!

Jeddah will be the last destination by bike for us before we head to Madina and Mecca to perform Umrah before heading home by the 5th of July. Insyaallah.

azman and his metal horse

We are still in Amman, Jordan. Since yesterday we’ve been getting prepared for the ride to Saudi Arabia. Documentation process are all in the able hands of our home away from home, the Malaysian Embassy here in Jordan.

performed and recited prayers by expedition members

it was refreshing to bath here at the dead sea

Yesterday we had the chance to visit the tomb of Prophet Ayub (PBUH) and the Dead Sea. At the tomb, we recited and performed prayers before heading to the Dead Sea for a rejuvenating and refreshing bath. Across the Dead Sea we can see a glimpse of Palestine in the form of renowned Al-Aqsa Mosque from afar.

dato abdul malek bin abdul aziz, malaysian ambassador in jordan

at prophet ayub's tomb

It’s Friday here in Jordan and we performed Friday prayer in Amman. At night the Malaysian Embassy in Jordan celebrated us with a fulfilling dinner. By tomorrow we’ll be heading towards Saudi Arabia. Insyaallah.

we had the opportunity to be here!

Amman is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is the country’s political, cultural and commercial centre and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

flat out at the border

Back in 1970, Amman was the site of major clashes between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Jordanian army. Everything around the Royal Palace sustained heavy damage from shelling. Most of Amman suffered great damage from PLO rockets and the Jordanian army’s shells.

me at jordan bikers

Amman is located in a hilly area of north-western Jordan. The city was originally built on seven hills, but it now spans over an area of nineteen hills. The main areas of Amman gain their names from the hills and mountains on whose slopes they lie.

at syria turkey border few days back

The ride from Damascus to Amman, Jordan the tenth country in the series of 1 Malaysia Kembara Ke Bumi Suci 2010 went really well. It took us another 255km to arrive in Amman, Jordan. It was a smooth ride to say the least. By now we felt really close to Mecca hence the end of our expedition and being the one and only two-wheel expedition in the world to traverse to Mecca for Umrah. Insyaallah.