Israq Adventure

New Lorenzo and Rossi merchandise at Two Wheel Garage!

IsraqAdv — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:05:38 +0000

New shipments have just arrived at our doors and we have something exciting for you riders. We now have, in store, original merchandises of two of the best MotoGP riders ever scorched the tracks around the world, ours included.

Check these pictures out! If you want some hands-on, not on the hot chick manning, err, woman-ning the receptionist desk, but on the material, drop by Two Wheel Garage in Glenmarie, Shah Alam!

Overland basic tips

IsraqAdv — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:11:41 +0000

Since it’s the fasting month and I’m all jolly and in the mood of sharing, here’s a ‘lil tips for those who’re into or looking forward to venture into two-wheel overland activities be it short or long distance.

When you plan for any giving trip/expedition regardless the distance and time span, it is crucial to have a bike that suits your size and weight. Do remember that in long distance ride, you’d have to go through different terrains and conditions. Some of the terrains will be quite an adventure to surpass hence bike selection is of the utmost importance to actually enjoy the ride.

wit me 'faithful GS650

As for me, during recent trip my choice was the BMW GS650. The bike is light, low and have a reliable engine for long distance. Fuel tank size is sufficient for travel up to 300km on full tank. During the recent trip, I rode this bike all the way from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah without any hiccups at all. Ultimately this bike became one of the five bikes that made it all the way.

another 1000+km to go...

Nevertheless, riding style also plays an important role. A daily check up is an absolute must to keep the bike in good condition at all time. I say I’ll blog about that and other stuffs in the next postings. For ‘em newbies in overland, welcome to you all and enjoy the new found fun! Insyaallah.

Two Wheel Garage and some of the cool stuffs for sale!

IsraqAdv — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:36:16 +0000

This is clearly on purpose so that you’d come to the place and have a look-see. See you in Two Wheel Garage!

The beauty of Kyrgyzstan

IsraqAdv — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:22:06 +0000

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.

: girl in local garments with bread

: local girls with one of our bikes

: nomadic horseman of kyrgyz

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.

: snowcapped peaks of tian shan mountains

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.

: donkey is another means of traffic in the rural part of kyrgyzstan

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.

: the serenity of issyk kul

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.

: on the road of rural Kyrgyzstan

: we’re wearing traditional kyrgyz hats

The stuntman among us all!

IsraqAdv — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:37:55 +0000

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.

: all well and still able to smile despite what happened

: 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!

National pride way back in Syria!

IsraqAdv — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:36:56 +0000

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

Steel Scorpion Riders of Tashkent Uzbekistan

IsraqAdv — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:35:52 +0000

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.

Expedition tips

IsraqAdv — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:57:24 +0000

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

Generosity goes a long way

IsraqAdv — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:45:28 +0000

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.

riders with the generous petrol kiosk owner and his workers

Medical work comes in the form of…

IsraqAdv — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:28:59 +0000

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.