GIVI MALAYSIAN ADVENTURE 2019 – Malaysia Truly Asia
The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 has run its course in our country, in the full GIVI Explorer spirit of Explore, Enjoy. The ride is extra special as it also celebrates GIVI’s 25th anniversary in Malaysia, and our second year of involvement in the GIVI Rimba Raid.
The adventure spanned 10 days from 20 to 29 July 2019 and covered more than 2000 kilometres in total. It covered the west to the east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia and back again.
Background
The GIVI Explorer Adventure is an annual event which sees GIVI Explorers riding motorcycles in beautiful locations around the world.
Malaysia was the seventh edition of this incredible journey, after Patagonia, Chile, South Africa, Colombia, Golden Triangle (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam), Morocco.
But it is not merely about enjoyment.
The Adventure was born out of the desire to build a family among the GIVI people, who share the same passion for our products. But more importantly, it is about riding motorcycles together as a family.
GIVI Equipment
The fleet of motorcycles consisted of Triumphs and Moto Guzzis for this edition and were “super-equipped” with GIVI equipment and accessories. These products served their functions and were also being tested through the rigors of the ride.
Luggage cases were a necessity, of course, since these are the core GIVI products. We mounted a good mix of aluminium, polymer and soft luggage of all sizes.
To expand the carrying capacity, tank bags were also installed, especially the new Tanklock type. These were to prove useful during the ride in terms of storage. Also important was that they were easy to remove and reinstall during refueling, thereby saving time. (Refueling thirty motorcycles takes time.)
Each bike was also installed with smartphone/GPS mounts.
We also installed our high quality, hence strong and reliable windscreens. Using the latest techniques, GIVI windshields are clear and optically correct. These are very important attributes to provide the rider with clear vision in addition to wind protection.
Rain was forecasted during the tour hence every Explorer was issued the new PRS.04 Rain Suit.
As with the adventure’s tradition, every rider and marshal wear the same riding gear. For this adventure, each wore the new X33 modular helmet, specially-made Hevik jacket and pants besides technical undergarment to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.
The Explorers
Nearly 30 GIVI Explorers from 16 countries took part in the adventure this time, hailing from as far away as the South American continent and Eastern Europe, among others. Breaking it down, they represented Malaysia, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Slovakia, Lithuania, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia.
Riding amongst the group was special guest, ex-Dakar racer Jeremias Israel from Chile. Jeremias was slated to join the GIVI Rimba Raid race later during the tour.
Day 1 – 20th July 2019
The day of arrival. Today was when all the riders and everyone involved including the marshals, police escorts and support personnel gathered. A gala dinner was held at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) to welcome everyone and provided the opportunity for everyone to catch up.
Day 2 – 21st July 2019
In the morning, the Explorers were transported to GIVI Asia Sdn. Bhd.’s factory. There, they were given a tour of the entire facility before the flag-off.
The police escorts led the way while the marshals ensured the safety of the riders first to the leaning tower in Teluk Intan, afterwards to Kelly’s Castle and ultimately to the beautiful Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh, Perak. The luxurious resort is set in a natural jungle. As such, dinner was served in the world-renowned restaurant called Jeff’s Cellar. The entire facility was set in a natural limestone cave!
Day 3 – 22nd July 2019
This day took the convoy on a northeasterly track toward the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia through the Belum Forest Reserve, Gerik and Banjaran Titiwangsa. The route offered the Explorers a glimpse of one of the world’s oldest rainforests, while the tree cover provided welcomed respite from the hot weather. The convoy continued through Pahang, Kelantan and finally stopping in Kuala Terengganu.
Day 4 – 23rd July 2019
The Explorers took a short ride to the Nerang jetty to board speedboats to Pulau Redang. Transit vans from the Taaras Beach & Spa Resort were already standing by at the island’s jetty when the boats arrived.
The resort is set in a bay on the northeastern side of the island thus provides gentle waves. The rooms were divided into villas and rooms, all erected on the side of a hill. There were plenty of activities being offered, from mild to wild. Most Explorers took the opportunity to snorkel at the reefs off the coast.
But it was not just fun and games as the Taaras also has its own turtle conservation and hatchery centre. A big cheer for the endangered animals and nature!
Day 5 – 24th July 2019
The participants crossed back to the mainland to continue riding. Everyone was happy to find that all cases were secure, and items left inside were present.
The convoy travelled along the coastal road from Kuala Terengganu to Kuantan, passing many beautiful beaches along the way. This route also gave a glimpse into the more laid-back daily routines of the east coast population. Other vehicles gave way to the convoy participants without hesitation and folks and their children came out to wave at the Explorers.
The travelers put up the night at Hyatt Regency Hotel at Teluk Cempedak, Kuantan.
Day 6 – 25th July 2019
The convoy departed early from Kuantan as it was a long ride to the historic city of Melaka.
The weather was cool due to overnight rains as the ride got under way, but it soon got hotter and hotter as they neared Melaka. At least the road featured many beautiful corners all the way to Ayer Keroh.
Having police escort was a big bonus not lost on anyone. Otherwise, entering Melaka would have been a chore given all those traffic lights and intersections.
But it was in the city that the Explorers got the taste of authentic Baba and Nonya cuisines. From there, it was a short ride to A’Famosa, allowing the Explorers to visit the sites nearby including St. Paul’s Church, Stadhuys, Christ Church and everything in between. Resourceful Explorers rode back in the colourful trishaws.
The convoy then moved to the Hong Seng motorcycle shop who are official dealers for GIVI. The shop was the first authorized GIVI dealer in Malaysia besides GIVI Points.
The accommodation for the evening was at The Majestic Melaka, which was converted from a pre-war bungalow. The service, facilities and food were top-notch.
After dinner, the Explorers went to explore Melaka nightlife around Jonker Walk.
Day 7 – 26th July 2019
GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 beckons.
GIVI Rimba Raid has now become a special event for us, what more this year since it is our 25th anniversary in Malaysia.
We passed a number of small towns in Negeri Sembilan along the way, before stopping at the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Pahang. Here, the Explorers had a great time watching the rescued elephants being bathed in the river, plus an educational show before feeding the animals.
From there, it was a straight ride to the ILMU Centre and finally Rimba Valley Motorcamp site.
Our crew had set up a special area for competitors and the media alike, called Kampung GIVI. Tents were set out for those who chose to camp.
We sat together with the 150 competitors from 16 countries during the event briefing carried out by Dato’ Captain Nik Huzlan. Prizes were also handed out to lucky draw winners.
Day 8 – 27th July 2019
This was the big day. This was the day for the top classes in GIVI Rimba Raid.
The organizers, Rimba Raid performed a roll call for the competitors first before proceeding to the starting point not far from ILMU. It was so packed that lines of bikes wound their way up a small hill before being flagged off one by one.
Jeremias got into the action on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XR as soon as the flag dropped, powersliding the rear wheel all the way into the jungle.
Unfortunately, a racing incident damaged the bike’s brakes and was forced to retire.
Still, the battle against the rider’s own will, nature and machine raged on. The course was tougher than at GIVI Mat Daling last year and many competitors struggled to make the finish. Those who did felt that they had conquered the world.
The Explorers soaked it all up with glee, no doubt sharing the pictures and news the world over, for this was the only event in the world were riders pit themselves and their heavyweight adventure bikes against the elements.
Defending Champion Gabit Saleh won the main event, followed by the Wong brothers Bee and Alex.
Meanwhile, the Explorers moved from Kampung GIVI to a farm nearby for lunch. Situated up a small knoll, a few of the Explorers tried their hands at fishing and caught big ones. They also watched GIVI Rimba Raid competitors ride by below.
Everyone stayed on watching the proceedings at Kampung GIVI until the prize-giving ceremonies. A basker band came by later and a number of GIVI’s crew performed.
Day 9 – 28th July 2019
The Explorers wished the GIVI Rimba Raid competitors and ILMU goodbye to continue with the convoy.
They first headed to Colmar Bukit Tinggi, to breathe in cool, fresh air. More than that, to enjoy riding the snaking road up and down the mountain.
The convoy headed back the mountain and onto Karak Highway for the final leg of the day, this time, up Genting Highlands. The pace was brisk, and it showed that the Explorers were good riders themselves.
But more importantly, it was good to see that they enjoyed riding on our roads.
The ride finally stopped at the Grand Ion D’Element Resort for the last night of the tour.
Prizes were handed out to the police to appreciate their dedication in keeping traffic away and us safe during the ride. The marshals from Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) also received similar accolades.
Toy prizes were handed to each Explorer for their exploits during the ride.
Day 10 – 29th July 2019
The Explorers awoke and checked out a little later today for the very last leg of the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019.
The police escorted the group all the way to GIVI Asia’s factory in Bukit Beruntung for the final time. There, the Explorers handed over the bikes and equipment, before preparing for their journey home.
Conclusion
The Adventure was a success from the start to end in more ways than one. Firstly, the ride itself went smoothly; no one got lost or injured and the weather stayed good. Secondly, GIVI Rimba Raid was the biggest ever and wowed everyone. Thirdly, the Explorers had nothing to complain at all about riding in Malaysia. Fourthly, the equipment stood up to the test with flying colours.
The GIVI Adventure will be back again next year, so stay tuned!
