Introduction: Perfectionism, often seen as a commendable trait, can paradoxically become a roadblock to success. In our journey through personal and professional pursuits, perfectionists encounter various challenges that hinder their growth and well-being. Let’s explore how the metaphor of a cycling tour can illuminate the pitfalls of perfectionism and offer practical solutions for positive change.
Struggling to Make Decisions: The Bob Dilemma
Perfectionists, like Bob, aim for the absolute best choice, leading to decision paralysis. Bob’s quest for a tool with no negative reviews delays his decision for weeks, missing out on the benefits of the tool. In our cycling tour, this aligns with fixating on the perfect route instead of enjoying the ride. Embracing the journey, cyclists learn to adapt and make decisions efficiently. Similarly, perfectionists can benefit from developing heuristics, like a cyclist’s rules of thumb for route choices.
Worrying About Sunk Costs: The Andrea and Marcus Scenario
Andrea and Marcus illustrate the perfectionist tendency to excessively worry about sunk costs. Andrea stays subscribed to an unused service to recover the perceived loss, and Marcus spends extra time on a customer service call, both trapped by the fear of letting go. In the cycling tour analogy, this corresponds to cyclists avoiding detours or exploring new paths due to an irrational fear of deviating from the planned route. Breaking free from this mindset, individuals can learn from cyclists who embrace detours as opportunities for growth.
Avoiding Challenges: The Art Missed Opportunity
Perfectionists often hold back from challenges until they feel absolutely ready. Art, unwilling to speak at a conference without a public speaking course, misses a valuable opportunity. In the cycling tour, this is akin to avoiding challenging terrains for fear of failure. Cyclists understand that challenges contribute to their growth. Perfectionists can adopt a mindset of continuous improvement, asking, “How could I improve by 1%?” and seizing opportunities for growth, even if they are not flawlessly prepared.
Applying High Standards to Others: The Ranjay Effect
Ranjay’s last-minute tweaks alienate colleagues, showcasing how perfectionists may apply their rigorous standards to others, causing harm to relationships. In a cycling tour, this is comparable to dictating the pace and route for everyone else. Cyclists understand the importance of collaboration and respecting individual capabilities. Perfectionists can benefit from observing successful non-perfectionists and learning to adapt their standards to foster teamwork.
Ruminating about Weaknesses: Andrea and Ranjay’s Struggle
Perfectionists often ruminate over weaknesses and mistakes, intensifying emotional pain. Andrea and Ranjay can’t let go of a subscription service or a sloppy presentation, respectively. In the cycling tour analogy, this is akin to dwelling on a challenging uphill section long after it’s passed. Cyclists learn to disrupt rumination and focus on the present. Similarly, individuals can benefit from strategies to curb overthinking and maintain a positive mindset.
Practical Solutions for Change:
In a cycling tour, success lies in adapting to changing terrains and enjoying the journey. Perfectionists can learn from this approach:
Learn from Successes: Reflect on pathways to success, embracing a ready, fire, aim approach.
Identify Role Models: Observe successful non-perfectionists for effective strategies.
Develop Heuristics: Create rules of thumb for faster decision-making.
Seek Incremental Improvements: Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement.
Disrupt Rumination: Learn to let go and focus on the present.
Conclusion:
Just as a cyclist navigates diverse terrains with adaptability, individuals can overcome the counterproductive aspects of perfectionism by embracing a flexible, experiential approach. Breaking free from the perfectionist cycle is not about flawlessness but about learning, growing, and enjoying the journey, much like a cycling tour.
Embarking on a cycling tour isn’t just about pedaling through picturesque landscapes; it’s a journey that extends beyond physical exertion. A cycling trip offers a unique vantage point, enabling riders to pay attention to the details that matter and, metaphorically, see the big picture. In this blog post, we’ll explore how a cycling tour can sharpen your focus, enhance mindfulness, and help you track the broader strokes of life.
Escape the Noise:
The hustle and bustle of daily life can drown out the subtleties that contribute to the big picture. A cycling tour provides a temporary escape from the noise, allowing you to recalibrate your senses and focus on what truly matters. Mindful Riding:
Cycling requires a level of mindfulness – being fully present in the moment. The rhythmic rotation of pedals, the sound of tires on the road, and the wind against your face create a sensory experience that brings you into the present, helping you tune in to the nuances that might be overlooked in a hectic routine. Solitude and Reflection:
Whether cycling solo or with a small group, the open road provides an opportunity for solitude and reflection. This introspective time allows you to ponder on your goals, challenges, and the broader direction of your life or career. Heightened Awareness:
Cycling through changing landscapes demands heightened awareness. The rise and fall of the terrain, the shifting colors of the scenery, and the encounters with nature all contribute to a heightened sense of observation. This acute awareness extends beyond the cycling route and can impact your ability to notice details in your professional life. Tracking Progress:
A cycling tour is a journey with a tangible endpoint. Setting and achieving milestones during the ride mirror the goal-setting process in your personal and professional life. The sense of accomplishment and progress during the tour can inspire similar success in your broader pursuits. Incorporating Technology:
Embrace technology to enhance your cycling experience. Use fitness trackers or cycling apps to monitor your performance. This incorporation of technology not only adds a layer of data-driven motivation but also translates to tracking and analyzing the key metrics in your professional life. Conclusion:
A cycling tour is more than a physical challenge; it’s a mental and emotional odyssey that can hone your ability to pay attention to the details that shape the big picture. As you navigate the twists and turns of the road, you may find that the same principles apply to the complexities of your life and career. So, saddle up, embrace the open road, and discover how a cycling trip can be a transformative experience, offering clarity and perspective that extends far beyond the pedals and handlebars.
Introduction: Embarking on a cycling touring adventure is a dream for many riders, but the vast landscapes and long distances can be intimidating. Fear not, for there’s a powerful approach that can turn your grand cycling tour aspirations into an achievable reality — the art of scaling down. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of cycling touring and explore how embracing a half-size version of your touring goals can make the journey not only more realistic but also more enjoyable.
The Grand Vision of Cycling Touring: Cycling touring often conjures images of epic cross-country rides, traversing mountains, and conquering vast distances. While these aspirations are undeniably inspiring, they can also be overwhelming at first glance. Picture your original touring goal side by side with a half-size version — the full cross-country adventure and its more manageable counterpart. Which feels more realistic? The answer might just reshape your touring strategy.
Realism on Two Wheels: As you visualize your original and half-size touring goals, ask yourself which is the better, more realistic option. Scaling down doesn’t mean compromising the essence of your dream; it’s about making it attainable. Consider the half-size version as a gateway to a broader adventure. Maybe your initial plan was to cross an entire continent, but starting with a cross-country journey in your home country might be a more feasible and equally rewarding alternative.
Breaking Down the Distance: If the idea of a cross-country tour still feels like an insurmountable task, don’t hesitate to shrink it further. Break down the distance into segments, each representing a day or a week of riding. Suddenly, the once-intimidating goal becomes a series of achievable milestones. This approach not only eases the mental burden but also allows you to savor each leg of the journey.
One-Tenth the Size, Ten Times the Achievability: Scaling down your cycling touring goal to one-fourth or even one-tenth of the original size may seem counterintuitive, but it sets the stage for success. Imagine planning a tour that covers just a fraction of your initial vision. Once you start pedaling and conquering each mini-adventure, the momentum builds. The beauty of cycling touring lies in the ability to adapt and extend your journey as you go, making it a truly dynamic experience.
Embrace the Touring Journey: Cycling touring is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. By scaling down your goals, you’re not just making them more achievable — you’re enhancing the joy of exploration. Celebrate the local wonders, the unexpected detours, and the connections made along the way. Each scaled-down goal becomes a unique chapter in your touring story, creating a narrative that’s as diverse as the landscapes you traverse.
Conclusion: As you dream of epic cycling touring adventures, remember the wisdom of scaling down your goals. Whether it’s a cross-country odyssey or a local exploration, the key is to make your dream ride more realistic and enjoyable. Embrace the journey, conquer the scaled-down goals, and let the road unfold before you — after all, in cycling touring, the beauty lies in the cyclical rhythm of the pedal strokes and the ever-expanding horizons.
Introduction: In our fast-paced, modern lives, it’s easy to find ourselves tumbling down the rabbit hole of unimportant tasks and activities without even realizing it. The constant buzz of notifications, the pressure to stay connected, and the demands of a busy schedule can lead us astray from what truly matters. However, there’s a simple yet powerful antidote that can help us break free from the grip of unimportant things – cycling tours.
1. Disconnecting to Reconnect: Cycling tours offer a unique opportunity to disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with the world around us. As we pedal away from the familiar surroundings of our daily lives, we leave behind the distractions that often lead us down the rabbit hole. The rhythmic motion of cycling and the immersive experience of nature create a perfect environment for introspection.
2. Mindfulness in Motion: Cycling is more than just a physical activity; it’s a form of mindfulness in motion. The focus required to navigate the road, the rhythm of pedaling, and the sensations of the outdoors force us to be present in the moment. In this state of mindfulness, we become acutely aware of our surroundings and our own thoughts, helping us identify and question the activities that might be consuming our time without adding value to our lives.
3. Setting and Achieving Goals: Embarking on a cycling tour involves setting goals – whether it’s reaching a particular destination, conquering a challenging terrain, or simply enjoying the ride. This goal-setting mentality can translate seamlessly into our daily lives. By defining and pursuing meaningful objectives, we can avoid the aimless wandering that often leads to the rabbit hole of unimportant tasks.
4. Recharging the Mind and Body: Cycling is not only a mental escape but also a physical one. The endorphin release and the sense of accomplishment that come with conquering a challenging route contribute to an overall sense of well-being. A rejuvenated mind and body are better equipped to discern between meaningful and unimportant pursuits, helping us refocus on what truly matters.
5. Inspiration from the Journey: Cycling tours take us on a journey, both physically and metaphorically. The diverse landscapes, encounters with new people, and overcoming obstacles along the way can serve as a metaphor for our own life journey. These experiences can inspire us to reassess our priorities, letting go of the unimportant and making room for what brings true fulfillment.
Conclusion: In a world where it’s easy to get lost in the rabbit hole of unimportant pursuits, a cycling tour provides a much-needed escape. By disconnecting, practicing mindfulness, setting and achieving goals, recharging both mind and body, and drawing inspiration from the journey, we can gain valuable insights into our lives. So, strap on your helmet, hop on your bike, and pedal your way to a clearer perspective on what truly matters.
Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey that will push your cycling skills to the limit while immersing you in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas? MONDURO, the ultimate Enduro cycling event, awaits you in the enchanting Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh this November. Let’s delve into what makes MONDURO a must-experience adventure.Unlocking the Name “MONDURO”
First, let’s unveil the meaning behind the name. “Mon” stands for Monpas, the local inhabitants of Tawang. MONDURO is not just a cycling event; it’s a celebration of local culture and an invitation to explore the incredible terrain of this region.
A Trailblazing Mountain Biking Experience:MONDURO offers a brand new perspective on mountain biking. Participants get to conquer virgin trails that wind through lush Rhododendron forests and vibrant meadows. These trails aren’t just paths; they’re gateways to history, with each one hiding ancient stories waiting to be discovered as you ride through time.
MTB: More Than Just Cycling:When we say “MTB,” we’re not just talking about mountain terrain biking. We’re talking about adventure, the thrill of discovery, and the joy of conquering uncharted territory. Tawang’s terrain provides the perfect canvas for this adrenaline-pumping experience.
Tawang: Your Elevated Playground:At an awe-inspiring altitude of 10,000 feet in the Himalayan range, Tawang offers the ideal mix of challenging terrain and favorable weather conditions. It’s a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts, where you can test your skills against nature’s most formidable obstacles.
Why MONDURO Should Be Your Next Adventure:
Spectacular Scenery: MONDURO promises a visual feast as you navigate untouched trails weaving through Rhododendron groves and lush meadows.
Rich Heritage: Each trail holds an ancient tale, offering a glimpse into the fascinating history of the Monpas.
Adventure Awaits: Conquer diverse terrains and elevations, making each ride an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Perfect Timing: November’s pleasant weather ensures a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure.
Are you ready to embrace the adventure of a lifetime? MONDURO is more than an Enduro cycling event; it’s a journey where nature and history merge to offer an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this thrilling adventure in the heart of the Himalayas. Join us in November for MONDURO and create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s time to saddle up and conquer the Himalayan trails!
I am sure, you are interested by now. Kindly share your details to participate in this thrilling cycling event at gunanehu@gmail.com
Wherever you work, be it a domestic farm or a multinational company, in today’s work culture where globalization is influenced everywhere, it’s becoming very crucial that somebody has to deal in a multicultural environment, which may involve communicating with your clients or meeting with your colleagues. So, adaptability with various ethnic groups makes your interaction much smoother. A bicycle tour where generally you get to meet lots of unknown strangers from various cultural and lifestyle backgrounds helps to build the skill to interact with an unknown people quite friendly.
In my experience, when I was traveling around Malaysia, even though it was a bit challenging to communicate in their local language, especially with the shopkeepers, however, I could able to develop the skill to communicate in such a way that we both could understand our intended thoughts even though it was not much fluent. It boosted my confidence to interact with any person regardless of the language barrier. On the other hand even in my office where I had to communicate with colleagues from different territories to solve my software development project’s issues, the ability to empathize with other cultures was significantly helpful to maintain a team bonding among the colleagues.
Out of box thinker:
In today’s competitive world, every employee is expected to contribute innovative ideas or at least provide new opinions or solutions. But the ability to view the same situation to be solved from a new perspective is a habit somebody has to build, not necessarily it can only be built while thinking inside the business arena. While you go for a cycling trip in an unknown territory, normally you tend to observe the different lifestyle of the dwellers, their way of acting on some of your familiar tasks in a different manner, their way of trading staff; which broaden the horizon of your thinking capacity. Eventually, you become a person who can provide various solutions for the same problem. It is one of the traits that today’s professionals are evaluated for. Providing newer ideas to your professional situation not only increases the probability of solving in a better way, but also helps to earn recognition among your peers.
Networking:
The network is like new worth. The more diverse connections you develop, the more opportunities you create for your life. Especially in the professional world, a wide range of employment connections helps easier reach the intended organization. It also helps to bring newer clients. Who knows, your next career or personal development mentor you might meet on your tour. On a cycling trip, it’s not restricted that you only stop by the restaurant for your basic necessity. Many people would be curious to know about your travel story, and many show a willingness to speak with you. That’s a great opportunity to exchange ideas on various topics with the people you meet while on the tour. Many of them even become your lifetime friends . These are the connections you establish beyond your immediate localities.
In the year 2019 , when I was riding in Malaysia…In southern part of Malaysia while I was cycling by a national forest through the rolling road, it was obvious that I wanted to click some pics of the nice monkeys resting at the side of the roads. The pic was appealing as there were their small babies . But I did not know that they would going to made my day scary. As I started my camera out and paused for the click, the way their mother chased me at least for 100meters, I felt like I was chased by any tiger. It was really scary .
I have noticed many people of my parent’s age, who have crossed their employment life so fast without even realizing it. And then they have much time freedom , but they could not ignite the fire to experience something new. After crossing three decades of my life, I also felt something like that ,aah.. time is just flying so fast without sacrificing some of the stuff that really makes sense for my life. And I thought I have to eliminate my routine life for few days to realize every moment of my time.
Life is a footprints of memories . Should we not live this only life by making some deeper memories . But is there any better way to make our present moment memorable , which we involve fully by spending time with the activities that we really love.Yes, I am talking about your hobby.(interests or passion for other things)
On addition to some other interests aligning with your hobby , you can make a lifetime memorable moment.
Being an outdoor enthusiast ,I always try to explore new natural places , meet strangers, know about their lifestyle , culture and of course their local delicacies . And is there any better mode of transport other than cycling , accessible 360 degree view of surrounding closure to mother nature. (where one has access to 360 degree view of the gorgeous mother nature)
An I have been making a strong friendship with my bikes and with few nearer less explored places .
Here is the link to video:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/lyLBSkjDg5A
How does it get started cycling around Malaysia
When I was living in Singapore ,I had a dream of roaming a nearby country like a local having lots of scenic beauty. I just thought of making good use of my accumulated annual leave . So being the nearest territory of Singapore , I decided to visit Malaysia .A country of lots of stunning beaches , islands and palm plantations on my bike .
Today I am going to share one of the epic memorable cycling trip of mine. Definitely you will be amazed with the beauty of those stunning beaches , lovely people and their delicious food styles while reading my story .
So let’s start my journey of “cycling around Malaysia of 1700kms in 17days” .
As a tropical country , Malaysia enjoys quite humid weather over the year and the monsoon starts from August to December. And without much planning regarding the weather , my trip happened to be in late monsoon . While the monsoon rain was challenging en route, I was getting this opportunity to witness the rough waves with dirty water of the sea, witnessing the difference in climatic conditions from south to northern Malaysia along the coast.
Planning for cycling tour
When I planned my tour around Malaysia, I posted asking for suggestions in lots of local facebook groups , browsing blogs by blogs, searching videos in You tube, to plan my solo tour around Malaysia. Aa it requires lots of research before you leave for your self supported expedition . But there were hardly enough information to give the confidence to start my tour. But just to believe in my will power I left one day to tour around the unknown territory.
So, today I feel very glad and fulfilled that , I prepared a blog mentioning as many information I could remember, such that it helps the upcoming bike packers to tour around Malaysia.
Kindly go though my vblog to see the full video episodes in you tube: https://youtu.be/S6P7uK0O7XA
It’s not a very difficult task to do route planning in the age of digitalization . With the help of Google Maps, I started adding the places based on the distances from each other. But still, don’t you think it is an stupid idea without researching much about the local people behaviour , thier food , thier local support and without booking a hotel atleast for a night.
There, the three main segments were :
Mersing to Kota Bharu,Kelantan through East coast road.
Cross through the beautiful mountain route from East to West from Kota Bharu to Gerik.
Return route from Gerik towards Singapore through Kuala Lumpur and a few parts of West coast road.
As a cyclist, based on the elevation and my past riding experiences, I decided the distances to be covered each day. I figured out the destination to be reached each day and this way I plotted the main destinations around Malaysia for the whole trip .
The most exciting days had come ultimately that I was waiting for so long and even the rainy and cloudy weather couldn’t alter my decision of starting the trip.
Day 1 of cycling in Malaysia (Leaving from Singapore )
Have you ever experienced crossing a foreign territory by road. This unknown experience itself coupled with the fact that I will be traveling by a cycle with a tent, boosted my excitement. The smooth immigration helped me to cross the little bridge between Singapore and Malaysia which act as a border between Malaysia and Singapore without any hustle . The other connected side of Malaysia is called Johor Bharu . Few tall buildings were catching my eyes touching the clouds on that cloudy day. After crossing a few flyovers in the city ,I started cycling through the beautiful Palm plantations. Once I moved away from the city, the road seemd to me more lonely with hardly any vehicle on the road . Due to early closure of restaurant on that rainy day, I somehow managed to find a small food stall before it got dark. Many times once you are away from main town, it becomes difficult with the availability of any shops. And being in a bicycling tour , it make you challenging to ride without timely food. The remote location even made me worried for my next meal. The rain and the early dusk , making my experience more difficult to find a restaurant in that evening .IT was a struggle to find any open restaurant on my cycling trip on that rainy evening . After padelling a couple of kms I could see a open hut at the road side , which happened to be a restaurant nearby a palm oil factory. The people at the stall could able to understand my struggling ride by looing at my wet clothes in that drizzling dusk. The owner was kind enough to offer dinner with him and arranged a space to camp for that night under his small hut.
Day 2 & 3 of cycling in Malaysia(How did I manage to continue the trip in the flooded situation to reach Mersing )
Probably, the hurdles posed by rain and flood were testing my determination to continue my trip . It made me choose another different and much longer route to the next destination Mersing, which eventually cost me one more extra day of effort .But the beauty of the few forest areas and palm plantations around the trunk roads made it a pleasant ride.
Plan for a day off to explore the neighbouring islands with crystal clear blue sea water at Mersing , those are only around an hour by ferry journey.The clouds covering the hill of the island and the rain on the sea were creating a unique landscape. I really enjoyed the beach side riding for a few kms before heading towards the next destination.
Day 4 of cycling in Malaysia(Mersing to Pekan)
The lonely rolling road crossing between a small forest lead my route. But just after starting for the day, I suspected a puncture which came true unfortunately and I got delayed considerably.
I was quite inspired to meet an old couple cycling across Thailand and Malaysia at Endau, a small town .There, I had my breakfast and also managed to buy an extra pair of tubes due to the punctures I’d suffered. I usually cross many small rivers connecting to the sea and the fisherman’s boats attracted my eyes always along with their fish market .
On the way, a village called Nensai ,around 40 kms to Pekan, caught my eyes in an open space with lots of coconut trees and white sands. And the pleasant breeze and the beautiful sea made me capture some nice clicks that afternoon. It was a perfect place for camping. That day I enjoyed night riding and also having dinner at a roadside restaurant. Without spending much time finding a good place for camping, I rested in a bus stop itself at Pekan.Don’t miss to see the Sultan Abu Bakar muzium at the heart of Pekan town.
Point of attraction:
The river near Endau and the fisherman boats on the river
The lonely beach at Nensai village
Sultan Abu Bakar muzium at Pekan
Day 5 of cycling in Malaysia( Pekan to Chukai through Kuantan)
The road towards Kuantan was almost flat .There were plenty of Malay food stalls on the way. Few usual road kills of the turtles and lizards were making me disappointed that day.
At noon I reached Kuantan, which was a quite big town .After my lunch at Kuantan , I started to enjoy the coastal road aligned with the sea shore on the way to Chukai. The strong breeze from the sea was boosting my excitement under the sun. There are lots of beautiful beach parks at Chukai. How could I think of staying elsewhere where the beautiful beaches were just a few hundred meters from the road .After exploring few nearby beaches , I decided to stay at a corner of a less known beach surrounded by a village. A local resident also helped me to find and camp in a very beautiful yet calm place in the beach . Knowing me as a far away traveller, he also offered me a local food called tapioca while sitting for a tea.
Point of attraction:
Beaches in Chukai
Fisherman village
Day 6 of cycling in Malaysia(Chukai to Kuala-Terengganu)
Another beautiful coastal ride . There were few oil refineries at the sea shore covering a huge area which I could see for a significant amount of distance of the day on the way to Dungun.The great part of the ride was that the sea was clearly visible from most parts of the route.
I enjoyed my lunch in one of the beach side restaurant. Afternoon the restaurants were flooded with the local tourists. Don’t miss this experience of eating just by the coast with the continuous sea breeze. I reached Kuala-Terengganu much before it was dark and so started exploring the big town. The beach was quite big, having lots of games and food stalls , flooded with people of all age groups like a festival .I stayed in a beach side public hut, made temporarily, but the strong cold air at night was disturbing my sleep.
Point of attraction:
Oil refineries
Dining at the restaurants of sea shore
Beautiful sea view along the way
Day 7 of cycling in Malaysia(Kuala-Terengganu to Kota Bharu)
The most scenic route in the segment of East coast having lots of less explored beaches and more clear sea water . I did not make any mistake, by choosing routes to explore the fisherman villages . The dry fishes , kept in open space to make them dry under the sun, was a clear indication of the kind of village I wanted to visit.
After passing by those villages I chose to take the highway to cover my destination in a shorter time.Yet it was dark by the time I entered Kota Bharu and I decided to camp near by a long beach, avoiding the big city’s crowd . Kota Bharu has good transport facilities to other parts of Malaysia, including railways.On the way there were many small temporary stalls on the roadside, selling fresh fish .The fishes were from the wetlands and the water bodies that I observed along the road .
Point of attraction:
Less popular beaches in the villages
Fisherman village
This was the end of the East coast segment and in the next segment one has to cross from East to West through hilly areas.
Day 8 of cycling in Malaysia(Kota Bharu to Gerik)
The interesting part of this route is to visit another international border between Malaysia and Thailand.The road goes flat till one reaches the border at Rantau Panjang.After visiting for a short time, I headed back towards Jelli . The roller coaster village road goes around the hills of Thailand . The underdeveloped village was also flooded .
After Jelli, the lack of planning to cross the mountain, covered with dense forest and wild animals in that darkness , eventually made me get inside a lorry that was passing by the mountain. The lorry dropped me on the other bottom side of the mountain at Gerik. I am so grateful to that driver to have saved me from that jungle on that night .
Point of attraction:
Rantau Panjang border
Observe the hills of Thailand
Mountain road cross after Jelli
Day 9 of cycling in Malaysia(Gerik to Kuala Kangsar)
The morning cloud spread over the top of the hills and with its stunning beauty surprised me on the way to Lenggong from Gerik. The traditional Malay home was another attractive point in that area at Lenggong .Lenggong is also popular for tracking enthusiasts . There were few waterfalls and streams originating from surrounding beautiful hills on the way to Kuala Kangsar . Continuous paddling under the hot sun and the traffic was so exhausting that It forced me to stop at many points . That night I got to rest in a Tamil temple .
Point of attraction:
Hill view from the road from Gerik toLenggong
Hiking and tracking at Lenggong
Day 10 of cycling in Malaysia (Ipoh to Cameron highland)
I was enjoying the flat express highway going through the small towns from Kanthan towards Chemor and then to Ipoh. The nearby small limestone monolith was catching my eye due to its unique structure . I was eagerly waiting for this day to experience the elevation of Cameron highland , one of the most popular and one of the highest hills in Malaysia, which every climber loves .
The initial steep climbs made me want to hydrate very frequently on that sunny day. But the beauty of the hill with the dense forests and the tall mountain covered with clouds pumped my adrenaline . I was getting hungry and finding even a single food stall was proving to be a challenge. But few other tourists helped me by offering some packed meals in the late afternoon. The physical attrition was a very close second only to the breathtaking views at the top.The chilled breeze was flowing once I was approaching towards the top of the hill. I was feeling accomplished to climb up such a lengthy climb of up to 1500 mts elevation .
Cameron highland is one of the popular international tourist destinations. The greenhouse plantations and many other fruit farms including strawberry are very popular there. The Tea gardens were stunning with its layered structure at the hills. At night it was quite cold and yet colorful with tourists flooding in from Singapore and Malaysia .
Point of attraction:
Cameron highland
Cameron highland:T estates
Cameron highland:Greenhouse plantations
Cameron highland:Sunrise and sunsets
Day 11 of cycling in Malaysia( Camerone highland to Slim river )
Descent from Camerone highland for at least 45 kms was the most relaxing ride till I reached Tapah .The tribal villages and their roadside small stalls of handicrafts or medicinal plants was another attractive part. After Tapah the rolling road around the palm plantations again crosses a few smaller towns . This time I thought of taking the interior road to enjoy the village lifestyle . A campsite near a stream was a perfect rest night after a few continuous tiring rides.
Point of attraction:
Tribal villages
Handicrafts
Medicinal plants
Village life and camping at Sungi Village
Day 12 of cycling in Malaysia( Slim River to Batucave)
The day started with the village road crossing many banana firms and small villages.This ride was towards one of the top tourist places in Malaysia called Batu cave.But there was a long steep climb going inside the forest before reaching that place. This naturally rich forest and water stream is a home to many resorts.Batu cave was a huge hollow hill ,naturally built by limestone.
The huge idol of the Hindu god and the colorful staircase at the entrance of the temple was the main attraction. With the permission of the temple authority,I managed to stay at the temple space itself that very night.
Point of attraction:
Dense forests
Batu cave
Day 13 of cycling in Malaysia( Batu cave to Kuala Lumpur)
The capital city Kula Lumpur was just 25kms .The increasing traffics and concrete buildings was giving a sign of the capital city.Having enough time on hand I decided to take a local tour around Kuala Lumpur. Without visiting one of the tallest buildings in the world,close to 450 m of height – The Petronas twin tower, your trip to Kuala Lumpur will be incomplete. There are many other attractive places also like architecture built by British, old Mosques , markets etc.
Point of attraction:
Petronas twin tower
Old market
National Mosque
Architectures of British era
Day 14 of cycling in Malaysia(Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson)
Even though it was a happening place, cyclists always love quiet and solitary places. I decided to leave that capital city through the express highway to speed up my tour. But due to the high speed traffic and no shade at roadside , I found it was not so convenient for a cyclist. But it helped me to save significant energy and time to reach my destination – Port Dickson .
Much before Sunset I reached that town that offers lots of beautiful beaches .On one such beach, there were many fishing boats that were getting ready for fishing during night.The beach was occupied by lot of campers mostly with families.At night it was like a colorful festival with food and musical performances.
Pitching my tent was also without any worries in that populated beach.
Point of attraction:
Camping at Port Dickson
Lighthouse
Tracking and hiking near the lighthouse
Fishing boats
Day 15 of cycling in Malaysia (Port Dickson to Malacca )
The rolling road from Port Dickson towards Malacca was quite enjoyable with lots of trees by the roadside and the view of the sea The lighthouse at Port Dickson and the view of the surrounding sea was just mind blowing. I have not seen such a beautiful view of the blue sea water from such a height .
I came across many villages and their traditional houses on the way.There were lots of coastal beautiful sites in those localities suitable for camping.Following the sea, I reached Malacca before dark. The UNESCO historical city , Malacca, was hosting lots of tourists with its colorful and vibrant nightlife . Could not help to miss this vibrant town without exploring it.The old portugese settlement was a great opportunity to see the Portugese mixed with the local Malay in those times..
Point of attraction:
Sea view from the road
Malay traditional houses through beach side road
Day 16 of cycling in Malaysia(Malacca to Batu Pahat)
After exploring Malacca for half a day I headed towards the next destination Batu Pahat.Day by day the trip was getting shorter.The village route was also more scenic with large cultivation of coconut , banana etc. The interior roads were giving a feel of the villages and those huts.
Point of attraction:
Malacca town
portugese settlement
Malay village
Day 17 of cycling in Malaysia( Batu Pahat to Singapore)
Even though it felt like a sense of fulfillment after completing this epic cycling trip, it was becoming equally an emotional tour as such a tour happens maybe once in a lifetime. Living every night in totally unknown places, among people of different behaviour, were experiences not to forget . With the excitement of completing the tour, I started my ride quite early in the morning with the intention of spending some relaxed time at a nice beach at Batu Pahat called Pantai Minyak Beku .
The village road again was with a bit of elevation. I observed a few coconut milk producing factories in those areas . I was passing by many small coastal towns. Once I hit the express highway towards Johor Bharu, I accelerated my speed . The small hills from the road reminded me of this town that I left a few weeks back. I was feeling like coming to my home place.
The tall buildings and the flyovers at Johor Bharu were welcoming me back to Singapore . Very soon I reached the immigration post for my visa and passport check . During that evening time there was a huge queue of vehicles waiting for the immegration check . I captured a few last clicks of the trip on the bridge connecting Singapore and Malaysia.
Point of attraction:
Beach at Batu Pahat
Village of chinese community
Coconut farming
How do you treat yourself after completing such a long solo trip? – I was going to surprise myself with the 31th december grand celebration that happens every year at Marina Bay Singapore. The continuous cracker show at midnight will keep you spellbound .What an amazing time to end my epic tour.
Post trip experience : Every morning of my last 17 days around Malaysia was unique to the previous morning .Every morning I could see a new unknown place on my first few blinks of my eye, which eventually created an inertia in my mind. I began to expect a new place every morning for the next few days following my trip. It’s an amazing experience that only a traveller can realise. Do you want to experience the same?
So, plan for a long trip and make a strong footprint of memory for yourself.
Few Key points of this cycling tour around Malaysia:
Terrain : 70 % rolling and flat , 15 % climbs.
Scenic beauty :Strong waves with bluish water in the East coast ( South China Sea).
Food : 90 % non-vegetarian (a lots of delicious fish dishes , beef , rice, pork )
Currency :Malaysian Ringgit ( ~ 17 INR)
Drinking water : mixture of hot water and ices
Road signboard Language :Malay ( scripts in English)
Nature of people : Kind and helpful
Accommodation : beach side camping , bus stand , authorized public places.
Traffic : Comfortable for cycling ( less until ride on express highways)
Cloths to wear : light and breathable clothes.
Weather : Humid
Few tour tips for cyclist :
Start early morning when sun is not hot
Take lunch when the sun is at its peak , and utilise this time to get rest after lunch .
Hydrate frequently as its humid weather.
Never miss doing pre and post ride stretching exercises.
Make a gap day after a few days of cycling and then repeat. This helps muscles to recover.
Keep lightweight : Carry only necessary luggages .
Always keep a few energy bars , dry fruits, bananas etc and lots of water.
Battery charging : Food stalls/restaurants.
Toilets : public toilets/Energy stations
Costs:
(Please note :The costs mentioned are based on 2019 )
A plate of vegetarian rice plate (Rice+dal) : 2.5 Malaysian Ringgit
Packet of bread : 2.5 to 5.5 Ringgit
A plate of fish rice plate (Rice+fish curry):6.5 to 10 Malaysian Ringgit
cold drink/coffee/tea : 1.5 Malaysian Ringgit
plain water 1 lit:(if you fill you own water bottle ) 1 Malaysian Ringgit
Camp site staying : 20 to 35 Malaysian Ringgit
Camping near beach : free
Toilet : Petronas Energy station(free)
Mobile charging : Free (but 1.5 Ringgit per hour place to place)
After enjoying the sunrise from the beach I started my 2nd day journey towards Ganapati pole. Initially the road goes among few villages around 7 kms and then you have to take a ferry to cross the other part of the beach.
Whenever you hear to take any ferry , just be prepared to do a small climbs on the opposite side of the ferry pot.The road goes around the villages on the side of the beach.Many times you will cross the back water with green vegetation at their banks and the fisher man’s boats .
It happened to be one of the scenic road once I reach Are-ware beach on the ways to Ganapati pule and just 24 away from Ratnagiri.
Are ware is a quite pristine beach with clear water and the sand. The crystal clear water and the white sand of the beach will amaze you. This is one of the untouched beach that I ever met in my whole trip.
Sea shells were lying scattered on the beach. Spent some time enjoying the beauty of the blue waves .
Then I headed towards Ganapati pole ,it was just 7 Km away and it goes just side by side of the sea giving you a unique ride of the trip.
You can even see few untouched beaches on the way. Never forget to take some snaps of the sea from top of the road along the way.
There is a famous lord Ganesha temple on the beach.you can even enjoy some of the water sports at Ganapati pule.
The I headed towards Gaigad .O the way You can see Malgund beach.Though the road is almost plain on the beach side, but before reaching Gaigad , a small ascend will be there .On reaching Gaigad you can see a big plan t of JSW energy on the sea side.If you have enough time you can visit the light house and the Karhateshwar shiv temple just 5 kms away from the JSW plant.Click some beautiful pic from the light house of the sea with the groups of pine tress at the bank of the sea .The port of the energy plant was visible from the temple.
Get some fresh water , pouring from a spring in the temple arena. Huge ships carrying coal was seen from the temple.You can even get a glance of the plan around its boundary on the way to the temple and the light house.
Then I headed towards Guhagar by crossing though a ferry from Gaigad.From the Jaigad-Taswal ferry port , the road to Guhagar is full of rolling having many climbs of around 100 mts elivations around the villages and the jungles, but it was fun riding the the afternoon felling the freshness of the air.
It became dark before I reach Guhagar .A bike rider helped me with his head lamp of his motor bike directing me towards Guhagar. Its a small town having a Ganapti temple at the heart of the town and near the beach.The bus stand was also just nearby the beach.IT was also a long stretched beach with few food stalls at the beach .Villages was just around the beach .The coconut trees were making the view beautiful of the beach.
After having my dinner at one of the hotel I pitched my tent at the beach near a food stall.Chilled breeze made me to join a group of unknown friends who were enjoying with some firewood at the sand of the beach.
The bluish water and the surrounding hills at Panshet dam
Want to go for weekend adventure trip around the bluish water surrounding with lush green hills ,lets ride around Panshet lake. Lying along the green belt of Sahyadri mountains,Panshet dam is built over Ambi river situated around 40 km southwest of aPune city. A perfect gateway to enjoy with the nature near the city.
Let’s call our trip as Panshet parikrama, as it goes around the lake by the narrow roads around it. You can observe the bluish color change of water upon the sunlight reflection. Sharp hairpins of the off road , few climbs makes your legs burning and same way enjoy the thrilling off-road downhill as you are flying on the road inside the jungle .
Lonely road along the hill side , lake at one side and the lush greenery on the other.
peeping through the bamboo trees
Never underestimate the sip of water on you ride.
Just imagine that scenery that we practices as drawing class with the hill reflected on the lake with those thick bushes.
There are plenty of resorts and farm houses around the dam. Never forget to taste a delicious authentic Maharashtrian meal from the kitchen of villagers.
Delicious Maharashtrian dinner at a village kitchen
Pitch your tent and enjoy the chilled misty night nearby the water. Sun rise from the distance hill with the vibrant sky was just magnificent for a click.
Couldn’t help restricting for a click with the golden sky with the rising sun.
Local temple at villageAt our host’s place.Even domestic cows are also part of your family.
Do you want anything more on such a village life amidst the scenery landscape closest to you city. So pack your tent and go for the parikrama on next weekend.
