What i did last weekend?

What i did last weekend will be series of my entries now, at least to push myself to write more and share some stories with u guys about how i spent my weekends....  :-)

Last Weekend was 20th & 21st November 2010....

It has been almost 2 years since i became Safety Officer for HOG Malaysia Chapter and few months from now we'll be having our Annual General Meeting to select the new office bearers. The Basic Riders program was remodel and structure into a new formal session since i took over the role. With some training backgroud & safety knowledge that i have, the program now have training material & notes to refer with trainer's manual as reference & guidance.

Time flies and last week with some help from Bro Ghufran & Bro Oja, we managed to organized the Riders Orientation Program for Harley-Davidson new owners. Riders Orientation program was formerly known as Basic Riders Course however due to some feedback i received from members, some new owners are quite reluctant to participate due to the BASIC words. Hence last weekend we changed the program name and the last batch was the 8th batch since i start conducted it last year 2009.

Perhaps the feeback was right about BASIC as once we changed the name, last  week  group was among the biggest group of participation from the new owners compares those earlier batch i had. Roughly about  14 new owners were in my class and 5 of it were ladies rider.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mazli (Sportster Iron '10) and his good friend, Norman Storm Riders ( Street Glide '10), & his motorcross friend who riding Heritage Springger  '97, Bro Mustafa, (Sportster '10) Pravin (Dyna Superglide '10), Abg Fuad (Fat Boy '10) who came all the way from Seremban and Yunus (Sportster '10), Rossham (Streetglide CVO '10) and Nik (Fat Boy Special '10) for joining my class. Not to forget our ladies riders namely Putri (Sportster Iron '10), Rose (Dyna '10), Azizah a.k.a. Ibu (Dyna Low '10), Pinay & Hua - both Thailand babes ( Dyna Street Bob '10) and Aishah, Nik's wife.

Rose on his Superglide during the riding skill drill

In this group too i had one special participant - Akil age 13 (Ghufran & Azizah's son) whom i knew that this boy is not an ordinary boy but he have lots of knowledge, passion & enthusiasm toward Harley-Davidson bike & lifestyle. I remember i did mentioned in the class that if anyone would like to ask anything about Harley-Davidson bike, ask Akil as he know most of things about it.

In general, the class went well with some introduction to Harley-Davidson history, some snap shot about HOG Malaysia Chapter, some theory session on risk awareness & management, Pre inspection ride, and preparation to ride. Later they had the demostration about pre riding inspection, dealer tour, maintenance & service parts. After lunch, we had some practical excercise or riding skill drill till late afternoon. We end the day one with some info on riding in groups as on Sunday we were on the road riding together to experience it.

Nik is riding his Fat Boy Special '10 - unregistered.... :-)

Overall, the participation level was great, i had good time with them and learn some new things too. Hope those who attended the program last week will benefits something for themselves and had a great time enjoying the session.

Mirza taking slalom drill like flying....cool dude!!

Best thing i remember as one of them mention that " I thought i can buy the bike, start the engine and just ride, but once i joined this session.... there are lots of things which i don't know and i learn now"....... and i just smile at him as this is not the first time i heard such comment.....

Last weekend was a great weekend spending times with some new friends in Harley-Davidson Kuala Lumpur..... hope to see more new owner joining this session next year!

So.... u think you can ride?........ :-)

Monsoon Season - It's not a reason for not to ride

Kenyir Ride is just around the corner and it's well known in Malaysia, November till January every year is a monsoon season especially for those states up North and at the East Coast. However, we who lives in this beautiful country should be thankful tho we have monsoon at the end of the year coz we still could ride compares to some of our friends who lives in those countries that have snows.....

Breathtaking view of Kenyir Lake

Most riders get used to riding in the rain by accident. They takeoff on an all day ride when the sun is shinning and by afternoon they realize they're going to get their first taste of wet asphalt, like it or not. Some even dare not to ride during these months with types of excuses but hey, that's your choice......

Anyway, everytime during the Riders Course i conduct at HDKL, i will always encourage our new Harley owners to be prepared for raining days. I even encourage them to ride in raining as our weather is so unpredictable in Malaysia and it's good for them to experience riding in the rain as part of their learning curve. Belive me as for those who accept it soon find themselves venturing back into the rain, sometimes at their own will.

So suppose you're thinking about getting on a wet road for the first time, or perhaps you've done it a few times, or perhaps you do it so much you're not thinking about what the hazards are. Here's a list of critical rain hazards I like to based from my riding experience so far;

1. Painted Lines - Any painted line is a hazard and can be unsafe for motorcyclists, particularly if you're turning right or left and crossing the lines at an angle. Slow down more than usual and make the turn straight up, rather than in a lean.

*Reminder - There's many painted lines on Karak Highway due to the road design & demographic factors. There are also few location with painted lines once you entered East Coast Highway.

At the road juntion of Kuala Berang / Tasik Kenyir

2. Surface Textures - Many commercial and residential parking areas are paved with very slick concrete surfaces or shinny marbles. Your wet entry into the local mall or condo complex can put you on the ground in a second. Again, ride slow and straight up and don't let the concrete bite you.

Road Condition at Felda Aring to Gua  Musang

*Reminder - Road condition at Kuala Behrang to Kenyir Lake is now under contruction and upgrading works. Road condition could be more challenging from Felda Aring to Gua Musang due to heavy vehicle and low quality of road. Be carefull & stay focus!

Pengkalan Gawi - Entrance of Kenyir Lake

3. Tires - If you thought you might save some money by buying long lasting or cheap brand tires, think again. Such tires are typically not as tacky and have less traction when the rain comes out. Next time you change tires look for the tackiest one that will take care of you better during your riding adventures.

end of Felda Aring Route.

4. Steel - Manhole covers are enemy number one and uneven road surface due to post construction a close second. Making a turn over the surface of them sets you up for trouble. Avoid such, or keep the bike straight up and cross over it slowly.

Awesome view at Kenyir - Felda Aring Highway

5. Water - Puddles/Pot Holes - It only takes once to know how this one feels. Avoid puddles if you can. Use caution and predict the possibility ahead of time. Remember S.E.E. - Search, Evaluate & Execute everytime on the road to manage all the risk that could happen.

*Reminder - Kuala Behrang, Felda Aring, Jabor road condition have many pot holes.

Felda Aring Signage

6. Oil - It's everywhere and very illusive. Check out for red and blue rainbows on the ground on wet surface that could mean danger. Ride slow and straight up. Remember the roads are covered with lots of oil and dirt that will be lifted from the surface in the first 30-60 minutes of a new rain. Why not u take a short rest at any nearest safe R&R area or pump station while waiting the road condition become much better.

Pengkalan Gawi - overlooking Lake Kenyir

So lets ride no matter what weather condition it is and be safe all the time. Have fun....!!