Bikers night with the tahfiz...

“And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged...” (Al-Quran 2:272)

(What is left of the Rumah Anak Yatim Hidayah)

After the landslide tragedy that wrecked Rumah Anak Yatim Hidayah in Hulu Langat on May 21, some orphans who were among the survivors of the landslide that killed 16 people were staying temporarily at the Islamic Missionary Foundation of Malaysia (Yadim) training centre in Kampung Sungai Semungkis, Hulu Langat.

(15 superbikes and 4 police escorts gathered at YADIM)

(A briefing on the mechanics of Superbikes)

(Waiting their turn for a 5 km joyride)

Last Saturday, a group of superbikers came together to join more than 100 children and orphans from the nearby tahfiz schools for a solat jemaah, tahlil and tazkirah followed by a sumptuous dinner of home-cooked Nasi Arab and grilled lamb sponsored by one company. May Allah accept their good deeds and accept their charity and generosity.

(Delicious grilled lamb)

(Preparing and serving food)

Earlier, some of the children had the opportunity to go for a 5 km joyride with the brother bikers on their superbikes.

(Dinner is served...)

Hopefully, what little time spent together, would bring smiles and helped to ease the pain of losing their friends and family in the recent landslide tragedy…

A showroom grand opening…

"I keep trying to lose weight... but food keeps finding me..."

(Lion dance, agile and energetic...)

Yesterday, after the flying session at the Royal Selangor Flying Club, we went to Sri Gombak to attend the opening of a new showroom owned by one of the brother bikers.

(A lunch after a heavy brunch?)

Although we already had brunch earlier, we could not resist the spread of food served while being entertained by a lion dance show to commemorate the auspicious occasion.

(Nasi bryani for the main dish)

Congratulations…

Flying without wings…

“Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man.... Landing is the first!...”

This morning, we decided to join the BNM photography Club for an aerial photo shoot of KL and surrounding areas and had the opportunity to fly a small 4-seater plane from Sungai Besi TUDM Airport. The flight was not just about admiring scenery but also a test of our mental and physical endurance and it is classified as an extreme sport.

(A few choices of the 4-seater planes)

We had a choice of a Cessna 172 Skyhawk or a Piper PA28-180 Cherokee. And we decided to fly the Piper Cherokee instead as it is more stable than the Cessna. Cessna has always designed an airplane that is lighter than Piper. But being heavier, Piper is somewhat easier to handle in adverse conditions.

(Bright and sunny day during take-off)

(First aerial shot of the city skyline)

But for the purpose of aerial photography, many prefer the high wing Cessna compare to the low wing Piper as one can see up and to the side better in the low wing, but you can't see down so much because the wing is obstructing your view.

(Clear view with dark clouds in the horizon)

(Hazy aerial view of KL city)

(View from inside the plane)

At 0900 we were off the ground and flying over KL, The plane flew 1500 feet above sea level. We could see KL and parts of Selangor from an angle which we have never seen before.

(Twin towers and KL tower)

(KL tower and twin towers from different angle)

Today we had Mr. Mann to pilot the plane and the co-pilot was allowed to fly the plane for a while, but not during takeoff and landing of course. The back seats were quite comfortable for two people. Because it was a small plane, the noise was not well insulated and it felt like a sauna on the hot tarmac. But once the plane was flying high in the sky it was quite cooling and breezy.

(Closer shot of the twin towers)

(Zooming to catch a glimpse of our Putramas Apartment on the far right)

It cost us RM600 per hour per plane but the experience of flying a plane is really worth the money.

The twilight's dusk...

"For everything you have lost, you gained something else..."

(From 22nd floor of our Putramas Apartment)

A beautiful sunset

Brings sweet memories

Of you and me…

Twilight’s dusk disappearing

Nighttime appearing

The heart is yearning

Wondering what I’m missing...

Johor: Romantic riding escapade to Mersing...

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step..." - Lao Tzu

(Teluk Buih Bay)

I was quite apprehensive when dear hubby agreed to join the convoy with 10 others. Ours is the only easy rider joining the convoy of young sports bikers, the likes of GTR, BMW and Versys. And as expected, because of safety, especially when handling the sharp and winding roads, these old-timers rode slow and steady and the rest had to wait for us at junctions to make sure that we would not get lost on the way.

The ride was exciting and quite many routes were unchartered for us. If not for their patience, we would not have managed to keep pace with their speed and reached safely at the intended destination.

We stayed the night at Fishing Bay Lodge in Teluk Buih. Although the chalet is quite expensive for Malaysian standard, the white sand beach is genuinely beautiful and serene.

One of these days, I wouldn’t mind to trace the same route again, just the two of us…

When the rain is blowing in your face

And the whole world is on your case

I could offer you a warm embrace

To make you feel my love…

(Group photo at Hutan Lipur Panti)

(Bikes lined-up by the seaside...)

(Room rates between RM180 -RM380 per night)

(One of the more expensive chalet overlooking the sea...)

(A secluded private beach...)

(Watching fishermen hard at work...)

(Waiting for a glimpse of the sunset...)

(Group photo before the ride back)
(From L-R: Fazli, Su, Azim, Nazeli, Sham, Aishah, Mun, Mus, Nelsa, Shamsiah and Keef)

I could make you happy,

make your dreams come true

There’s nothing that I would not do

Go to the ends of the earth with you

To make you feel my love…

(You and I...)

Total Mileage: 1,020 km

Route taken: KL - Seremban - Air Keroh - Kluang - Kota Tinggi - Mersing - Pekan - Chenor -Temerloh - Simpang Pelangai - Titi - Hulu Langat - KL
Bikers gang: Mus & Mun, Nazeli & Sham, Sham & Aisyah, Keef & Nelsa, Azim & Liza and Fazli

Pahang: Leisure ride to Jerangkang Waterfalls...

"No matter how good or bad you think life is, wake up each day and be thankful for life..."

(The start of the trekking carrying nasi lemak bungkus)

Today we went for a biking trip to Jerangkang Waterfalls in Pahang for a tranquil afternoon picnic.

The Jerangkang waterfall is accessible from the KL-Kuantan old road approximately 30 kilometres after Maran. It is 16 km inland from the main road and accessible by car except one needs to be careful of ruts and ravines at some stretches.

(Steep and slippery tracks)

From the parking area, we took a 15-minute walk to the first of the falls. The trails upstream are mostly easy with some parts quite steep and slippery especially after heavy rain. There are a total of 43 separate waterfalls in Jerangkang but we managed to climb only to the 4th level. There are a number of lovely spots for picnics or camping, either on the river bank or on the flat rocks.

(First glimpse of the waterfalls)

It is said that Jerangkang Waterfalls is the big brother to Bekelah Waterfalls, situated not very far away too…

(We had the whole pool to ourselves)

Total Mileage: 420 km

Route Taken: KL - Maran - Jerangkang - Maran - KL

National Blood Centre and Art Gallery...

"There's nothing bigger in life than the little things..." - Vanilla Sky

Most people are potentially able to donate blood, some are not. And I used to be one of those who could not. I was anemic with sickle red blood cell condition.

It was Hana's outing day and we decided to go to the National Blood Centre. It was time for dear hubby to donate blood again and I took the opportunity to test on mine. After undergoing simple blood test, I was surprised that I am now able to donate blood. After our session in the clinic, we visited the National Art Gallery which is across the road from the national Blood Centre.

(National Art Gallery)

(National Blood Centre)

(Colorful chairs at the waiting area)

(Donating blood type B+)

(Mother's Day Exhibition at the Art Gallery)

(Grandma and grand-daughter at the Art Gallery)

(Pisang goreng and teh tarik at the cafe)

Pahang: Durian ride to Jeram Besu...

"We don't avoid stressful situations. We're just dealing with them in our own way..."

Adding heat to the already hot weather, we had a durian fest to celebrate Mother's day.

Today we joined a convoy of 40 bikes to Jeram Besu, Pahang. It is about 30 km from the famous gold town Raub. Located on the trunk road of Raub to Kuala Lipis, it is fast gaining popularity as one of the best and most popular grade 2-3 white water rafting sites in Peninsular Malaysia.

There is a recreational park with a cozy resort situated by the Lipis river bank and overlooking the white water rafting site. The resort is surrounded by a fruit orchard and herbal garden.

(Getting ready for the ride)

(Biking convoy on the trunk road)

(Eat as much as you can...)

(Getting ready to ride back)


Total Mileage: 150 km
Route taken: KL - Bentong - Jeram Besu - Bentong - KL
Bikers gang: Welly Advanced Bikers

Pahang: Labour Day ride to Cameron Highlands...

"I shouldn't settle for less. But I shouldn't settle for more either..."

The highlands cool air is refreshing. My fever is getting better too. I should be feeling energized after a long rest after my umrah trip but why am I still feeling depressed? If I have fallen into a rut, it's time for me to climb out. I need to do something to cheer me up. Something that can elevates my mood, activates my mind, and allows me to have some fun.

(Equatorial Hotel, Cameron Highlands)

(A rider taking a rest)

(The Ole Smoke House)

(Latar Iskandar Waterfalls)

Total Mileage: 320 km

Route Taken: KL - Cameron Highlands - KL