Touring Report

Unlike yesterday, it was clear with strong sunlight from early in the morning. The riders began their warm-up exercises at a little past 8:30 a.m. Then our chief marshal, Yusoff Bakar, called everyone together for a meeting. Soon after we started riding from the hotel, we were up on the expressway. Our day's destination is the famous resort island of Penang.
Like yesterday, we rode on the expressway with a police car leading the way and were able to made smooth progress. After riding for a while, the expressway entered the Jelapang area where we began to have quite dramatic ups and downs. But, this didn't slow our pace and we made steady progress. In fact, the 135LC (T135) machines were running so strongly that the fully loaded vans of the service and press teams that are always running with the bikes had trouble catching up again if they got behind.
With three fuel and rest stops along the way, we reached our first destination of the day, the town of Juru. There we had lunch at a restaurant called "Hot Wheels" that reflects the interests of its owner, Mr. Tan Seng Hau, who also runs a motorcycle shop. In addition to offering traditional Malaysian cuisine, the restaurant is also famous for its super-big hamburgers. Entering the restaurant, the first surprise we got was finding real Yamaha R1 and R6 supersport models on display. We were glad to hear that the owner put them on display in hopes that travelers coming off the nearby expressway would enjoy them.
After lunch we were soon at the Penang Bridge. This is a big bridge with a total length of 13.5 km, but due to construction the traffic was jammed up pretty bad. Fortunately, our police escort helped us get through with no problem.
When we reached the island, there was a welcoming ceremony waiting for us at the Bukit Jambul Shopping Complex. Our touring caravan was greeted with big applause. Being welcomed like this wherever we go certainly makes us forget some of our road fatigue. The event really came to life with the performance of a traditional Chinese "Lion Dance," which is meant to bring good fortune and used as a welcoming ritual. Then there was a presenting of gifts to the riders. Also, the helmet exchange that has become a regular part of the Malaysia tour was held. The brand new helmets were handed out one by one to users bringing old helmets by the Chairman of Traffic Police Enforcement for Penang State, ASP. Abdul Ghani, and the National Sales Manager of Hong Leong Yamaha, Mr. Teoh Kan Weng, along with a message for safe riding.
Among the many people who gathered for the ceremony were the members of the local Yamaha scooter club "Yamaha Scootz Club Penang," who proudly came with their own Yamaha bikes to meet and talk with the PAN-ASEAN TOURING riders.
Compared to yesterday it had been a hot day with strong sun, but we were still able to complete the 168 km ride with no problems and arrive at our hotel on schedule. For that we are grateful.

On to Penang in 33-degree heat

From morning, the skies were clear and the sun hot today. Running was smooth and progress steady on the expressway with our police car escort. The midday temperature was 33 degrees C.

We had lunch at the restaurant HOT WHEELS. We were surprised to find an R1 and R6 displayed inside. We enjoyed a buffet lunch of Malaysian food. Riding sure makes us hungry!

After lunch we crossed the Penang Bridge to the island. The bridge is over 10 km long and makes for an interesting ride. Shoulder construction was causing traffic congestion, but we got through smoothly with our police escort

A big reception was waiting for us at the Bukit Jambul Shopping Complex. It was a fun and lively welcoming event with attractions like a Chinese "Lion Dance"

The event ended with photos with members of the local Yamaha scooter club, "Yamaha Scootz Club Penang." They proudly showed us their custom painted bikes and we talked about our riding adventures