HOT on the heels - or wheels - of their roaring “Dust to Glory” ride in July, KTM Malaysia brought on the 180km Merdeka Enduro Ride on August 5 in conjunction with the Merdeka month.
The reception was overwhelming. More than 100 riders turned up for the ride (and not all on KTM because the event was opened to all). Celebrities Zizan Razak, Hairul Azreen and Ray Johara added pomp to the day. And, of course, there was top comedian Achey Bocey, the KTM ambassador, to lighten up the mood, especially of those who were riding off road for the very first time.
We joined the ride on KTM’s 350 EXC-F
The 180km enduro ride started off at Sungai Buaya, Rawang, towards Kerling and back. The start of the ride offered the awesome scene of more than a hundred scramblers dominating the asphalt right before entering the corner into the off-road section.
The ride was fast, varied and fun for all riders. It wasn’t just loose gravel and red dirt all day. We saw beautiful rainforest, sandy tracks and herds of cattle along palm oil estates.
Not only that, riders encountered what seemed - to me, at least - to be one of the most challenging conditions that dirt bike riders could encounter: muddy terrains. I had a couple of hard falls while attempting to tackle the muddy tracks.
In Kerling and under blazing Selangor sun, the riders were greeted by a beautiful waterfall, a popular destination for families and young people. We took a dip, rehydrated and after a light meal at the restaurant there, rode on to Sungai Buaya.
The ride back tested not just the riders’ physical strength but their mental toughness as well. After the first 90km of off-road riding, the strain on the hands, arms, wrists, legs, butt, spine and every other part of your body was starting to take its toll on the mind.
Actor Mohammad Razizan Abdul Razak, better known as Zizan Razak, said he had loads of fun throughout the event.
“I thought I was Travis Pastrana (an American stunt performer) for a moment while I was taking the sharp corners, but unfortunately the bike flung over and away from me. Though I came off a couple of times, my first experience of off-road riding was extremely fun and I am definitely looking forward to join the next off-road event!”
There were only four roses among the scores of thorns but they were neither timid nor slow on the bikes.
“I had only started off-road riding eight months ago. To me, the track was a bit challenging as I’m not used to a fast track type of riding. Basically, I like tracks that are more technical and usually I train at at Kemensah trail,” said Nur Aini, a 28-year-old dirt bike enthusiast.