Jaime Dempsey finds the terrain challenging, she tells Dennis Chua and Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
TOMORROW, at 9pm on History Channel, adventure series Ride N’ Seek returns with its bubbly, blonde host Jaime Dempsey.
The biker girl’s latest adventure Ride N’ Seek — Borneo gets through Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah. She had a superb 30 days exploring the vast region and getting acquainted with its people, customs, culture and nature.
Dempsey’s show is a host-driven motorcycle travel documentary, and her trip to East Malaysia and Brunei between May and June opens its new season. She circled Peninsular Malaysia within a similar period last year, and describes Malaysian Borneo as “much more challenging” to explore.
“I’d describe my trip to Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah as an epic one where I experienced both mainstream and off the beaten track locations and activities. My crew and I travelled over a thousand kilometres across the region and once again, my motorcycle’s mobility allowed me to go to places few tourists have been.”
Dempsey’s activities include exploring a mysterious tunnel in Kunak, Sabah dug by the Japanese during World War 2. She also trains and spars with Sabah’s mixed martial arts (MMA) champion, Ann “Athena” Osman in Kota Kinabalu, and participates in a “feeding the dead” ritual in an Iban longhouse in Spaoh, Sarawak.
“The audience will be able to experience my journey from land, sea and air, as shooting will include the use of an aerial drone and underwater filming.”
The intrepid traveller starts her adventure in Kuching, Sarawak and heads northeast exploring Sibu and making a stop in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. She continues the ride through Sabah, before concluding her journey in Kota Kinabalu.
Born in Illinois, but raised in the United Kingdom, Dempsey spent her formative years studying in the UK and travelling around Europe. She caught the travel bug pretty young and has always been looking for new places to go and new things to try.
An interest in art took her to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and there she took up photography. She spent six years as a photographer in Philadelphia and shot everything from architecture to local celebrities. Outside of filming, she designs swimwear for a company in Los Angeles. Eventually the travel and adventure bug kicked in again and she found herself riding her motorcycle 6,000 kilometres to the west coast and landing in Los Angeles.
She took up riding eight years ago and has owned bikes as a Yamaha XS650, Harley Iron 883 and Ducati Monster 695. She has also styled celebrities such as Pit Bull and Ving Rhames. Living in Los Angeles has given her the chance to appear on the shows Entourage and Hell’s Kitchen.
Below is an interview with Dempsey, whose show is directed by Chris Humphrey.
What made you choose Borneo for your latest adventure?
Ever since I went around Peninsular Malaysia last year, my acquaintances there encouraged me to explore East Malaysia the next time. I wanted to see how the other side of the country is, and I’ve heard a lot about its natural beauty, challenging terrain and wildlife.
What preparations did you make?
This time, I knew what to expect in terms of the heat. In general, I just eat healthy, do yoga, work out and basically keep my energy level up. I also read up on the places that I would be visiting.
Which destination in Borneo gave you the most apprehension and why?
There was this huge jungle in a crater at Maliau Basin, eastern Sabah. Conditions were extreme. I fell a few times and it took hours on the bike. There was also this jungle road between Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu. Brian Wade of Borneo Biking Adventure took me along this challenging trail that covered hills and jungles. I literally went up and down all the way.
Of all the experiences you had in Borneo, which would you name as your sweetest and most memorable?
The conservation part interested me a lot. I played veterinarian for a day, for the orang utan in Sandakan, held little sea turtles by the beach and helped build an artificial coral reef in Mabul.
Which are some of your favourite places you visited in Peninsular Malaysia for Season 1?
I loved riding up to Frasier’s Hill and seeing the view from there. I love Penang’s beautiful art and culture, and I love Kelantan’s batik and top-spinning. Each place is different but I love them all.
How have the locals’ reception been towards you?
I was intimidated at first. People stare at me because I stick out so much but they’re very welcoming and curious. Little kids would come up to me, feel my tattooed arms and admire the artwork. It makes me feel comfortable and confident to venture wherever.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from this journey?
To not be afraid of visiting new places and different cultures. Being blonde and tattooed, I was afraid of visiting Asia but I realised that if I’m open to them, they’ll be open to me as well.
Did you learn any phrases during your trip?
I know the locals say “lah” a lot. (laughs) I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate it into my sentences.
As a youngster, did you have a dream that one day you would go on adventures as this one?
Yes, it’s a dream come true. I’m so thankful to History Channel for this adventure.
What do you love most about going on these trips?
I love testing my limits and getting out of my comfort zone. It helps increase my confidence and remove self-doubt. I also love being introduced to new culture, people and food. It broadens my horizon and gives me a more worldly view of life.
Does anybody in your family share your spirit of adventure?
My family is always adventurous. My father loves bikes and is a pilot. My mother is a diving instructor. One of my brothers (I’m the second of six siblings) loves bikes too.
Where will your next adventure destination be?
I’d love to visit Indonesia and the Philippines next. I’d love to ‘conquer’ maritime Southeast Asia which is full of interesting, back-to-nature places, good food and colourful cultures.
Which part of the world is your dream adventure destination and why?
I’d love to visit Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe. They have a lot to offer in terms of food, culture, lifestyles and of course, natural beauty.
Of the foods that you’ve tried in your many adventures, what was the most out-of-this world culinary experience you’ve had?
Puffer fish. It’s amazing how they operate on it and remove its thorns. It’s lovely and tender to eat.
Do you have any other passions?
I love cooking. My husband is vegan and doesn’t eat meat or dairy, so I love the challenge of having to cook without using these ingredients.
Have you always been a martial arts fan? If so, any other form of martial arts you would love to learn?
I’m not that into martial arts but my husband Matthew Dempsey is a jujitsu trainer. Ann is superb and inspiring, and I might take MMA lessons one day and jujitsu too.
Which Hollywood celebrity would you love to go on an adventure with, who would that be and why?
Charley Boorman. He is an adventurous personality from the UK who loves biking and I’d love to co-host adventure shows with him. Another is Ewan McGregor, one of my favourite actors.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about female bikers?
That we’re not feminine. There are tougher girls out there but we still like to go shopping, wear lipstick and get our hair done. We may get a little greasy when we work on our bikes but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to get our doors held open for us.
When do you see yourself retiring from bike-riding?
I hope to ride as long as I can physically handle it. If I’m lucky to have children, I’d like to teach them to ride as early as they can. Get them on some dirtbikes and pass the passion on.
What’s your advice to solo bikers who might want to go on a similar adventure as yours?
Know where you’re going, know the safe places to go, make sure you have the proper gear on, know the bike you’re riding and always be aware of your surroundings. Expect the unexpected.
Ride N’ Seek premieres tomorrow at 9pm over History Channel (Astro channel 555)