Based in Bachok, Kelantan, Galor drew the interest of many from the region as it is one of Malaysia’s biggest gravel races. While most locals drove from their respective States to Kelantan, we flew from Singapore to Joshua’s hometown in Penang.
After arriving in the morning, we got our gear and stuff sorted out and by noon, we had both our bikes strapped down in the back of a Toyota Hilux and navigated 6h through the B roads of northern Malaysia all the way to Bachok in Kelantan!
The next day, we headed down to the Seri Nipah Resort to collect our race packs. With the race village now close to being fully set up, there were many different booths ranging from various partners from cycling shops to food stalls. Some booths included major sponsors of Galor and were all offering huge pre-race discounts! There was also a steady stream of people arriving at the race village to collect their race packs and the atmosphere got livelier as the day got by. The race packs we received had a quirky spin from the conventional race packs as our items were placed into pizza boxes!
However, the highlight of the evening was a 200m beach race where a small group of 20 folks raced while everyone grabbed their chairs to spectate. It was an amazing atmosphere where everyone was cheering on the participants through the different heats till the final race.
Subsequently, there were talks held by sponsors Cyclist Wardrobe and as the night approached, most of us headed back to our respective homestays while the rest who camped in Seri Nipah resort hung out till late.
The captivating thing about Galor was that everyone was welcomed regardless of whether we were here to race or here to just enjoy riding the route!
With the race scheduled to start at 8am, we could clearly see who were the competitive ones and who were there to simply enjoy the route. Folks with decked out builds were slowly inching towards the front of the start line to get the best starting position. As the pacer dirt motorbikes weaved through the crowd of participants to the start line, Joshua and I tried to stick close to them, capitalising on this opportunity to squeeze ourselves up from mid pack to closer to the start point.
On the dot at 8am, the pace motorbikes pushed off and controlled the pace in the neutral start as we exited from the resort to the main road. All hell broke loose once we got to the main road. The first 10km featured a straight tarmac section and the rolling pace was 35-40 km/h. There were a few random attacks (one of which Joshua was responsible for!) but the group closed them down and stayed relatively compact throughout this section.
After the first fast paced 10km, we arrived at an entrance to a fire road and the big pack of riders slowly funnelled into two clear lines. Quick terrain changes and the ability of choosing of the ideal lines differentiated the experienced from the uninitiated as the group slowly diminished in size.
The pace remained fast for the next 20 km as different groups attempted to attack and tried to break away from the main pack. In order to chase the groups in front, those rolling the same pace stuck with each other, working collaboratively to close the gaps. The route kept us on high alert as it alternated between fire roads, single tracks and a few short sections of roads. The mix of terrain was challenging but exciting to navigate.
As we got nearer to Checkpoint 1, we were wow-ed by a change of terrain as the route brought us to a vast plot of land which was surreal to ride through. In what seemed to be a sea of endless space, we relied on our GPS to point us in the right direction.
Most of the folks that we rode with went by Checkpoint 1 briskly, the majority of the riders quickly grabbed a drink while rolling through. Not wanting to lose any precious time, both of us did the same and continued to push the pace.
Soon after, we were met with one of the toughest sections of the course. It was a 5km section of the largest gravel rocks you could imagine. Picking the correct line was highly important at this section as we witnessed a couple of folks at the front having to drop out due to a punctured tyre.
After this section, the pace slowed down a bit as all of us had to take a break from the “extended good vibrations” we experienced in the last section. I counted myself lucky as I managed to get a good line earlier on in the race. Working with one rider up the front, I was in the top 10 position at this point in time. However, after a series of back to back turns, I stopped when my GPS notified me that I was off course. Desperation came upon me when I realised that I had missed a junction. My glimmer of hope came when I was overtaken by another group and saw Joshua in that pack! With renewed energy and adrenaline, I managed to chase that group and sat with them for a bit. We took turns taking pulls with the group up until we arrived at Checkpoint 2.
After riding past Checkpoint 2, the pack slowly pulled away, leaving Joshua and I together with one other rider from the group (which we later found out was the organiser of @letuagravelfest). The three of us ended up rolling together and pushed the pace in an attempt to catch the group in front of us. Despite the work we put in, it proved to be a futile effort. As we entered the final 2km beach stretch, our newly joined team mate and I both fell and had major cramps. Check out Joshua assisting him while I was suffering off camera! 👀
Jokes aside, Joshua ensured that we were all fine and we pushed on to complete the last 2 km on the beach as it started to drizzle. The feeling of completing this full 100km was fulfilling and it was made even better with a solid team mate!
All in all, it was again an epic adventure for the both of us! Ending this short editorial with a team photo that summarised the wonderful experience we had. I have learnt a lot from this race and will definitely continue racing gravel in the near future!
Last but not least, a huge shout out to the Galor organising team for making such a wonderful event happen. It was heartwarming to see the Malaysian cycling community coming together to make the event a whooping success. From sponsors, to photographers and the rest of the participants; a huge thanks for making us feel so welcomed! Again, thank you guys and see you at Galor next year!
Photo Credits:
@syafiq.shari
@mr.nikhanis
@duraath
@mfiah
+various community contributed photos
Read more gravel cycling events: Beechworth Granite Classic 2023
]]>A route designed by Australian local Cameron Bird, this course was ever-changing and striked a balance between technical, challenging and fun. It was exhilarating as it kept us on our toes and in adventure mode at every turn. Vast landscapes welcomed us as we got to traverse through private farm lanes, bush track, fire roads and some rail trails on gravel bikes.
The seeds for attending the MAAP sponsored event in Beechworth were planted when I came across a photo of my bike that was featured on Beechworth Granite Classic’s Instagram event page. Curious to find out more, I continued scrolling to see what it was all about. Even though I am no stranger to being in Australia as a person with a mountain bike background, I was yearning to cycle off-road and was keen to experience what the dirt roads of Northeast Victoria High Country had to offer. An Instagram story I posted sparked interest amongst my friends and some of them spontaneously decided to sign up.
Event tickets booked, we were set for a 2-wheeled exploration in Beechworth, Victoria.
They say that what we eat and drink before a big ride is essential to fuelling our bodies right? So, we collectively decided that we should pop by Bridge Road Brewers (one of the official event sponsors) for their famed pizzas and beers (carbs galore!). Coincidentally, we bumped into the MAAP crew and had a drink (or two) while rifling each other up about the ride we were all very excited about.
The weather conditions were far from what I was used to in Singapore. I tried my best to keep warm as I waited in anticipation at the start line with the rest of the Singapore crew. Eager to get my legs spinning, I was excited at flag off as that signaled the start of the long awaited 115km of gravel goodness.
There were smiles all around as we navigated our way down the first sketchy descent. It was characterized by fast, loose gravel and I was sliding around some of the bends while trying to find grip. Subsequently, we were greeted by a fine champagne gravel section across the stunning private property in Byawatha.
I was blown away not only by the changing terrain, but equally impressed by the surprises that were in store for us along the way. The party atmosphere was unmissable as we were treated to an epic electric guitar performance and a heart thumping drum tunnel in the midst of our ride.
After more sketchy descents and undulating climbs, I was wowed as I approached the first feeding station. Well-stocked with treats, the ‘The Gravel Pit’ had piping hot quesadillas (provided by Skratch Labs) and ice cold beers (provided by Geers and Beers). Another highlight of this pitstop was the live band (!!!) that played groovy music throughout. In bid to soak in the entire ambience, we spent a significant amount of time chatting with other riders and refueling with all the tasty offerings available.
Refreshed and happy, we then went on to the next part of the ride. I pretty much enjoyed this next section of the ride as the sun came out and the course was smooth until....
.... I saw this pool of muddy water in the middle of the road. Take it head on or cut to the side?
Without hesitation, I bombed straight through and got a little shocked by the depth of the pit. But happy to say, I had a splashing good time (obviously haha).
After what seemed like a never-ending uphill climb, we heard loud party music coming from the distance. We felt like we were in an outdoor spin class as we pedaled with enthusiasm towards the music. Exceeding all expectations, the event organizers rewarded us once again (yay) at ‘Frog Hollow’ with the Granite classic tradition of Beechworth Bakery donuts, bananas and gummy worms. As a classic donut lover, there was no way that I would skip this second feeding station. Party vibes all around as I stuffed my face with donuts and moved to the DJ beats.
The final stretch of the route passed through the picturesque Wooragee private property section where I savored the last of these sights knowing that the course was inevitably coming to an end.
The organizers AGAIN caught us off guard with a truck loaded with warm gin shots (provided by Barking Owl Distillery). Group cheers as we celebrated the almost completion of the course before cruising back to the event village.
As we rolled past the finish line, we collected the exclusive event beer and chatted with various people who were an integral part of the event. Satisfied with how the day went, we then gathered around a firepit, excitedly recounting our adrenaline-packed ride experience.
Suffice to say, I was pleased with the variety of surprises along the way and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this growing gravel culture. Not only did I get to experience the beauty of the Victorian landscapes (high country climbs very much included), I got to ride the amazing route that was painstakingly pieced together by the Organizers.
In fact, if you are considering this event, the dates for Beechworth Granite Classic 2024 are already out. Do sign up and expect a guaranteed good time on the bike!
Photo Credits
- Joshua (@joshie_t)
- Mykel (@mykelism)
- Priscilla (@swimminglemons)
- Sufyan (@sufyansairi)
- Terence (@wongkht)
- VJ (@weeejay)
It is throwback Thursday and we stumbled upon our photo archives of the social ride that we did back in 2022 along with MAAP.
Although it has already been four months since the ride, we cannot help but feel nostalgic when looking through the photos.
It was a first for MAAP to visit their dealers in Southeast Asia and two representatives named Andrea and Luke were sent for the mission.
The duo visited Malaysia at the end of August before stopping by Singapore for a short weekend before spending the last leg of their trip in Indonesia.
We planned a Saturday morning for the ride and the turnout was around 80pax. The route was around 56km long with the start point within our storefront vicinity.
Luke was unfortunately unwell on Saturday morning and had to rest in his hotel. We felt pretty bad as Sherwin brought them to the Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre for some local hawker food and might have been the one who poisoned Luke :/, yikes!
With an expected strength of 60pax, we planned the route to be the usual Thomson - Mandai - Clementi - Keppel loop, before stopping for a quick rest at the National Gallery for a group photo.
The pace of the whole ride was great, averaging around 25km/h throughout and we could not be more pleased with the ride discipline, like how a social ride should be. Well done everyone!
We hope everyone who turned up for the ride enjoyed themselves as much as we did and a big thank you to TANAMERA COFFEE for having us!
PHOTO CREDITS : ASRI (IG @ASRI8T9)
]]>With Taiwan announcing its lift on the necessary quarantine measures for international travellers from 13 October 22 onwards, it sent us down memory lane to a cycling trip back in 2018 that Sherwin, Joshua and Weijie have very fond memories of in Taiwan.
Having heard several customers comment how hard a climb Wuling was with the elevation of 3,275m, the trio decided on a back-to-back climb up Wuling with the first climb starting from the West, Puli Township in Nantou, Taiwan.
Coincidentally, Choonwei from FitSkuul who was also there ascended Wuling from the West entry. It was the 2nd leg of their double entry of Wuling, riding through the beautiful Taroko National Park.
The trio would then descend down on their support vehicle and take a night’s rest in Hualien Township before beginning the second day climb up to Wuling again from the East, passing by the scenic Taroko National Park.
The East route is the official route of the Taiwan KOM Challenge, a road cycling race held annually in Taiwan.
Photo by Taiwan Today
Both of them were on a 52/36 semi-compact chainring and 11-28 / 11-29 cassette respectively while Weijie was on a 50/34 and 11-32.
Weapons of choice were a Engine 11 Steeze (Sherwin), Cannondale CAAD7 (Joshua) and Skyline (Weijie).
On the day of climb from the West, the trio were blessed with good weather and went up with a support vehicle driven by Hugo.
Along the way up, there were several familiar faces while the trio took breaks at certain pitstops.
Unknown to the trio, Rapha Asia was also ascending Wuling along the same route. Familiar faces were spotted from the Rapha contingent as the trio rode through the mountain roads.
The unexpected company made the tough climb a tad more bearable for the trio.
Sherwin KO’ed at a section after missing an earlier pit stop, where Weijie and Joshua took a break while waiting for him since he was way behind them and slow. The duo thought that it was a matter of time before they would see him ending up in the support vehicle since he did not train or ride much prior to the trip.
The higher they climbed, the better the view were. What was equally encouraging and motivational was when the locals drove past with their windows winded down, giving words of encouragement and cheering them on.
The last pit stop was a relieving sight but also playing games to their minds. The end point can be seen from this big open space carpark and the remaining route was around 2km with a climb of an average 3-5%.
Although it was only 2km left to the top of Wuling, Sherwin and Weijie strangely found themselves constantly stopping when they had intended to rest only once since the end point was near.
A first attempt on Wuling for the three of them, it was definitely an experience to be constantly grinding up the climb for 55km with an average gradient of 6.5%. Even more so when their support vehicle was missing at times, only to zoom past them with loud music on several occasions.
The trio subsequently saw a familiar guy not long after, coming up from the KOM route which was from the Taroko park. The guy was Choonwei, the man behind Fitskuul!
Here is Joshua sulking after Choonwei stole his plate of 饺子/Dumplings right after they met.
Would you like to read more about the trio's ride after climbing the Western route of Wuling back in 2018?
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