Dear cyclists,

It is near to Christmas and the weather not really delicious for going cycling outside. Despite the roads are not icy and no snow it needs some discipline for going outside at a temperature of about 1-2°C and some rain. Therefore I was really glad to go on a business-trip to the sun. I had to visit some suppliers in Penang, Malaysia. I added the weekend on my own at the end of this working week.

First I thought I have to rent a traditional bike in Georgetown like is available for a common tourist.

However, I was more than surprised that my working partner invited me to a tour around the island. He offered me to use one of his bikes. Great!


First, I was a bit worried about the Asian traffic. It seems to be a bit chaotic and dangerous. Now, I can confirm there is no reason for this. In particular in Penang, the cyclists are respected like in Italy. I had no problem at all. Nobody honked the horn. Afterwards I dare to say that the traffic in Germany is much more dangerous than over there.

Early in the morning around 6:30 AM Jason picked me up at my hotel. We headed to our starting point where we mounted the race bikes. Jason a passionate triathlon – athlete rode his time trial machine and I borrowed his usual training bike. With low traffic we rush out of the city in the morning dawn. The temperature was about 25- 30 °C. It slightly changes during the day. However you must be aware that in Penang is a tropic climate - humid all day long. But how long you are driving the wind cools you down and it is quite comfortable.

There are no bicycle lanes in the city but next to the motorway there is cycle-lane which is mainly used by motorcycles. This lane ends some in while at exit and we had to share the road with the cars.

Soon we arrived the Penang bridge. The pylons are higher than 220 m. The we run through the silicon valley of Asia before we are arrived the new 24 km long brigde which will be opened in 2 month (Feb 2014). The east coast is at many places refilled. The earth comes from the Southbay hill. Just have a look on it, before it will completely disappear in some years!

We crossed the end of the air field of Penang International Airport. First this airport looks like as the same size in Nuremberg, but you will never see a Boeing 747 landing in Nuremberg.

After the airport we left the east of Palau Penang and we climbed up about 100 m. First it was a gentle gradient, then it becomes harder (10%) but not for long and then we enjoyed a nice view back into the valley.

After rushing down the hill we stopped for our breakfast. Something like a pancake (with onions) has been served for little money. I would like to have such offer in Germany.


In the meanwhile a big biking group (> 300 cyclist) passed. It was guided by about half dozen of policemen on motorbikes. Jason told me that this is only a small group. There are much bigger events at the island. It was quite astounding for me that several bikers are wearing long clothing (at legs and arms). I would have melted away since I sweated enough in my short jersey and bib. Noticeable are also that some muslim girls took part in this event with long clothing an veil and helmet.

Then strode across the agriculture part of Penang. A lot of palm trees and rice fields are in this beautiful area. Some of the fruits are transported to the market in a simple way.

Suddenly some policemen are heading to us and warned us for oncoming bikers. It was a real bike race at the top (with speed >> 40 km/h) and many many sparetime bikers in the end of the peloton. 2 bike events with support of the police at one Saturday morning, this would not be possible in Germany. Now, I asked me: Which is the more developed country: Germany or Malaysia?

Soon we left the agriculture plain and climb about 200 – 250 m up. There was rainforest left and right to the street. A new impression for me.

Short after the pass we stopped again for eating fruit called Durian. Durians are not allowed in hotels and airplanes since they smell terrible. I did not recognize it, but I was told that in the fresh air you can barely smell them. You eat the inner part of the fruit which taste I cannot describe. However, it is really full of energy – I was stuffed for hours and had the taste of the fruit all day long.

Then we run down to Batu Ferringi where many resort hotels exist next to the wonderful beach.

Short before we reached the City Georgetown again we took rest for Laksa next to the sea. Laksa is a regional specialty which is a soup with fish, noodles and vegetables. Even it was quite spicy (highest degree I can eat) it burned not out the taste of the Durian.

After having “Durian at the hill” and “Laksa next to the beach” we returned to Georgetown. Now the traffic was chaotic as normal. However, I never was anxious about to get in an accident. Jason showed me several sights of his home town before we dismounted our bikes at around noon.

A morning ride was finished and this was one of the top rides I had in this year. Jason, Thank you for this splendid bike ride. Without your support I never would have been able to enjoy Penang as I have done.

Best regards,

Roland

Tour-Data: 86 km / 570 hm

P.S.: Attached are some more views of the world heritage city of Georgetown Penang.