Day 2 - Official Opening of KIP Mart Melaka with HaPpY Cycling

For the first time we were riding under a commercial banner where we got free accommodation, foods and tee shirts. Finally the day has come, some of the early birds set off to look for a popular dim sum in the historical city of Malacca.

This Dim Sum shop has apparently relocated we had a slight hitch finding it but eventually we got it. A place where the locals eat their dim sum. Ok ok lah nothing great but it was cheap...

The schedule was to start off from Casa Blanca Guest House at 9.00 pm and all the cyclists were back in time from their respective breakfasts for the flag bearing convoy.

Off we went penetrating Jonker's Walk and heading to Bachang.

There were three kids cycling together with us and were carefully guided by parents and some of us.

It was a short ride (less than 10 km) from Jonker Streets to Bachang.

A group picture with one of the bosses of KIP Group.

Another  boss arrived and another group photo was taken. We wish to take this opportunity to thanks KIP Group for their kind support. We want more!!!

We were waiting for the VVIP to arrive and our task was to escort him to the main entrance of the mall.

Friends from USJ Petaling Jaya who cycled all the way from USJ to Melaka and a big salute to these riders.

Time for a superstar award posing.....

Staff of KIP Mart were ready and waiting for the moment.

The hApPy Cyclists...

The escorts with bicycle bells ringing and also some blasting of air horns....well done comrades.

Another historical record for the group, the ceremony of the official opening of KIP Mart Melaka and a big congratulation to KIP Group.

Let's savour the fried chicken of Mary Brown. 

So this was the VVIP who officiated the opening of KIP Mart Melaka.

The mission was finally and successfully completed. Time to roll back to our base for a free and easy schedule before we go back to Kuala Lumpur.

Cheers & bye bye Malacca. We await another mission meanwhile hApPy cycling.

KIP Mart Melaka Pre Ride 23 Aug 2014

It was over a lunch with 2 Dato' they wanted a proposal from me as to how we can participate in their official opening of another KIP Mart at Melaka. A proposal was then submitted to them followed with 2 subsequent meetings and that was it we were on the road for a mission. 

Our mission was to invade Malacca World Heritage City with a minimum of 25 cyclists but a total of 41 cyclists came for this 2 days event.

One by one, the cyclists reported at Casa Blanca Guest House and by 4.30pm we were out into the town to create "havoc".

Moving around with a bicycle is such a breeze especially when you are out to see interesting places that are scattered apart. With our flags flying in this month of Independence we were somehow part of Malacca's attractions during these two days.

Jonker Walk is an amazing historical place with narrow roads, old shop houses selling old stuffs, souvenirs, pubs, eateries and others.

Our first stop was at the Dutch Square, interestingly Melaka was once upon a time ruled by the Dutch (sometime between 1641–1825) and it was the longest period that Malacca was under a foreign control.

We were also an attraction to many tourists.

Christ Church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in the country and it is also the oldest surviving Dutch church building outside Netherlands.

Moving to other icons of Malacca.

Here we were at A Famosa with our sponsor's banners. A Famosa is a Portuguese fortress. It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in South East Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.

Cruising at the river side of Melaka.

Finally our last batch of riders from USJ comprising of 4 recumbents and a MTB joined us. 

They took 2 days to reach Melaka with a night camping at Port Dickson. I always like their company they are such an attraction to the public. Bravo to these recumbent riders. 

Thanks to Joe & Siew Yung for recommending this lovely place for dinner. The foods were awesome!!!

hApPy Cyclists having a wonderful time at Aunty Lee's restaurant.

One for Malacca and One for KIP Mart!!!

Before we call it a night we adjourned to Jonker's Walk for a hApPy hour.

Let's Go to Penang for another Round-Island Ride - CFAL6 2014

Me and my wife left Kuala Lumpur early in the morning with a plan to have Dim Sum in Ipoh and were able to fixed up with Norman & Co at Foh San for a lovely breakfast. 

By noon we have reached the island and headed straight to Tanjung Tokong. Slowly but surely I am getting another candidate into the cycling craze.

The crowd wasn't big and it was an easy registration cum collection of jerseys at Straits Quay Mall.

Some of the members of the hApPy Cycling group.

Wherever and whenever we go for events we would normally go for a group pre-ride to see exciting places of attraction and this time we have friends from Penang to show us around.

Special thanks to Larry, Jimmy, Winnie and Aliya for their excellent hospitality.

Meeting new friends in the cycling circle is indeed a wonderful thing.

Briefing by the Yellow Man, Larry.

So, the fun gets started....

Joon from Kuching Sarawak was with the ride too.

Our first stop was at Kimberley Street for the famous Teochew Cendol.

We rode towards Sg. Pinang and it was a bit tricky as the traffic at that hour was pretty heavy, nevertheless with our extra attention and caution we were safe.

"Auto World of Penang"

A group shot at the autocity!!

Time to invade Kapal Singh Drive.

Hooray!!! so this is Kapal Singh Drive. We salute to you Mr. Kapal Singh.

It is a nice seaside promenade and the people in Penang has named it with a street name in honour of the Tiger of Jelutong. You shall be remembered Mr. Kapal Singh.

And it's back to the city.

Another street mural for the cyclists to pose and shoot.

So we are back to the city centre and it is dinner time

That's all folks, have a good sleep and get ready for CFAL 6. Ribuan terima kasih to Larry & Co.