CFAL 10 - Day 4 The Day Itself

We came to Penang during the most popular time for cycling which was the CFAL evenet and it was the tenth year in a row. But this group of friends did not take part in the event on that particular morning hence I took the liberty to take them for a ride to Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam.

We met at Farlim and rode to one of the largest and finest temple in Southeast Asia near Penang Hills. Before climbing to the top of the hill for this statue Goddess of Mercy also known as Kuan Yin we had our breakfast at the foodcourt next to Air Itam Market.

The bronze statue of Kuan Yin stands a height of 30.2 metres (99feet)  and is housed in a pavilion with a octagon shape roof. It was not easy to cycle up with my tiny wheels most of us had to dismount and push at certain stretch.

A good place to view Air Itam, George Town and the near by sea from this elevation.

It was time to roll down the hill and back to city centre.

We visited Air Itam War Memorial also known as Oversea Chinese Anti-war Memorial located next to a roundabout with exits to Penang Hill and Air Itam Market.

A memorial to remember the Chinese people of Penang who died during the Japanese Occupation in World War II and those who volunteered as lorry drivers and mechanics to send supplies to China via Indochina.

An interesting history many people is not aware of and it will interesting to probe further the details of this happening. Thanks to the present State Government for supporting this memorial park.

I proceeded to the finishing point of CFAL 10 where it was relocated back to Esplanade instead of Youth Park. Many have consented that the finishing at Esplanade was a good choice. Meeting many friends from all over whom joined the event almost every year. Another successful CFAL event and congratulation to the organisers.

Met another group of friends from Kuala Lumpur where we decided to try the cendol in Penang Road after staying a while at Esplanade. 

The famous Penang Teochew cendol has been very much over rated and the quality of the cendol has dipped. Personally I prefer the stall directly opposite it, less waiting time and most importantly it's delicious.

One shot at the many wall murals around the area as I was heading back to Air Itam.

On my way back to Farlim I stopped by at this coconut stall for a drink along Datuk Keramat Road.

The weather remained very hot and a fresh coconut water was undeniably the best choice in such situation.

CFAL 10 - Day 3 Moving Around George Town

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow launching a portion of the Coastal Cycling Route on the eve of CFAL 10, 2018

Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to head from Tanjung Tokong to Padang Kota Lama (Esplanade) and back using a designated lane. The distance is about 4.5km.

I had the opportunity to cycle along with some local friends together with cycling buddy Joseph.

Coming to the completion of the 4.5km ride launch as we were near Esplanade, Padang Kota Lama.

Friends from KL later joined and met more of our KL friends at the Esplanade and were waiting for a fun ride around George Town.

And off we went towards Bayan Lepas using the coastal riding route.

A big family of cycling buddies a few of them were from Singapore and have been our regular partners for several rides. Well done and forever we shall ride together as long as we can.

A picture at the 4 big blue pillars with a wish came true when I simply said that it would be lovely to have a drone flow over to capture us. And true enough there was a guy flying one and was willingly to do it for us without any obligation. Thank you so much to this dear friend.

The drone that took a clip of us at the four pillars.

We had an ardent friend purposely flew in to join us for the gathering where we met up at the Coastal Cycling Route near Queenbays Mall. We also bumped into friends from Taiping, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. It is always a good time and a good chance to meet up with friends during CFAL.

Waq & Baki for the album.

We met another long lost friend and was good to meet up with Nash after his long absent. Happy Cycling bro! we shall meet more often.

All were hungry after completing the cycling route near the second bridge. We had an eating proposal and Baki took the lead for the food adventure back to George Town.

Coming down from the dedicated bicycle bridge over Pinang River after a rest at McDonald's Kapal Singh Drive.

Taking control of Beach Street as we inched closer towards Little India.

Here we were at Little India for an insanely delicious nasi kandar. The gulai tasted heavenly and I shall remember this place when I am back in Penang. And I wouldn't forget Ayam Bawang the next time I come back to Restoran Tajuddin Hussain. It is located at Queen Street very near to Sri Mahamariammam Temple.

At the front of Sri Mahamariamman Temple which is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang built in 1833.

After the lunch the group splitted, some went for more food adventure and some went back to Esplanade to collect their CFAL jerseys. Later I cycled back to my mum's place, rested and later went out dinner with her and my sister.

Wow I rode for 67km without realising the distance but it was real hot by the time I went back to mum's place.

CFAL 10 - Day 2 - Yan to Penang island

The day started off with a strong wind and rain as we were about to commence the ride. After about 20 mins of waiting we took the road even though it was still drizzling.

Wet and misty at the background as we braved the situation, we were running late and had to move on.

By the time we reached this warong we were quite hungry and were very happy to find some lovely food for us. There were nasi lemak, kuah muih and the hot drinks.

Mounting the ascend of Merbok Yan Kechil road was the most difficult climb of the day. Brian the strongest among all was in the lead.

We were then rewarded with a good view of the sea and the coast of Merbok. This would probably be the ancient sea that the traders from India and Middle East who came to Merbok Valley. Evident of such incidents were found and it is still in the progress of uncovering more artifacts. Indeed an awesome find for the history of Malaysia.

The weather got better with cool air after the rain as we approached closer to Tanjung Dawai.

Leaving Tanjung Dawai Jetty on a boat for Pantai Merdeka with a fare of RM7.00 each including the bicycle.

The last time I came here with Larry Chelvan there was no such jetty, we had to wet our shoes walking on the shore for the boat.

While the group took a walk to the British World War 2 bunker I volunteered to stay back taking care of the bicycles.

At the exit of Pantai Merdeka and a picture to mark our visit. 

Again a beautiful skyline and paddy fields as we continued to pedal our way to Penang.

We wanted to use this coastal way but the condition of the road was not too friendly with rough gravel and the sea water was dangerously splashing against the embankment hence we had to re-route and used Road K639.

Finally we reached the memorial for 2004 Boat Tsunami at Kg. Permatang Rengan GPS : 5.586314, 100.339820

Good to be back again to witness the extraordinary fish market. The fishermen sell their catch by way of whispering from the bidders and the best offer will get to secure the catch.

Kompleks Pasar Bisik Ikan Kuala Muda GPS : 5.578488, 100.341039 There is another similar market at the other side of the river mouth and it is the Seberang Prai's whispering market.

Brian practising his whispering skill, I wonder what was the offering price for Joe's Brompton.

The ancient administrative town of Kedah at Kota Kuala Muda before it was moved to Alor Setar.

Somewhere along Jalan Kuala Muda (GPS : 5.568295, 100.360606) at a warong for a good lunch. They enjoyed the delicious gulai for our nasi campur and soup.

 The weather was getting rather hot as we arrived at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Butterworth (along Jalan Telok Air Tawar) GPS : 5.464855, 100.382595

Celebrating the group completion of the tour at 323 Seafood Restaurant, Pantai Bersih, Butterworth GPS : 5.442860, 100.378926. Larry Chelvan later came and joined us for the celebration. So nice to have the cold beer after a super hot ride.

We have been using the side gate of the Ferry Terminal a couple of time for a short cut to embark onto the ferry. The access road to the gate is finally done no more cycling on dirt road. The Butterworth Bus Terminal building has finally completed.

As usual the cyclists will be the last to disembark from the ferry.

Yes we have landed in Penang Island and congratulation to Joe & the team for their achievement of this northern tour.

Dinner was at an old restaurant called Hing Kee Restaurant at China Street. GPS : 5.417978, 100.339580

I enjoyed the food at Hing Kee and ended the evening taking a Grab car back to my mum's place. It was indeed a long day.

The route we took on this day from Yan to Penang.