From KL to Everywhere: Mushamir’s Multi-Year Solo Cycling Adventure
The Unconventional Journey
PETALING JAYA: It all began in 2016, when Mushamir Mustafa went on a biking trip in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The former journalist had a wonderful time, making new friends and taking in the breathtaking sights.
A Dream Takes Shape
This experience inspired him to plan another adventure – this time, cycling solo across Malaysia and Singapore.
“I’ve always loved cycling, but I wanted to push my limits: see how far I could go, how much I could endure, while experiencing Malaysia and Singapore in a way most people never do,” the 33-year-old from Kuala Lumpur told FMT Lifestyle.
The Great Malaysian Adventure
Mushamir invested in a bicycle and began to plan. His goal? To make it on bike, kampung roads only, from Ampang to Gelang Patah in Johor, into Singapore, then up to Kuantan and Kota Bharu.
From there, he would head to his mum’s home in Padang Besar, Perlis, near the Thai border, and then back down to KL. What could be easier?
The Challenges Begin
Little did he know this would be the start of a goal that would take eight years, through gruelling mountain ranges and rough roads, battling difficult weather conditions including floods – not to mention health issues and exhaustion.
The Unconventional Approach
While most cyclists would embark on a journey like this in one continuous ride, Mushamir was committed to a full-time job. This meant an unconventional approach: he would cycle for as long as he was granted leave, then travel by bus back to KL with his trusty bike in tow – and clock in for work the next day.
Then he would return, usually by bus, to the point at which he had stopped, and resume cycling from there!
The Journey Continues
Mushamir kicked off his adventure in 2017, his sights set on Singapore. Stopping in Port Dickson for the night, however, he had to endure a massive storm, and his tent was almost blown away in the wind and rain.
“Soaked to the bone, I was rescued by a kind cleaner who let me sleep in a surau. That first night alone nearly convinced me to quit,” he recalled.
The Long-Term Commitment
Mushamir eventually reached our southern neighbour, circling the island and camping at East Coast Park for three days before heading back to KL for work. Sadly, plans to pick up where he left off were then thwarted by work commitments, the pandemic, and the untimely passing of his father.
The Second Half
It was only in 2023 that the intrepid cyclist managed to continue where he had left off. His journey back from Singapore would take him through various parts of peninsular Malaysia, with his longest single ride being 137.58km from Chukai to Kuala Terengganu last year.
Lessons Learned
“I learnt that despite Malaysia seeming small on a map, the country expands in unexpected ways when I’m pedalling from one corner to the next. Every kampung, every coastline, and every mountain pass contains an entire world of stories, cultures and experiences,” Mushamir said.
Conclusion
Mushamir’s multi-year solo cycling adventure has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. He has learned to adapt, to persevere, and to find beauty in the unexpected. As he looks to the future, he is already planning his next adventure – and beyond.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Mushamir to start his cycling journey?
A: His experience on a biking trip in Siem Reap, Cambodia in 2016.
Q: How did Mushamir plan his journey?
A: He invested in a bicycle and planned his route, including the paths he would take and the accommodations he would need.
Q: What were some of the challenges Mushamir faced during his journey?
A: He faced gruelling mountain ranges, rough roads, difficult weather conditions, health issues, and exhaustion.
Q: How did Mushamir balance his job and his cycling journey?
A: He would cycle for as long as he was granted leave, then travel back to KL with his bike and resume his job.
Q: What’s next for Mushamir?
A: He hopes to cycle from Bangkok to Siem Reap, and on to Laos and Vietnam, and eventually from the United Kingdom to Malaysia.