Adventure of a lifetime: Tan’s solo cycling trip has given him the chance to meet new people and explore new places and cuisines.
GEORGE TOWN: A cycling excursion was high on the list for an avid traveller until it was rudely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. But now that it is all systems go in the country, this adventurer has finally headed out on his long overdue solo cycling excursion in Peninsular Malaysia.
Armed with several types of photography equipment, Mayfield Tan began his journey from Kuala Lumpur on May 13.
“After being cooped up at home for the past two years due to Covid-19, I am finally able to tick an item off my to-do list,” said the 31-year-old YouTuber.
“This has always been one of the items on my bucket list – to backpack around Malaysia.
“In fact, the initial plan was to do it two years ago but the pandemic ruined everything.
“I appreciate my freedom more now. It was rather difficult to stay home throughout the movement control order period.
“With support from my sponsors, I decided to take on the challenge of cycling through Peninsular Malaysia,” said Tan, who had initially planned to walk instead of cycle.“Since my equipment is heavy, I have decided to cycle instead.”
He added that his equipment and clothes weighed around 20kg.
Tan, who is also a freelance videographer, said the journey would take around three months.
“I started my solo trip in Kuala Lumpur and made pit stops in Kajang and Seremban before arriving in Melaka. My next stop will be Johor before travelling up to the northern region.
“Ideally, I plan to spend a week in each state. As I am travelling by bike, I get to explore interesting places, especially in rural areas.
“I usually stop to record some footage and talk to the local residents before continuing on my journey.
“With the collaboration of my sponsors, I also get to meet and engage with the local community on some days as the sponsors organise sports events,” he added.
Tan said he would carry out research on tourist attractions and must-try local cuisines before heading to a new destination.
“However, the journey can be unpredictable and I have to deal with last-minute changes sometimes,” he said, adding that he preferred to do things at a slow and steady pace.
“I usually wake up at 6am to pack and get ready before leaving between 7am and 7.30am.
“I will cycle along trunk roads and shoot footage of the beautiful sceneries along the way.
“At around noon, I will have my lunch,” he explained.
Tan said he would usually end his bike rides at 4pm so that he would have time to find accommodation at budget hostels in the area.
“After dinner, I will do some editing before planning for the next day.”
Tan uses various equipment such as a GoPro camera, a video camera, an Insta360, a smartphone, drone, gimbal and tripod to capture his journey.
He uses a waterproof bag to ensure that his equipment is protected from the rain,
“The trip has been fun so far and is indeed an eye-opening experience for me.
“I can’t wait to see what else this trip has to offer,” he said.
