We are
travelling with road bikes and just a suitcase for the two of us. It’s easier
to travel and move around than last year, when were riding with panniers. Everything
felt heavy and slow. This time we only have to take care of finding good
riding, accommodation and food.
Why Georgetown? Declared a UNESCO World heritage
city in 2008, the city is bustling with life: the mixture of Malaysia’s three
cultures Indian, Chinese and Malay are well differentiated in different parts
of town. This also translates in the amazing food on offer, fine restaurants
and hundreds of food stalls that serve the best Malaysian, Indian and Chinese
dishes.
The construction
of the traditional Chinese houses, built under Feng Shui rules, give the old
city a special character. The hotels we selected combine old Chinese and
Malay luxury and we see similarities with our Bikecat style.
Georgetown
is on the little island of Penang and the riding, once you leave the busy center,
is exhilarating. The trails in the jungle are very challenging and have some
steep sections…
Then there
is Penang Hill, which is definitely the hardest climb I have ever done. 4.5km and 700meters of total ascent, more
than 15% average, with pitches around 30%! I highly discourage doing it, but on
the last day of the tour, I´ll be happy to try it with you.
