CHUMPHON: It will only be another 400km for participants of Quantum Metal Ekspedisi Perpaduan Watikah Kemerdekaan 66 London-Kuala Lumpur 2023 (QMEPWK66) to arrive at Malaysia's border at Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah.
The six high-powered motorcyclists have gone through a more than two month journey from London to reach their destination in Putrajaya on Aug 31.
The group, who endured many challenges along their 20,000km journey since June, today arrived in Chumphon, Thailand from Bangkok.
Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok's Charge d'affaires ad interim Bong Yik Jui had earlier flagged off the QMEPWK66 participants.
After this, they will continue their journey for another 370km to Hat Yai before arriving at the Malaysian border on Tuesday.
Expedition head Arep Kulal said a last-minute decision to change their route to Bangkok following the poor road conditions to Vientiane proved to be a right one.
He said the participants were able to rest and inspect their motorcycles upon their arrival in Bangkok.
"Alhamdulillah, I am grateful that the six of us arrived safely in Bangkok.
"We are on schedule to arrive in Putrajaya for the National Day celebrations," he said.
Meeting locals in the cities they visited was one of Arep's favourite memories from the two-month journey.
"The local residents were excited about our presence and gave us support and offered prayers for us to continue the expedition."
Arep described his unforgettable experience riding with the other bikers on a difficult off-road route in Kyrgyzstan.
"The route really tested us mentally and physically as well as the motorcycles we used," he said.
Speaking of the off-road journey in Kyrgyzstan, QMEPWK66 participant Ahmad Fadali Baharudin said the 180km route was the most difficult of the expedition due to its terrain.
"We started on the off-road route at 9am and finished at midnight. Some of us had flat tires multiple times, but we were all determined to finish the journey that day.
"I cried tears of joy when we finally emerged from the off-road route. The off-road route was the toughest one yet, but the view from the top was breathtaking. I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that we had overcome the challenges of the journey," he said.
Fadali, who is also the expedition's official photographer said the epic motorcycle journey has taught him to be thankful.
Bong said he and his team have been following the bikers' journey.
"Our home-based and local staff were excited to welcome them. We served them nasi lemak and traditional kuih muih, which were prepared by our staff.
"We wished them a safe journey home and a joyous National Day celebration with fellow Malaysians in Putrajaya," he said.
The QMEPWK66 riders are expected to arrive in Penang on Aug 29 before heading to Putrajaya.
The QMEPWK66 expedition is organised by Global Bike Explorer Sdn Bhd, with Quantum Metal Sdn Bhd as the main sponsor, and supported by GB13, KMF Network, and Bullion Success Group as co-sponsors.