David’s dream has always been to travel around the world. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
A GRANDFATHER of seven in Bagan Serai, Perak, will embark on a solo cycling trip to South Korea and Japan at the end of this month.
David Munusamy Reddie, 70, said that after about 12 years of not going on long and solo bikepacking trips, he was ready to make his country proud again and fulfil his life-long dream of visiting countries by bicycle.
“My dream has always been to travel around the world, and to be able to do that on my bicycle is something that I will cherish forever,” he said in Penang while there for a medical check-up.
He plans to begin in Kelantan on March 23, from where he will cycle to South Thailand, Phnom Penh, and Ho Chi Minh on a 2,100km ride, which he expects will take 30 days.
Then it will be a flight to the island of Taiwan.
David said he would tour Taiwan on bicycle for several days before flying to South Korea where he would take the ferry from Busan to the south of Japan.
“In South Korea and Japan, I will meet several of my cycling friends whom I hosted during their trip to Malaysia,” he said.
He added that he did not know yet how many days the travel time was from Taiwan to South Korea and Japan, as he was still looking at what routes to take but estimated it would be more than two weeks.
David, who took up cycling after a heart bypass surgery in 2003, said he initially hesitated to take on the solo cycling trip because of his health but his desire to see new countries prevailed.
He said he tested his endurance by cycling from his house in Bagan Serai to Batu Caves in Selangor to celebrate Thaipusam on Feb 6.
He completed his journey to his satisfaction.
David said he knew that his family, especially his wife, worried about him, but they did not say anything because they knew that cycling was his passion.
In preparation, he modified his 12-year-old bicycle and was bringing a spare tyre and three tubes, repair tools, a pillow, blanket, sleeping bag, medication, camera, map, torchlight, speedometer as well as clothing.
He had raised about RM5,000 so far, which he admitted was insufficient.
He is relying on donations from friends and family.
David advises travellers like him to always take on the cheapest mode of transportation and accommodation.
He said if one could camp out for the night wherever possible, bring a tent and do it.
“Sacrifice is very important. If you want to embark on a solo trip, you must be willing to leave your family behind for a time.
“Financially, if you go on a solo trip, you won’t be able to get sponsorship from the government, so be prepared to spend your own money,” he said, adding that one must also be extra careful all the time.
David previously cycled in Europe, China, India, Indonesia and many South-East Asian countries.
He said he planned to cycle in South Africa, the Philippines and Australia.
