Question 1

I've never cycled these distances before. Will I enjoy this?

Accepted Answer

This may be the biggest bike ride you've ever done, but these distances are very much manageable, especially with the wonderful support provided. 35km before lunch is a few hours of wonderful adventure. And again after a lovely Thai or Malaysian meal. The emphasis here is on fun, adventure, exploration and NOT on endurance.

You will have the most wonderful feeling of satisfaction if you cycle the whole way. And if you feel you don't want to cycle all the way, then support is there.

Question 2

I see that hotels are not included. What do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Due to Hong Kong travel regulations, Mad Dogs, the organisers of The Tiger Ride are unable to book travel or overnight accommodation on your behalf.

You can book this yourself using online travel agents or you can hand your travel agent the list of hotels  On the registration page, you will find a convenient PDF with hotel details and dates) and instruct them to make the bookings:

Our preferred hotels are:

Ramada by Wyndham Langkawi Marina (Langkawi), Naris Phu View Resort (Satun), The Chevalley Beach Resort (Satun Beach), Baan Ploen Pruksa or River View Resort (Yan Ta Khao - you will pay for these in cash on the night), Pak Meng Resort (Pak Meng Beach, Trang), Saline Hot Water Springs Resort (Krabi), Phra Nang Inn (Ao Nang, Krabi).

The hotels are comfortable and affordable, with en-suite bathrooms. On evenings at beach resorts, we prefer hotels near the sea with direct beach access.

If these hotels are unavailable at the time of your booking, alternative arrangements, such as a neighbouring hotel, can be made on consultation. Book earlier to ensure you get the first choices and the best prices! Please make REFUNDABLE bookings to cover any cancellation.

Question 3

How can I join the mailing list?

Accepted Answer

Please provide your details here. Magic!

Question 4

Do you no longer have Wild Cat and Mad Dog classifications?

Accepted Answer

We no longer make the distinction between Mad Dogs and Wild Cats - we no longer cycle ultra long distances, instead favouring a leisurely distance of 70 to 75 kilometres each day. This is a good challenge for those who are new to cycling, yet also satisfying for those experienced riders who also want to enjoy a brilliant beach and adventure holiday.
 
You cover approximately 35km before lunch (for most people, 1.5-2.5 hours of cycling) and again after lunch. For those who do not want to adventure alone, there will be a leisurely paced group led by a cycling guide.

Question 5

What is NOT provided?

Accepted Answer

i) Hotel accommodation and transport is not included. You must book your own accommodation based on the information we provide.

ii) Flights are your own responsibility. 
 
iii) Transfers to and from airports are not included. 
 
iv) You may need to buy refreshments and water from shops along the route if the support vehicle is not close to hand. We will always however offer snacks and water for you to stash away and you are very likely to see the support vehicle on a regular basis!
 
v) Dinner is not included – there is plenty of scope for exploration of towns and restaurants in the evenings and we don’t want everyone to feel obliged to all go to the same place. In general, people will want to join the group in which case each person will pay his or her own share. Breakfast will be provided if it is not provided by our preferred hotel. If you are staying in a different hotel that does not provide breakfast, you may have to pay a small supplement to take breakfast in the preferred hotel with the other riders.
 
vi) We usually stop at a local restaurant for lunch, which is provided. In this case, drinking water will be provided but soft drinks must be purchased separately.
 
vii) Insurance – you will need comprehensive insurance which covers this type of activity as a condition of joining and you will need to provide policy details. A good travel insurance policy will suffice (but not insurance that comes "free" with your credit card).
 
viii) You need to bring sufficient spares for your bicycle, especially if you have unusual fittings. Our mechanic does bring some basic spares – you must pay for any spare parts which you consume. 
 
ix) You will need to buy visas if you require them for Thailand and Malaysia. 
 
x) If something is not explicitly included, it is unlikely to be included, please enquire concerning specific items that you are unsure about ahead of booking. 
 
xi) Tipping for mechanics, drivers and local guides is not compulsory however if you feel you have received good service, a modest tip is always gratefully received!
 
xii)You must bring all items on the Mandatory Kit List. In particular, if you do not wish to leave your bicycle locked outside please bring a large plastic bag (such as a mattress bag, available online).
 
xiii) Luggage porter services – please carry your own bag unless hotel staff are there to assist.

Question 6

Can I get help with transfers from the airport?

Accepted Answer

Your hotel in Langkawi is best placed to arrange this - please contact them directly.

Question 7

How will I find the way?

Accepted Answer

For group riders, there will be a cycling guide to lead you at a leisurely pace. 
 
For participants who wish to adventure cycle alone, we provide GPX files which are loaded onto your GPS unit and will provide a track to follow. You must have a GPS (best) or GPS equipped phone with appropriate mapping software, securely mounted on the handlebars.

If you get lost (which generally does not happen in these days of GPS), just give us a call or shoot us a text. We think it is generally a good idea to cycle at least in pairs, but this is up to you. 
 
It should be noted that if you wish to adventure cycle alone, it is your responsibility to actively work to follow the prescribed route. If you become lost and require assistance, you must contact the support team immediately. 
 
You will also receive a Critical Information Sheet (“CIS”) pdf each daywhich will tell you any other information which may be helpful.

Question 8

How far will I cycle each day?

Accepted Answer

The daily distances are listed on the itinerary - they are generally between 70 and 75 km daily. These are approximate distances and small adjustments to the route may mean these could be a few kilometres longer or shorter.

You will cycle approximately 35km before lunch, and another 35km again after lunch.

Question 9

Sounds like a long way.

Accepted Answer

You would be surprised how far you can get when you dedicate an entire day or even several hours to adventure cycling. If you can’t make it all the way, no sweat, that’s why we have support vehicles – just call us up and relax!

The Tiger Ride is designed to allow you to have an enjoyable adventure cycling holiday.

Question 10

Is it a race?

Accepted Answer

NO it is NOT a race. Any challenge element is in the “personal challenge” sense. The rules and regulations specifically forbid racing.

You are challenging yourself, “Can I cycle from Langkawi to Ao Nang, Krabi?”

There are no winners and losers – although everyone who completes the ride earns special distinction. We encourage you to cycle at a pace that is most comfortable to you.

Question 11

What meals and refreshments will be provided?

Accepted Answer

You must book your room including breakfast. We will also have some snacks you can put in your pocket for the road and “fuelling” snacks and refreshments will be provided at lunch later during the day.

Lunch is usually at a local restaurant.

Where our preferred hotel does not provide breakfast, the support team will provide it.
 
The vehicle is often on hand to provide further water and snacks during the day periodically.

Question 12

What support will be provided for the cycling?

Accepted Answer

Support vehicles will be on hand should you need assistance and there will be a bike mechanic if you need help with something bike-related. The mechanic will have some basic parts for purchase, however it's also a good idea to bring your own, especially if your bike is high-end or unusual. For those who wish to cycle in a group, this will be led.

Question 13

What if I cannot cycle any longer?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry! There is a support vehicle to scoop you up if you have run out of steam.

Question 14

What if my bicycle breaks down?

Accepted Answer

A bike mechanic will be on hand in the support vehicle to help with any issues that you cannot resolve yourself. Small, easy issues such as fixing a puncture will sometimes be a bit quicker to do yourself if you are cycling away from the support vehicle. You need to ensure you have the relevant spares and that they are in the mechanic’s vehicle. The mechanic will bring some spares too. If you use his spares, this will be a matter between you and the mechanic and you will need to pay him for this.

Question 15

Will I need to sign a waiver?

Accepted Answer

We hope accidents will not happen however cycling on open roads does carry inherent risks. You will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging and accepting your own responsibility for these risks. In taking part in an event you also accept these risks.

Question 16

What if I have an accident?

Accepted Answer

Should you take a slip, our support vehicles will be on hand to assist you. Our staff are first-aid trained. We believe it is safest to cycle at least in pairs if possible, which means that you will have someone to look out for you immediately if you do fall.

Question 17

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is a condition of registration that you obtain insurance that will cover you for medical expenses whilst cycle touring in the areas you will be cycling. A good travel insurance policy will usually suffice - please read the wording carefully to ensure that cycle touring is not excluded. “Free with credit card” insurance is not sufficient.

Question 18

Will I need to wear a helmet?

Accepted Answer

All riders need to take full responsibility for their own safety and this includes wearing a helmet. It only takes one unfortunate landing to cause serious injury.

Question 19

How fit do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

The Tiger Ride is a relaxed bicycle adventure - but it is physical and a certain amount of training may be needed based on your individual circumstances. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it.

You may wish to attempt a 35km bicycle ride at home, to guage your preparedness. In any case, the vehicle will be there to scoop you up if you wish to stop.

Question 20

But I don’t speak the local languages! How will I cope?

Accepted Answer

We will have local language interpreters in the support vehicles who will be on the end of the phone should you need to communicate with someone. Just give them a call, explain what you want to do and hand the phone over. In Thailand and Malaysia you will find that many people understand English. Aside from this, one of the joys of travelling is improvising with hand signals!

Question 21

What main kit do I need?

Accepted Answer

The website has a fully comprehensive mandatory kit list. Please find download it >here

Question 22

Do I need to bring a functioning smart phone and GPS?

Accepted Answer

YES – this will be crucial for contacting the support team when you need us. You must download WhatsApp which is the main tool we use for communication. It will be sufficient simply to roam with your phone from home although you can easily buy a local sim card to avoid extra charges.

A GPS is crucial if you wish to cycle alone, for following the directions. An external GPS unit is preferable but an appropriately mounted smart phone, with mapping software, also works well.

Question 23

How do I fly with my bike?

Accepted Answer

Flying with a bicycle is as simple as flying with a suitcase! 
 
You can pack it into a bicycle box / bag (widely available) or a cardboard box which you can obtain from any bicycle shop.
 
You usually need to remove the pedals (easy), the handlebars (easy) and the wheels (easy). If you’re worried about doing this you can get a local bike shop to assist, but it’s really not difficult. 
 
Depending on how much other luggage you carry, you may have to pay excess luggage, however on some airlines “sporting equipment” such as bikes are carried at no extra charge. If you pack light, and carry on your other luggage, there shouldn’t be excess charges.

Question 24

How much luggage can I bring and what form should this be in? How about bike bags?

Accepted Answer

You should bring your luggage in the form of a rucksack. This will make it easy for you to transport both your bike and your luggage at times when you have to carry all your kit in person (such as border crossing). 
 
You will not however need to carry your luggage on your bicycle during the challenge – it will travel in a support vehicle between hotels. There are vehicle space constraints, so please do limit your backpack size to approximate carry-on airline size which is approx 56x36x23cm. 
 
Since you will probably be flying home with your bike, you will want to limit the weight of your luggage. It is safest to contact us in advance if you have special baggage requirements. 
 
You are recommended to bring the type of bicycle bag which has a hard ridge, but soft sides, which can be fully collapsed. We have extremely limited space for the fully hard, briefcase-style bike boxes. If you’re bringing one of these, please do contact us in advance.  
 
Please note that if you are crossing a border you need to carry all your possessions, including bike box, over the border. Certainly, if you’re using a bike box, a soft one with a shoulder strap will make this operation easier. In any case, it’s not a particularly difficult experience if you have a little patience, and the support team work hard to make this as easy as possible.

Question 25

Do I need to carry a backpack on my bike while I cycle?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend against cycling with a backpack. The joy of cycling is feeling free and a backpack would only be annoying and uncomfortable. Don’t forget you will be doing serious exercise for many hours each day. If your bike has a rear rack, you could secure a small bag with a bungee or you could consider fitting a handlebar bag (we love the large Ortlieb or Altura bar bags – waterproof and with a map holder on the top from which you can view your phone) or a saddle bag to your bike to carry the small essentials for the day.

Question 26

Can I raise money for charity?

Accepted Answer

Cycling overland is an incredible accomplishment and it is a great opportunity to raise some money for charity. Let us know about your plans and we will feature you in our social media channels, which may help your fundraising!

Question 27

What will happen in the evenings?

Accepted Answer

There will be a particular restaurant of focus where the support team will go and most cyclists will want to come along too. It’s usually a cheap local place where we just split the bill. Evening meals are not included in the price and there will be no compulsion to join. We want you to feel free and if you just want to eat quietly and have some “down time,” this is perfectly OK. There are usually massage or bath facilities nearby (if not in the hotel itself) which can be pleasant after a hard, long day in the saddle.

Question 28

What is it like crossing a border with a bicycle?

Accepted Answer

There are no major issues in crossing the border with the bicycle in terms of customs, however you will need to carry all your kit, including your bike which can require a little patience. Our support team work to make it as easy as possible. A rucksack definitely makes this easier.

Question 29

Can the organisers help provide me with a bike?

Accepted Answer

YES - but the inexpensive solution is perhaps not what you might be expecting!

The fact that this ride finishes in a different country several hundred kilometres from the start, means that a simple rental option would be too expensive and complex. Our solution is that through our bicycle mechanic in Malaysia, we can facilitate your purchase of a very inexpensive bicycle from Decathlon, which will be waiting for you at the starting hotel in Langkawi. Our bicycle mechanic charges a reasonable fee for this, which includes payment facilitation (Decathlon Malaysia doesn't take foreign cards) and initial setup of your new bike. At the end of the ride, you can either give the bike to a needy local person, or you can pack it back into the box it came with and fly home with it. For the available bikes, please check out https://www.decathlon.my/ . Please tell us in advance if you would like to use this service.

Question 30

When will the ride start each morning?

Accepted Answer

As a rule of thumb we will be departing early enough to allow a pleasant breakfast but while also taking advantage of the cooler air in the morning. This is generally around 8am to 8.30am.

Question 31

Can I cycle after dark?

Accepted Answer

After-dark cycling is not part of The Tiger ride. If you have not finished cycling by a specified “cut off” time each day, you are required to call the support team.

Question 32

How long will I be cycling each day?

Accepted Answer

This entirely depends on your speed and level of fitness. For group riders, it does generally depend on the speed of the group – as a rule of thumb you can expect 2-3 hours before and after lunch.

Question 33

What is the daily routine?

Accepted Answer

In general you can expect the following for group riding:
 
• 07.30 breakfast
• 08.30 start cycling
• 11.30 lunch
• 12.30 cycling or transfer to cycling start.
•15.00 - 17.00 arrive hotel.

This is to give you a general idea. Thailand and Malaysia are one hour apart in time zones.

Question 34

What is the food like?

Accepted Answer

If you haven’t been to Thailand or Malaysia before, you’re in for a treat! We think this is some of the best food in the world.

Question 35

How much spending money will I need each day?

Accepted Answer

This really depends on your habits, but in general you can expect to spend US$5 on general things each day, and US$10 on dinner (although this does vary).

Question 36

How many support vehicles will there be?

Accepted Answer

If there are at least 10 people, there will be two support vehicles. If there are fewer than 10 participants, there may be one vehicle.

Question 37

What is the origin of this adventure?

Accepted Answer

After our founder’s epic cycle ride from London to Hong Kong in 2009, he wanted others to experience the freedom, adventure and satisfaction of covering swathes of the world by bicycle.

Question 38

What happens in the case of extreme weather such as Typhoons?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a Typhoon, severe rainstorms or other extreme weather (or equivalent dangerous conditions), the ride will be suspended for all affected days. A degree of uncertainty is a part of adventure and we regret that we won’t be able to make refunds for this. The ride will continue as soon as possible, from the point at which it was scheduled on that day. Participants will receive transport to the point at which the ride will continue. You are advised to take out cancellation insurance.

Question 39

Where will my bike go at night time?

Accepted Answer

If you want to bring your bike into your hotel room, you will need to put it in a bag which entirely covers it. This is on the mandatory kit list.

Unfortunately the convenient CTC bags we previously recommended have been discontinued. We now recommend you to bring an appropriately sized durable polythene mattress bag, available on Amazon. You can see an example >here.

If you don’t have one you won’t be able to bring your bike into your room. In such a case, it will need to be locked in another place which, depending on the hotel, may be the the car park, lobby, left luggage room. Very occasionally you may be allowed to bring your bike into the room uncovered, but it’s not your god given right.  Bring the bag, please.

Question 40

I see that you have organised rides all over Asia. Do you still offer other rides?

Accepted Answer

Over the years, Mad Dogs (the organisers of The Tiger Ride) has organised adventure cycling challenges in every corner of Asia. We have however come to the conclusion that nowhere else quite has the “magic dust” of Northern Malaysia and Southern Thailand, therefore we came to concentrate our energies on The Tiger Ride from Penang to Phuket. It has all the ingredients of an exotic Asian adventure, plus a good measure of “holiday spirit.”

Question 41

I still have some questions!

Accepted Answer

Please don’t hesitate to contact us on info@gomaddogs.com

Question 42

What are the minimum and maximum participants?

Accepted Answer

The minimum number of participants is 5 and the maximum is 25. Please contact us for further information on registered numbers.

FAQs

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