GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 was the biggest and best to date.
Such a huge event will send ripples through the region’s motorsport scene.
Take a peek of the excitement in this video.
GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 may be over for close to two weeks now, but many are still reminiscing over the biggest and best edition to date.
The scars may have healed, broken bikes fixed, the glow of winning slow fades but memories will remain forever with the competitors.
Surely the spectators who showed up in droves were amazed to no end seeing heavyweight (read: expensive) adventure bikes being used for such purpose instead of blasting down Karak and parked outside Nanyang Kopitiam and Starbucks Gohtong Jaya (10% discount here for “BMW bikers” says the receipt, but they give it to all big bikers). Perhaps it was even more heartwarming to see the excitement of the children. Who knows, they may dream of owning such a bike when they grow up.
The GIVI Explorers who rode in with the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 were equally, if not more awed at the event. Bear in mind that among these men and women from 16 different countries have large motorcycle rallies in their backyards. For example, Jeremias Israel who was an ex-HRC Dakar Rally rider who also took park in other world-class rallies. The Chilean even took part in the Janda Baik race and came away mighty impressed with the event and may well return. And then there were GIVI Explorers from Australia, Mexico, Thailand, Italy, and so forth. These are nations where motorcycle rallies are the norm. Yet, they were impressed with the organization and scale of GIVI Rimba Raid.
But if the event was amazing, it’s due to the extraordinary effort and hard work put in by the organizers led by Dato’ Captain Nik. He had only a number of people to rely on. It wasn’t merely a case handing the competitors their jerseys and telling them to ride through the jungle. If planning a trackday was hard enough, no amount of imagination can tell you how hard it was to plan and execute GIVI Rimba Raid. And yet there were critics.
Let’s not forget GIVI, of course. Together with the Rimba Raid crew, the GIVI crew had spent four days and nights to set up Kampung GIVI, ILMU and the surroundings along the track andoff the track.
Which brings us to the motorcycle manufacturers and sponsors. We have one question: Who says off-road riding on dual-purpose motorcycles isn’t a big thing?
BMW Motorrad sees the event as an opportunity, hence sending in their dealers (Auto Bavaria this time) at each edition, since many competitors ride the GS anyway. Ducati had the presence of mind to brand their Scrambler albeit last year, as they had to consolidate at Art of Speed this year. Bombardier were there to promote their latest side-by-sides, buggies and ATVs. But where was Honda? Yamaha? KTM? The field was filled with bikes from these brands. A little support to the competitors riding their brands would’ve gone a long, long way.
Anyhow, we hope that you enjoy the video. We can’t wait for the next GIVI Rimba Raid.
Day 8 of the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 was scheduled to coincide with the GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 from the very start.
It was GIVI’s second year of involvement with Rimba Raid.
The overworked GIVI and Rimba Raid crews did a superb job to prepare the event.
Day 8 of the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 was scheduled to coincide with the GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 from the very start.
There were a number of reasons for this. Firstly, it was the second edition of Rimba Raid with GIVI’s participation. Secondly, it was a great opportunity for the GIVI Explorers to witness the event first hand. Thirdly, it was GIVI’s 25th anniversary in Malaysia.
Rimba Raid has definitely grown from a hobbyist event set up by Dato’ Capt. Nik Huzlan just 5 years ago. Whereas last year’s GIVI Rimba Raid at Mat Daling drew in 105 competitors from 11 countries, this year’s had to be capped at 150 participants from 16 countries.
The overworked crews from Rimba Raid and GIVI had set up the event areas at Rimba Valley Motorcamp, ILMU and flag-off point extensively by the time we arrived from the National Elephant Sanctuary at Kuala Gandah.
Like at Mat Daling, the competitors convoyed to the flag-off area a short distance away from ILMU. There, they were let loose one at a time by Dato’ Capt. Nik, Joseph Perucca, and On Hai Swee.
We then rode to the finish line at Kampung GIVI at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp. The GIVI Malaysian Adventure marshals helped to ride our bikes in. It’s a much better solution rather than convoying in en masse on the dirt road as there was heavy traffic going in and coming out of the area.
We had spent about an hour at the flag-off point for pictures and such. The first finishers including Gabit Saleh, Bee Wong, Alex Wong and a few more were already at the parc ferme. (You guys are crazy!)
Alex Wong (left) and Bee Wong (right)
GIVI’s envoy in the race, ex-Dakar racer Jeremias Israel was there, too. However, it was a heartache for him and us GIVI Explorers as he crashed the specially-prepared Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and retired. He had swerved to avoid a course marshal and went down hard. Thankfully, he was unhurt. It was hard to see the disappointment on his face. But that’s racing.
The Explorers had a great time mingling around with the riders and were moving about everywhere snapping pictures and selfies. Remember, the GIVI Explorers were from 14 countries so those images are circulated around the world.
At lunchtime, GIVI arranged for a number of dirtbikes for the Explorers to ride to a farm. The smiles under their helmets were very visible as soon as they got on! They were led by four marhsals, including one lady.
The farm consists of a few fish rearing ponds and the Explorers got right into fishing mode. Everyone caught one. GIVI somehow managed to convince the Rebung Restaurant to serve lunch in the jungle, so we ate while watching race competitors blast by.
We went back to Kampung GIVI to follow the rest of the race. Evidently, the course was much harder this time. Only 17 of 40 Class A competitors completely the race. A Thai rider nursed his cut hand and almost-destroyed bike back to the finish line and then shouted for the medic like in war movies. He actually finished fourth overall!
We stayed until the prize-giving ceremony. Dato’ Capt. Nik commended all those who joined regardless of where they finished.
I guess we could say that joining GIVI Rimba Raid itself was a personal victory in itself for each participant.
The Explorers were entertained not only by a basker band, but also by Sam Sharman who worked the mike and Joseph Perucca who played percussions!
GIVI Rimba Raid will definitely be bigger next year. GIVI’s white and red together with Rimba Raid’s green and yellow logos are now synonymous with each other, working symbiotically rather than merely alongside each other.
Gabit is the defending champion from the GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling 2018. He rode his trusty KTM 1050 Adventure as KTM Malaysia’s factory rider.
Class A is the premier class of the competition and is for bikes above 800cc.
However, the win didn’t come easy. “Alhmadulillah I managed to defend the title. I was aiming to finish only, actually and didn’t think about winning actually,” the 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Champion said. “The competition had gotten tougher since last year, especially with the entry of Jeremias Israel who represented the GIVI team.”
When GIVI Rimba Raid stalwart and organizer Dato’ Captain Nik Huzlan wasn’t joking when said the trail was going to be tough. In fact, he dubbed the third and final section as “The Green Hell.”
“The first section was easier with loose gravel, so I used the opportunity to make up time. I managed to catch up to Bee Wong. But the second section was difficult, but I didn’t expect it to be so hardcore! I was surprised to see the big rocks and river!” Gabit revealed. “Then I dropped in the second river. The fall snapped the front brake lever.”
But Gabit didn’t become champion because he gave up easily.
“I kept going and maintained a steady pace and caught Bee Wong again. At that point I started calculating the fact that Bee was the first rider to be flagged off, while I was the thirteenth. So, I knew that I had made good time and we crossed the finish line almost together.”
What was more incredible was him finishing in 48 minutes, 40.440 seconds despite dropping it three times. That speed was incredible enough on the road, but this was off-road!
GIVI Rimba Raid attaches a transponder to each bike for accurate timing. The participants are flagged off one at a time, hence the best time wins.
Each bike was equipped with a transponder
The two wires on the ground are the transponder sensors
Bee Wong was so close to winning the race but as always, he was cheerful of being able to finish at all, let alone in second place.
“It’s easy in the first stage but I was beat by the second due to the difficult and muddy terrain. I saw Gabit behind me a number of times, but he crashed each time. So, I decided to play safe and maintain a good pace,” he said.
Bee was riding one of only two of the new KTM 790 Adventure R currently in circulation in the country.
His brother, Alex Wong finished in third. He rode the same BMW F 800 GS as he did in the Mat Daling.
Bee Wong and family
Alex Wong (left) and Bee Wong (right)
It was heartbreak, however, for Chilean and GIVI Explorer rider Jeremias Israel. He had shown great pace from the start by conquering the terrain and other riders on the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t his side.
“I was enjoying myself, smiling in my helmet and passing many guys on the trail,” he told us during the post-race interview. “Then I started coming downhill to a part which opened up wider and I decided to go faster. Ahead of me was another competitor, on a BMW R 1200 GS, perhaps. He started to struggle and paddle with his feet when he hit the puddle. Behind him was a marshal on a green bike (Kawasaki KLX150) and in a yellow vest. At that point, he decided to overtake the rider and moved wide, which was directly in my path. Since I already committed to the line, I had nowhere to go and laid the bike down.”
Jeremias Israel on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
The crash messed up his front brakes. “I picked the bike up and continued, but the brakes had pressure at one moment and none the next. It was too dangerous to continue that way. I feel bad for Triumph, but racing’s that way.”
But Jeremias has some good thoughts about GIVI Rimba Raid, “It was good to see all the guys with so much motivation that they’d bring their expensive bikes into the jungle. I met riders with many different skill levels but I’m sure they’ll improve by the next GIVI Rimba Raid.”
The trail was definitely tougher than at Mat Daling as many riders attested. While the trails at Mat Daling was 126-km long, it was only less than 60 km in Janda Baik. Many probably thought it was going to be too easy, but it was apparently otherwise. Apart from that, rains in the past two days had turned the ground soggy. Consequently, the start was delayed from the planned 9am to 11am in an attempt to let the sun dry out the track.
Of the 150 riders who started the event, 40 were stuck. There were 70 riders in the big dual-purpose Class A but only 17 finished.
Dato’ Captain Nik has said many times before, “I wanted to give the competitors a tough race, but not an impossible race.”
Gabit had this to say, “It was tough for me so I could only imagine how hard it was for the other guys, especially those on the big adventure bikes.”
“It was way tougher than in Mat Daling,” said Bee Wong, “That’s why I was pancit (exhausted) in the second sector.”
Jeremias had a different view, “It was okay, I guess. I’ve ridden in many races and countries such as The Dakar Rally, also in Colombia, Qatar and so forth. The weather was quite cooling in the jungle, too.”
In addition to Gabit, Bee and Jeremias, the Thai riders were the ones everyone looked out for. They had held qualifying rounds in their country and sent the top 20 of their best riders. Anusorn Ubonsuk finished fourth. One guy crashed heavily but nursed his injured hand and destroyed bike to the finish.
But no matter how you cut it, GIVI Rimba Raid has grown up to be a major event and brand. There were 150 participants from 16 countries, up from 105 of 11 nationalities. There were many more applications, but the organizers had to limit it to the final number of 150 due to space and logistical constraints.
GIVI’s support had also lent the big brand image that the race deserves. The hardworking crew were already on site 3 days before the event to set up. Another part of the crew had to also work in conjunction with the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 ride. The epic ride consisted of 40 riders, among them GIVI’s dealers from 14 countries. Malaysia was selected this year to commemorate the brand’s 25th anniversary in the country.
“Thank you GIVI, because the race has definitely grown a lot from before,” commented Gabit. “Also, thank you to Rimba Raid and my sponsors.”
The Tourism Board of Pahang also joined in this time, as it was an unprecedented opportunity to promote eco-tourism in the state.
There were also other classes in GIVI Rimba Raid. But this particular event included an exhibition race for buggies and quads. The Bombardier Maverick X turbocharged quads were a sight to behold!
Class B (for bikes 800cc and below) was won by Shamsul Azhar Bin Abu Hazim, better known as Acoi Pangkolo on the AJP7.
Class C for dirtbikes up to 250cc was won by Muhammad Hazlami Bin Mustapha Kamal.
As for the environment, GIVI Rimba Raid organizers worked hard to minimize the impact on the jungle as much as possible. No trees were cut down and no part of the trail was hewn. Bridges were built over certain streams. Riders were told to bring hydration packs instead of water bottles into the trail. They also employed a cleaning crew to sweep the trail for rubbish. The jungle will then return to its normal state within six months.
PICTURE GALLERY
Bee Wong and family
Alex Wong (left) and Bee Wong (right)
The two wires on the ground are the transponder sensors
The GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is set to be held from 26th through 28th.
There are 150 competitors from 16 countries this year.
It is the only event in the world for large capacity dual-sport motorcycles.
The GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is set to be held from 26th through 28th July and we’re really excited about it. We think hundreds – if not thousands – more fans are also counting down the days until the start.
The GIVI Rimba Raid series has grown to be the event among adventure and off-road motorcycle community from its humble beginnings. The brainchild of Dato’ Captain Nik Huzlan, it’s one event that dual-sport and adventure motorcycle enthusiasts look forward to each year.
Here are 10 reasons to witness this awesome event yourself. (There are way more than 10 reasons, but we wanted to keep it simple.)
1. Witness big bikes getting hammered
Surely you’ve gotten used to seeing heavyweight adventure bikes such as the BMW R 1200 GS/GS Adventure, KTM 1050/1190/1290 Adventure, Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger 800 blasting down the highways. But have you seen them being used in the other environment they’re designed for?
We’re talking about off-road riding. Dual-purpose bikes can be ridden off paved highways and roads, hence the term. However, seeing these RM 80,000 to more than RM 100,000 bikes being bashed over rocks, “washed” in the river and sliding on gravel is something rare.
GIVI Rimba Raid provides that opportunity to not only the riders but also spectators.
2. GIVI Rimba Raid is unique
GIVI Rimba Raid is currently the only event in the world which pits men and women on heavyweight dual-purpose bikes against the off-road environment. In fact, when Capt. Nik approached the Automotive Association of Malaysia for the rulebook, they had none. Instead, it’s GIVI Rimba Raid who are now writing the rulebook.
3. Top Malaysian riders
That said, the event remains an enthusiast’s event. They are known as privateers, in other words.
However, top pro riders are starting to be drawn to joining up. One of them is Mohd. Habibullah Salleh, better known as Gabit. The 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Champion and multiple Malaysian MX champion is the defending champion of the Open Category.
Left to right: MG, Gabit, Capt. Nik
So, this a great opportunity for Malaysians to support our rider in battling against the best of the world.
4. Top international riders
There is a total of 150 riders from 16 countries this year. Among them is Jeremias Israel, the Chilean ex-HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) rider in the Dakar Rally. He’s flown in specially by GIVI to compete in the race. He will ride the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
There is also news of Thais holding their own qualifications to determine the riders who will represent the country. The qualified riders have been practicing almost daily in preparation for GIVI Rimba Raid 2019.
5. Stiff competition
If the previous years were competitive, this year’s promises to the closest fought yet. The riders not only chase positions and prizes but are also out there to prove it to themselves that they could live up to the challenges.
6. Specially chosen course
The organizers have laid out a course to challenge the riders physically and mentally. You can be assured that it will bring out the best in human drama and emotions.
Perhaps more importantly, you can spectate all the action up close rather than being seated tens or metres away.
Do note that the course will return to its normal environmental state within months of the event.
7. Different skill levels
Since there are pros mixed with privateers, GIVI Rimba Raid will be interesting to you in terms of entertainment. It means that there will be plenty thrills and spills.
8. Great fun for the family
Got kids who are interested in motorcycles? Need to explain to your wife or girlfriend why you love bikes? Bring ‘em here! It’s all wholesome fun for the entire family and your family members will thank you for it.
9. Great setting
Forget about going to the mall every weekend. Come here to breath some fresh air and waddle in the crystal-clear stream for a change. Besides that, the location is near many other resorts that offer eco-tourism and sports. There are also many camping grounds.
10. Vendors
There will be plenty of vendors. Main sponsor GIVI will have their pavilion up, offering their latest products for every biker. The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 will also make a stop at GIVI Rimba Raid for two days, so you can witness the bikes and GIVI equipment they carry.
Conclusion
GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is a exciting event that shouldn’t be missed by anyone, bikers and non-bikers alike.
It will be held from 26th to 28th July 2019, at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp site. Please click the map below for the location and you may refer to GIVI Rimba Raid’s official Facebook page for the latest updates.
Jeremais Israel is set to rock GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
Jeremais was a works HRC rider in the Dakar Rally.
The Scrambler 1200 XE had finished fifth overall at the recent Mexican 1000 Rally.
Chilean Dakar Rally and off-road racer, Jeremais Israel is set to rock GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
The rider was present at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia this morning to receive the bike and prep it. He will be using the #09 number plate in the race. Jeremais was specially flown in by GIVI to compete in Rimba Raid. He will also conduct a special off-road riding clinic tomorrow morning at Ukay Perdana.
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is a true-blood off-road bike, dressed up in the classic Bonneville body. It’s inspired by the TR6 Trophy ridden by Steve McQueen and his stuntman Bud Ekins to a number of wins in the Baja 1000 Rally.
It features long-travel fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension, cross-spoke wheels, engine crash bars, under-engine skid plate, bark-buster style hand protectors as standard. The electronics are also geared towards off-road performance, although the bike rides pretty well over paved roads, too.
British stunt rider Ernie Vigil had proven the bike’s toughness and ability to duke it out with 450cc dirtbikes in the Mexican 1000 Rally recently. He finished fifth overall on a bog-stock bike.
Jeremais will also be riding a fully stock bike in GIVI Rimba Raid.
Ex-works HRC Dakar Rally rider Jeremais Israel and Malaysia trails rider Acoi Pangkolo will hold the GIVI Big Trail Clinic.
It will be held on 20th July 2019 at Ukay Perdana.
Jeremais is also here for the GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019.
Get ready for the best trail riding clinic of your lifetime as GIVI presents the GIVI Big Trail Clinic by Jeremais Israel and Acoi Pangkolo.
The clinic is specially set up in view of the Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp on 27th and 28th July. This is a great opportunity for the competitors to learn the finer points of motorcycle control in rough and tough environments. The classes are open to non-Rimba Raid participants, also.
It will take place on 20th July 2019, at Ukay Perdana, Kuala Lumpur. Registration begins at 8am. Breakfast will be served.
The classes include:
Throttle and clutch control.
Turning (advanced).
Braking point and position (advanced).
Technical uphill and downhill.
Challenging terrain (sand, stones, mud).
The event is part of the epic GIVI Explorer Malaysian Adventure set to begin in a fortnight, and also the GIVI Rimba Raid 2019 at Rimba Valley Motorcamp. It’s also part of GIVI’s doctrine in inculcating the correct and safe handling of motorcycles in every ride.
The clinic will be conducted by Jeremais Israel and Acoi Pangkolo. The former hails from Chile and formerly competed in the Dakar Rally for the Honda HRC team. Acoi, on the other hand, is a well-known trails, enduro and stunt rider among the Malaysian off-road riding community. Acoi has taken part in the FIM Asia Trails Championship in Chiang Mai, Thailand a number of years ago and is still an active participant in many local races.
Acoi Pangkolo
GIVI specially flew Jeremais Israel into Malaysia to compete in the GIVI Rimba Raid. He will be riding the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC. British stunt rider rode the XE version of the bike to an impressive fifth-placed finish in the Mexican 1000 Rally recently, among purpose-built 450cc dirtbikes!
To register, please Whatsapp your details below to Acoi Pangkolo at 018-3770635. You may also call him at 016-7250434.
Registration is now open for the GIVI Rimba Raid 2019 at Janda Baik.
The event will be held from 26th to 28th July.
Some 150 entries are expected for this event this year.
After last year’s massive success, the GIVI Rimba Raid 2019 returns to Janda Baik. The event will be held from 26th to 28th July and registration is now open for competitors, camping spectators and hotel spectators.
Before we go further, let’s recap on 2018. Rimba Raid was held in two locations namely Janda Baik and Mat Daling.
Rimba Raid Janda Baik featured a “test” style format where competitors navigate different sections and tests on Day One; scoring points accordingly. On Day Two, the rode through a short-distance rally in the surrounding jungles. 60 competitors signed up.
At GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling round, on the other hand, the format was that of a 120-km jungle rally on Day One and a jungle enduro/sandbank race on Day Two. A total of 105 participants from 10 countries including Malaysia took part.
A whopping number of 150 entries are duly expected this year.
It was also at Mat Daling that GIVI became the official sponsor of the event. Other vendors included BMW Motorrad Auto Bavaria, Ducati Malaysia, KTM Malaysia, Red Bull. There’s bound to be even more this year.
Looking back, Rimba Raid stalwart Dato’ Captain Nik Huzlan started the series as the first off-road event for dual-purpose enthusiasts with machines above 650cc in Malaysia. That is why one could see heavyweights such as the BMW R 1200 GS, KTM 1090/1190 Adventure, Ducati Multistrada Enduro, et al bash it out in tough conditions.
As the event became more and more successful over the last few years, so does its reputation. So much so that the Thai competitors held a qualifying round in their country to determine the “representatives” to this year’s edition.
Along with the popularity came the need to expand the series to cover more types of bikes. Instead of being lumped together wholesale, they are now divided into three categories. A class for quads and ATVs is also added this year.
Speaking about grouping and classes, Rimba Raid splits the field into the Main Race (200 competitors), Enduro (50 participants) and Quads (20 participants). They are split further into sub-categories such as Class A, B, C, Quad/Side-by-Side (buggy), Enduro Open, Enduro Veteran, depending on motorcycle power-to-weight ratio, suspension travel, wheel size, recommended service intervals.
Success also started to attract pro riders such as Malaysian MX and Asian Supermoto Champion Gabit Saleh, 2004 Dakar Rally winner Mateo Graziani, Malaysian trial rider Acoi Pangkolo, multiple Rimba Raid winner Bee Wong and many more.
Left to right: MG, Gabit, Capt. Nik
The location will also play a vital role in the success of GIVI Rimba Raid 2019. Dato’ Capt. Nik has developed the Rimba Valley Motor Campsite into a true eco destination. Nestled in a valley, there’s fresh air to clean out your city lungs a mere 55km away from Kuala Lumpur and a stone’s throw from Genting Highlands.
