My cycling Audax experience

Sharing my cycling Audax experience in this blog post.
Completed 2×200, 300 and 400km in 2025.

These Audax rides help to build up my base and endurance, for a new milestone. We were planning to attempt Taiwan’s 四極燈塔 620km in November! (Read our epic experience here)

(I am still an amateur cyclist, whatever I am sharing here is through my own learning journey. Please correct me if I should have some misinformation.)

We all start from somewhere.

From foldies to road bikes, from PCN (Park connectors) to the roads.
From 50km to 100, then Round Island (Singapore RI is only 120km)
(My first RI in 2021, Crius Master foldie)

My first audax was in Feb 2025, 200km.

YouTube : My virgin Audax 200km

But if we want to build up our endurance, cycling in Malaysia would be one of the best ways.

2025 cycling events leading up to Taiwan epic event.

Difference between Cycling in Singapore and Malaysia

Singapore based cyclists are not used to cycling 40, 50km non-stop, as we have too many traffic lights!

In Malaysia, we can cycle longer distances non-stop.
Longer rides will improve our consistency and endurance.
More importantly, longer rides train us to condition our hydration and nutrition needs (intake).

However, with less traffic lights (stops) in Johor, some of us forget to hydrate or load up :p

I estimated that the effort needed to cycle 200km in Singapore, might only cover 150km or less in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s heat and elevations will really stretch and sap our energy.
The weather is never under our control, no U-turn (can only go forward).
In fact, expect to get frequent rain showers.

The slopes and hills in Malaysia will prepare you for longer overseas touring trips. Cycling in Johor and Malaysia will push you beyond your comfort zone.

Having say so much, you much be confident on Singapore’s roads and be reasonably fit before you cycle over the causeway (video link).

Thus Audax is not only testing your limits.
It is validating our equipment.

You need to have a proper nutrition plan, and even a plan to charge your battery devices (lights, power meter, sports watch, rear camera etc)

Seasoned Audax cyclists will pack all their nutritional needs on their bikes (Picnic!)
They do not even need proper food like rice or noodles (which I still crave).

Once you gain confidence and volume, you would cover more multiday trips, maybe 100km to 200km back to back.

(no matter how fit you are, you will feel soreness by the third or fourth day of a bike event)

I completed four Audax rides in 2025!

The difference between a normal ride and Audax would be the time duration and checkpoints. You must finish within the time limit.

For those who cycle regularly, you should have enough buffer to complete your ride, even if you roll at average speed of 25-28kmh.

Virgin Audax 200km, 2025 Feb

Malaysia’s rural area is total pitch dark, so you need minimum 800, 1000 lumens to shine infront. For longer distance, we will bring a spare light too (front and back).

Well done to myself, Achievement unlocked.

2nd Audax ride 200km, 2025 Mar

Many folks turn up for this ride.

There was even a gravel section! Hello!

Hulk and Kiera are my Audax companions!

3rd Audax ride 400km, 2025 May ( I chose 400km before 300km)

What do I remember from Audax 400km?

– Endless climbs!
– GoogleMap is not accurate, most 7×24 petrol stations were shut after midnight!
– Torture. Any distance above 300km is no longer enjoyable :p
– I used up both powerbanks
– I lost 2.5kg after ride
– In pitch dark rural roads, the tree branches will SWAY without any wind! (Just CYCLE ON.)

We were too tired to entertain any supernatural thoughts.
Just pray hard you do not encounter any punctures !

Real food! (not gel)

Far from home.

Somewhere after Mersing….  total quietness and darkness

The Sun will bake you while you slog.
Even 2% elevation can be a crawl :p

Our miracle stops. 7-11, Family mart, 99 etc.
100 Plus, Coke and sandwich.

After 25 hours….  Thanks Hulk for the Audax memories and motivation!

4th Audax ride 300km, 2025 June

No drop ride, team work and dynamics pull us through.
We mobilised Taiwan team together.

Six of us would fly together to Taiwan in November 2025.

For endurance junkies:
(elevation easily from 2000m+ to 10000!)

Randonneurs Singapore (Audax) (register as a member first, before you join their rides)

Audax Randonneurs Malaysia (Level up to Malaysia’s Audax. More climbs, longer distances)

Peninsular Divide 1500km! (If you really love to punish yourself)

Malaysia Coast 2 Coast 444km(cycle East from Lumut,Perak to Terengganu )

Titi Ultra (60 and 100km)

-Taiwan TBA 四極燈塔 620km or (TWB, another bike association). Fyi, 東三塔 is much tougher (elevation and wind) compared to 四極燈塔

Find good buddies to go through the pain and training together 🙂

From Audax to Taiwan 620km, we achieve our goals together!

Looking back, it is amazing where our two wheels can bring us!

From Johor to Malacca, from KL to Penang and even Thailand!
Thanks Audax for building up my endurance.

ps.. You might be keen to explore Taiwan 360, 520 or 620km in the future

Bringing my roadbike on KL MRT

I drove up to KL back in November. And I found out a new novelty for my roadbike, bringing my roadbike on KL MRT!

YouTube : Roadbike MRT to Putrajaya

This blog post will share my own MRT experience, taking the train from KL to Putrajaya.

Imagine my surprise when I learned KL trains are so Bike- friendly!

Meanwhile, get the latest RapidKL bike and Ride policy on their website.

The picture above explains that Roadbikes can only use MRT during weekends. You can only use the first or last cabin.

Foldable bicycles can use the MRT any day, but both foldies and roadbikes can only use the trains during specific hours.

Step1 – Roll your road bike to an MRT station

You should already know your destination by now. I had to cycle 3km to the nearest MRT station at Chan Sow Lin.

RapidKL MRT map
Step2 -Pay for your ticket

I selected Putrajaya and paid RM4 for one-way ticket.

I have a minor complaint. The lifts are situated at the extreme corner.
This means wheelchair users and strollers have to roll extra mileage too.
(Take note bicycles must always give way to other lift and MRT users)

The train station is very new and toilet is super clean.
KL RapidKL has female-only cabin, this is COOL!

Step3 – Reach destination, enjoy your ride

Weekend definitely has lesser crowd, or maybe I was early.
Take note of train schedules, starting from 6 or 6.30am.

Bringing my roadbike on KL MRT

My train ride took me 40min.
If I drive, it would be 30km, cycling would take me 40km.

Both driving and cycling would drag me through notorious KL traffic. (I still got phobia from my 2023 cycling SG-KL experience)

I rode in Putrajaya PNR 1.0 for 50km before I packup.
Can someone tell me what does PNR means?

Strava cycling KL Putrajaya

I am amazed. The MRT convenience and ease of transit.
KL folks might take this for granted.

I am so JEALOUS!
How I wish Singapore MRT also allow roadbikes in our cabins 🙂
(Maybe SG too small, or our country too compact and population too dense)

Let me share a few more tips.

1)I mentioned earlier that “Chan Sow Lin to Putrajaya” ticket cost only RM4!
My Switzerland Luzern +bike ticket would easily cost me 30Chf!
(Do pop by my Swiss Mountain pass experience here)

2)Navigating KL traffic is a different level, compared to Singapore.

Ironically, the 3km solo cycling from hotel to MRT, is more nerve wrecking than taking the MRT. No thanks to the various Y-Junctions and round-abouts.

(Imagine multi-tasking. Navigating, looking out for traffic and potholes, and trying to identify the next turns)

The best tip for first time cyclists in KL.
Join a group to cycle together, it will really reduce a lot of anxiety.
Locals are experts in navigating KL’s alley and shortcuts, and they know the BEST cafes!

3)Maybe you can also try taking the MRT to PWTC or Putra station, before submitting Bukit Tunku (aka Mayor’s hill).
(Do confirm whether the MRT line can allow roadbikes beforehand)

Cycle up Bukit Tunku to spot KL skyline

3a)Do make a short detour (and steep climb) to capture KLCC Twin Towers at “Jalan Tunku Putra Lookout Point“. This slope is very popular with cyclists for 打卡.

YouTube: Cycle up Bukit Tunku and Carfree Sunday KL

Thank you RapidKL for showing me how I can bring my bike around KL.
If you have more tips on bicycles and trains, do share with me.

ps. The other country with friendly bicycle and train culture would be Taiwan!
Do pop by my round island experience back in 2025 April (part 2 video here).