A Final Visit to the Travel Clinic before trip departure

Today, we met up with Associate Professor Dr Lim Poh Lian for a final consultation at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Travellers' Health & Vaccination Clinic before our trip that is starting in October.

Today's visit was mainly getting medical advice on how to deal with malaria and altitude sickness. Additionally, we also needed to get prescription and medication in a bid to combat these pesky ailments that do plaque travellers. When she was talking about the medical advice, I was beginning to face the reality of this trip head on. Undoubtedly, I was feeling really anxious. Everything is becoming real.

Dr Lim is indeed an amazing doctor who managed to discover Singapore's first case of monkeypox while she was on duty on 7 May 2019. Dr Lim is highly recommended among the motorcycling tourers in Singapore. The first Singaporean couple who travelled the world, Goh Mia Chun and Samantha, sought her advice before they travelled a decade ago. Our good friend, Juvena Huang aka The Wandering Wasp, also looked for Dr Lim before her epic solo tour from Singapore to Europe. A couple of other tourers in Singapore such as Charlie Tseng, Poh Yu Seung and Rosalind Ng also used her expertise before their travels overseas. Prof Lim is currently the head of the Travellers' clinic and a former Harvard graduate.

Do request for Dr Lim when you need advice for travel medicine. I believe she is the best doctor to consult in this area of expertise. We would highly recommend Dr Lim.

Written by Debbie

Puig/Tsubaki Parts Sponsor: Motovation Accessory Singapore

Tsubaki Alpha XRG-Sealed TX4-Ring Gold 520 chain

We would like to thank Alvin from Motovation Accessory Singapore who has generously provided us with aftermarket parts for our two motorcycles (two Honda CB500X that we have purchased and are collecting in USA) from Puig and Tsubaki.

We have received one Tsubaki Alpha XRG-Sealed TX4-Ring Gold 520 chain that boasts high performance and durability with its high tensile strength. We will be doing a comparison between this Made-in-Japan premium X-ring chain and the OEM chain. Therefore, one of our bikes will be running the Tsubaki chain while the other one will be running the stock chain under the same environmental conditions and maintenance. Stay tuned for a comparison review.

As for the Puig parts, we have received two sets of engine guards, two sets of hand guards, two sets of front fender extension and two touring screen at our friend's place in Denver, Colorado. We can't wait to dig our hands into these goodies. It will certainly feel like an early Christmas!

Thank you so much for your support!

Written by Debbie

Dainese Riding Jackets and Gloves Sponsor: JR Pte Ltd

JR Pte Ltd has graciously lent their support by sponsoring us with two Dainese Bora Air Tex Jacket, both equipped with Manis D1 G2 Back Protector Insert and Pro Armor Chest Protector for our upcoming tour. Additionally, they have also given us a pair of Dainese Bora Gloves.

The fresh edgy styled Dainese Bora Air Jacket certainly looks promising in protecting us with its CE level 1 rated Pro-Armor at the elbows and shoulders and its rugged fabric which can withstand abrasions. With the added Dainese Manis D1 G2 Back Protector Insert, it takes the jacket to another level of protection as it is a CE level 2 armor with 4 ways of stretch in this hard shell protector which allows for more movement and protection than similar back protectors on the market. Additionally, the Dainese Pro Armor Chest Protector uses an expanded nitrile rubber construction which conforms to the rider's shape allows for optimum comfort.

As for the Dainese Bora Gloves, they look like they are made for the biker riding in tropical climates. Its mesh fabric allows air flow which keeps our hands cool.

We can't wait to test these gear out and share our experiences with all of you.

JR Pte Ltd has been around for decades and it is currently owned by Singapore's largest motorcycle dealer, Mah Pte Ltd. We are certain that many riders in Singapore see JR Pte Ltd as Singapore's authorised distributor for Dainese. While this is true, this is not the only brand they carry. They do carry other premium motorcycle gears, apparels and accessories that will suit your motorcycle lifestyle. The following brands that they carry are Gaerne (which produces high-quality Italian boots), PMJ apparel, Stylmartin motorcycle shoes, Bull-It Jeans, Roland Sands Design, Inc apparel, Rouille motorcycle inspired accessories, Triumph motorcycle apparels, Ethen eyewear, RAM mounts, TechSpec, ROK straps and ESquad apparels. With so many brands on offer, we are sure you will be spoiled for choice.

A great selection of different brands

You will be spoiled for choice here!

A massive Dainese selection

Special thanks to Derrick Ang (Head of Operations) and Janice for your assistance!
- Written by Debbie

My tailbone is fractured!

I just received the radiology/X-ray report and discovered that I have a tailbone fracture just a month out from my trip. It is caused by my carelessness of not putting the side stand properly and the entire bike fell on top of me. I landed on my buttock on the hard ground at the Jurong Point Shopping Centre car park 2 weeks ago.

When something like this happens, it is all too easy to panic as our minds are too overwhelmed by the life situation and it is difficult to cognitively calm ourselves down and act rationally.

I chose to calm down while being confined to the ground and being unable to get up at that moment as I was pinned down by the bike. Swiftly, there was a kind & strong man who lifted the bike off me. Then, he proceeded to lift me up and place me on a chair that belonged to the car wash shop nearby.

The employee at the car wash shop fretted over my well being as well as the man who assisted me. At that moment, I felt so lucky to be surrounded by helpful people.

After a while, I was able to get back on my feet and walk normally again. Then, I proceeded to go up to the condominium that is located above the shopping centre to give tuition.

Throughout the rest of the day, I tried to focus on what I was supposed to do, and was able to carry on working as per normal and help with my students' impending national exams.

It is often far too easy to fall prey to our storytelling minds. Of course, I am not saying that we should ignore our pain. In fact, we should embrace them and know that they are there and seek medical intervention when needed. However, we should not allow our minds to continue to ruminate on all the possible scenarios and cloud our judgement.

Most certainly, I did seek medical attention and was told that the bone will heal on its own in 2-4 weeks' time. I have to ensure that I don't fall again and take Arcoxia for the next 2 weeks. Fingers crossed! Lol!

Written by Debbie

Thanks to Goh Mia Chun for being our HDB Power of Attorney

In the final month of preparations, we are glad to have Goh Mia Chun's help in being appointed our HDB Power Of Attorney.

Mia Chun and Samantha Pan are the first Singaporean couple to have travelled around the world in 2008 on a motorcycle, and have met us after their return to support us on our trip preparations.

Mia Chun currently runs CSK Landscape Services, the largest distributor of tree works equipment in Asean, managing and consulting for 30k+ trees with private, military and government agencies, with a social mission of improving industry safety standards and tree work equipment, and retaining knowledge and skills in the Singapore economy through its HR practices and being a subject matter expert for the judiciary system.

Do check out www.TreeStore.io if you're looking for tree works safety equipment and tools, and their showroom if you want to play with some tools!

Written by Kelvin