Welcome To The Kuching Bike Hash Membership and FAQ Section

Membership

Is the bike hash suitable for a beginner or "newbie"
We get asked this question a lot. Yes, the bike hash is suitable for beginners, because each hash has two rides ( the Long and Scenic), the latter of which is intended to be within the abilities of outdoorsy children from the age 7 upwards. Beginners may start by riding the Scenic, and once sufficient fitness and skill are attained, may then attempt the Long.

I'm a buff, super fit triathlete/road racer/ultramarathoner. Is the bike hash suitable for supermem like me?
Yes, but the bike hash ain't a race. It's about working together to solve checks.

So, duh, how do I Join?
Easy, just fill in an application form and bring the form to the next bash. Pay the membership fee at the bash, and voils! you are a member.

Eh, but how do I know where the next bash is?
Easy, just follow the directions that have been posted on the website or published in the Monthly Script.

What if I can't find my way to the start of the bash?
That's Ok. The directions serve as a filter to weed out people who will likely be lost during the ride. If you get lost on your way, may we suggest golf.

Less of the lip, please. How much to join?
At the time of writing (January 2007) a measly RM 50 for adults and RM 20 for young persons below the age of 18. Membership lasts from August 1^st to July 31^st. US$1.00 = RM 3.25, exchange controls permitting.

What does the membership of the bash get me?
Some freebies, like a mug, T-shirts, caps, car stickers etc. Basically, each year's committee will conjure up an item of dubious utility to be emblazoned with the fetching bash logo. Like a beer cozy or something. Membership also entitles you to be eligible for the end-of-year raffle at the hash annual dinner.

What if I want to ride, but am not sure yet whether I want to become a member?
Easy. You can ride as a guest of a member by paying a guest fee (that is, as of October 2007, RM 10 for adults and RM 5 for juniors). If after the ride you decide that the bash is the bee's knees, the most fun you have had with clothes on, then join as a member by paying the difference.

As a guest, what does my RM 10 (or RM 5 for juniors) get me?
It ensures that if you get lost, the hares will ride back in to look for you. Then if you are lucky, maybe a down-down after the ride.

Equipment

What equipment must I have to ride on the bash

You must have.

water, lots of water: at least 2 bottles, or 1.5 litres (in case you haven't heard it gets hot in Malaysia).
helmet
pump
spare tubes
puncture kit (patches, glue and tyre levers)
multi-tool with a chain-breaker
the knowledge to use the previous 4 items.

Optional, but helpful, items are:

bicycle. Make sure it is of the off-road variety. Make sure it has adequately low gears (24 teeth on the small gear at the front, and at least 25 teeth on the large cog at the rear).
some money and small change. People get lost. People get hungry. People pop out to civilisation miles away from where they started and have no clue how to get back except by calling a spouse/partner/best friend to pick them up.
mosquito repellent. Smear some on the butt cheeks. Mozzies bite through Lycra.
resourcefulness.

Do I need an expensive bicycle?

In the words of Keith Bontrager. Light, Strong and Cheap. Pick any two. Don't expect it to be light unless you are prepared to spend serious money. Try selling those golf clubs.

A very rough guide:
• RM 1000: Consider this entry level for hashing. It gets you a bike that will take the abuse and work for a while. If you only ride it once a month and take good care of it, that should be a long while. (If you don't take care of it, it won't last at all and it won't be worth fixing. Do I sound like your mother?)
• RM 2000: This is entry level for serious Mountain Biking. Spent carefully, it gets you a bike with a frame that's worth keeping - just upgrade the components when they wear out (and they do, no matter what you spend). If you intend to ride seriously and often, this is where you want to start.
• RM 5000: Time for a reality check. Up to this point the quality of the beast improves significantly with every dollar spent. Reyond this you get into serious esoterica and the sky is the limit. You'll find yourself paying obscene amounts for microscopic savings in weight or improvements in strength or handling. But if the sport a passion for you, congratulations on your choice. You can have the Mountain Bike Equivalent of a:

How do I choose a bicycle

Get one that fits. Stand over the top tube and make sure that there is ample clearance between the tube and the crown jewels. 2-3 inches is good. Sit on the saddle and get the shop to adjust the saddle height for you. Reach for the handlebars. Too stretched out? Get the shop to fit a shorter stem. Typically, a 16 inch or medium frame will fit someone who is about 5'7" to 5'9".

Where do I shop for bike stuff?

Check out the list of shops listed on our monthly script. Some of them will even let you rent a bike. If you ask nicely.

Can you tell me which bicycle brand or model I should buy?

Because the stocks of bike shops vary from time to time, it is impossible for us to give specific recommendations on particular makes or models of bikes. Your best bet is to bring a knowledgeable friend to the bike shop to help you out. If you are in need of a knowledgeable friend, e-mail us and we will rent one to you for a reasonable fee.

Still interested and want to know more about riding the bash, just continue by clicking here and hope we answered most of your questions. If not, feel free to e-mail us with your questions.