Sunday Morning Drive
by Felicia
In an age where the world moves at a pace of what feels like the speed of light, people need to unwind. People need to find solace that helps them hold their stressed out mind together. Some adopt the usual hobbies, painting mini figurines, collecting stamps - all “rather mundane” if you ask those who seek a dynamic mix of adrenaline fuelled by risk of death and calmness, made up entirely on the experience that the individual has. Don’t understand? Then let me put it in layman terms, there are a select few people who want to be smack in the middle of the line between chaos and tranquility.
When someone first mentioned “Sunday Morning Drive”, I initially thought, “well, that’s not new or fun, it’s just driving in traffic”. What I failed to understand is that usually, people who go on these drives or rides, for that matter, have planned to venture outside Kuala Lumpur. So to better understand this hobby, I asked Jeinthiran Kajaintharan, a 23-year old university student from Petaling Jaya about his little hobby. To help me get a clearer picture of this hobby, I was invited by Jeinthrian to see what this is all about.
First thing’s first, Jeinthiran drove a Perodua Myvi SE from 2008. Nothing too crazy fast but according to Jeinthiran, the lightness of the car along with the soft spring make up for the fun factor. Upon asking him, Jeinthiran told me that this hobby, in its purest form can be rather expensive. The prices of fuel, and tolls has increased, contributing no favours to these drivers.
As we turn off Karak highway and headed towards the foot of Genting Highlands, I realised that I was too nervous to be sitting shotgun. Before I could say anything, all three cars rocketed pass the first guard house, the first right-hander was approaching. Screeching tires and loud, raspy, exhaust notes filled the quiet morning atmosphere. Before I knew it, we were already heading for the third corner. I’ve heard of people driving up and down Genting Highlands in this speed, but this was my first time experiencing it.
I was very close to crying because all I could think of was, “if we over shoot a corner, I’m dead”.
But then I did something I thought impossible, I let go of my fears. As I sat buried in the passenger seat, I looked straight ahead, my lungs filled with cold morning air, and I felt it, the feeling. The feeling that Jeinthiran was trying so hard to explain to me, the feeling of being free. It’s hard to explain, but this weird adrenaline-like feeling is unexplainable. But once, you’ve felt it, you will be thirsty for more. I suddenly could understand why these people love driving on these roads.
When we reached the top of Genting Highlands, I had the biggest smile on my face, like a child who just rode the best roller-coaster. I wanted to go again, and I began to understand what all this “Sunday Morning Drive” was all about. Jeinthiran had informed me that, it’s not necessary to drive fast, it’s all about what the driver feels like. If the driver wants a slow paced, relaxed drive, then that’s how he’ll have his drive. Also, these drives aren’t only reserved to Genting Highlands. Ulu Yam, Bukit Putus and Fraser Hill are also a go to spots for a nice bonding session between man and machine.
Most of the guys who does this hobby, have simple rules and guidelines to follow. They ensure that nobody’s safety is in jeopardy, and prefer to only do these spirited drives early in the morning where the amount of cars on the road will be at it’s minimum. What these guys do isn’t racing, they’re just unwinding on winding roads.
