On July 7th, 2024, a remarkable event unfolded in the heart of Sungai Petani, Kedah, drawing gravel biking enthusiasts from across the region. The event, dubbed Young and Dangerous (Y&D), was the brainchild of Yadd, a passionate local cyclist born and raised in Kampung Kelang Makau, Sungai Petani. His vision was to introduce the world to the breathtaking beauty of this lesser-known region, with its scenic landscapes and challenging terrains, through a thrilling gravel race. This event brought together seasoned cyclists and eager newcomers alike to experience the rugged charm of Kedah’s countryside.
What is Y&D?
Young & Dangerous is not just another race; it’s a self-supported, endurance-focused gravel biking event that challenges riders to traverse the rough gravel paths and dirt roads along the Muda River. This 120-kilometre race offers cyclists a true test of their stamina and grit as they navigate through Kedah’s rural landscapes, passing paddy fields and riverbanks. What sets Y&D apart is its grassroots origin, with the concept first taking shape in 2021, at a time when gravel biking was starting to capture the interest of the cycling community, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The inspiration for Y&D came from early gravel grinder events, which had begun to gain traction in endurance cycling circles. Recognizing the untapped potential of the region’s natural beauty, the event’s founders envisioned a race that would showcase the raw allure of the Sungai Muda area—best explored on two wheels. Thus, Young & Dangerous was born, marking the first-ever gravel race in Kedah.
The event’s unique name draws directly from its setting. The word “Young” is derived from “Sungai Muda” (with “Muda” meaning “young” in Malay), while “Dangerous” was added to infuse a sense of excitement and challenge, particularly aimed at attracting younger, adventurous riders eager for a tough but rewarding race experience.
The Race Day
Rodalink Malaysia, always keen to support and nurture the cycling community, stepped in as one of the sponsors for this exciting event. Not only did we provide sponsorship, but we also sent a team of riders to compete in the race, fully embracing the spirit of Y&D. With nearly 200 participants, the race kicked off early in the morning at the picturesque Kebun Padi Campsite. At exactly 7:30 AM, the flag was waved, and the riders set off in high spirits, eager to conquer the gruelling 120km challenge ahead.
The race course itself was as captivating as it was tough. Riders weaved through lush paddy fields, rode alongside the meandering Sungai Muda, and faced varying terrain that tested their technical skills and endurance. The race was not without its challenges—some riders lost their way on the winding gravel roads, while others fiercely battled it out at the front, competing for the coveted first-place position.
A Showcase of Gravel Gear
One of the standout aspects of Young & Dangerous was its ability to draw together gravel bike enthusiasts, not only for the race itself but for the opportunity to showcase their highly customised bike setups. The gravel community is known for its deep love of tinkering with bike configurations to suit different types of terrain, and this event offered the perfect platform for riders to demonstrate their technical prowess. From bikepacking rigs with custom frame bags to upgraded components designed to handle the rugged gravel paths, the event became a hub for cyclists to display their gear and share tips on what works best for endurance gravel riding. The variety of setups was as diverse as the participants, highlighting the innovative spirit of the gravel biking community.
Conclusion
The Young & Dangerous Gravel Race has firmly positioned itself as a must-attend event for cycling enthusiasts, not only for its challenging course but also for its celebration of Kedah’s hidden natural gems. Yadd’s dream of showcasing the beauty of Sungai Petani has now become a reality, thanks to this unique race. As gravel biking continues to grow in popularity, Y&D is sure to remain a flagship event, drawing even more cyclists to experience the thrill of riding through one of Malaysia’s most scenic regions. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a challenge, a gearhead wanting to show off your setup, or a newcomer eager to explore gravel biking, Young & Dangerous offers an adventure like no other.
