Dua and 3 Hills

The momentum just kicked in and I let myself play along. The rhythm is just nice with some family activities thrown in to make it merrier. Hence, the weekend is packed and solidified with awesome adventures and fun.

Approaching the OCBC Cyclethon for the kids, we didn’t prepare much. Only at the last minute, that particular Friday evening we were excited about it and ushered Amir and Umar for a spin around the block. With 3 laps and sprint intervals at each, in a fun way of course, we just hoped that it would be enough.

SK-2 Cross Country

Saturday morning was Amir’s school cross country run. His third year now and training was blatantly done during his soccer trainings at school and the evening soccer play with the neighborhood kids. We didn’t hope much but I reckoned that he has the legs for a placing. I was casually being there without raining him with pressure and just make sure he runs safely and smart. Deep inside, we understand that each of us had some expectation for success. Umar, as usual the biggest supporter when he requested to tag along.

As anticipated, it did turn out successfully though the waiting was a bit doubtful due to the time taken for Amir to arrive back at school and the number of kids finishing. He looked focused and strong charging towards the finishing line. He came back to me with satisfaction completing in third place! Alhamdullillah. We waited for the prize giving session and dashed back home for rest before the evening’s OCBC cyclethon.

Jr Toks

“Amir pakai strategi ayah bagitau. ‘Start slow & habis kuat’,” his quote over lunch and I respect him for holding to the advice. Kinda touching too.

OCBC Cycle Malaysia

Right after ibu came back home, we ventured into the Saturday afternoon traffic into KL town towards KLCC where OCBC cyclethon took place. Not quite a strategic venue though, since car parks and other logistic issues were the biggest challenge. Why didn’t they consider Putrajaya for such a lovely venue with beautiful landscapes and whole big roads for every cyclist?

Amir and Umars’ age category was scheduled to start at 3:15 p.m. However, upon arriving at the venue, we saw almost every kid had entered the holding bay and yet it was still an hour to go. They blew the horn early! Mere minutes after Amir and Umar got themselves in, the fun began with a bang! There were easily 50 little cyclists between 7-9 years old with all kinds bike. The atmosphere was so full of fun! Naufal, our neighbor and their best friend decided to tag along as supporter. And not forgetting KakLong thw whole life fan as well ;]

With the railings guiding them throughout the big circle in front of the Twin Tower, it was almost similar to a grand tour criterion stage, only a mini size one. The dashing and zooming of these little tots with big hearts was a great scene. We found our spot to cheer them along the course. Amir zoomed by with full concentration. He didn’t bother our shouts and cheers. Moments later Umar bobbing by on his undersized bike, upon hearing our cheers he found us and waved in excitement. So funny la this guy.

Konar baring or drift?!

Lead man

You're supposed to bite it, not suck it!

Yeay! Kami setuju esok kami tak akan kacau ayah ber-jimba!

Laps after laps, 4 altogether I counted, fatigue faces drooled in on everyone though some still have the courage to fight on. They completed the challenge and were guided towards the medal and drinks station. Such a very short adrenaline rushed for the kids as well as the spectators. Thumbs up guys!

3 Hills Backyard Ride

All the conundrums a day earlier was throttled at a manageable pace handling domestic tasks with tender loving. Sunday came totally for dad. The usual ‘kampung’ suspects planned for a smaller scale ala-Colmar ride. A short, localized non-travelling required and quick dash back home. We chose Bukit Sungai Tekali a.k.a. Bukit Hantu, Genting Peres and Bukit Ampang for the day’s menu, just nice for the climbing legs momentum workout.

Crowd was just nice. With 8 manageable buddies, we rolled off from the usual joint sharp at 7:30 a.m. Sunday traffic was light into Hulu Langat, only at the usual breakfast joints along the way. Quite a while since I went up Bukit Hantu, where the day’s first climb was managed at a slower pace reserving for latter.

The road was closed from traffic at the foot of the hill. Halfway up, we came upon a massive landslide that have taken away half of the pavement and the earth beneath it. Scary sight. The fall was too deep to survive which was almost the same magnitude that occurred to the road to Sungai Tekala.

Regrouping and down we went, heading towards Peres. Now the pace has throttled up and some decided to play catch. It was a fast climb and almost took most of my legs. We didn’t stay long since strong wind gushed through the Peres top chilling our sweaty form in seconds. The descending was fast too; basically everyone was synchronizing for the same thoughts for ‘roti canai’ at the usual Batu 18 stall.

After the ‘chase’ for ‘roti canai’, we had the bobbing idea about Bukit Ampang. 50-50.  Somebody rubbed salt to the wound some more when an idea came up to ditch the last climb. However, most of us were used to the pain from last week’s ride; hence we scaled Bukit Ampang under the knifelike sun. Though not as steep as Bukit Hantu, and not as long as Peres, the rising temperature adds up to the challenge. Legs almost jellied halfway up but it stood where it was supposed to be, on the pedal. Alhamdullillah.

Only four of us left to ride back to Batu 9 and BTHO. I had the privilege to draft one of the finest bikes and cyclists. I couldn’t recall who was doing the work up front but it was a good strong one, awesomely cruising at 30-ish km/hr. I just had my senses gone numbed and kept on revving ignoring the pain.

The ride back home was satisfaction concluded. We went for a group ride in a synchronized rhythm less the sentiment issue, enjoying the camaraderie in the same passion, or shall I say it was one awesome sentiment-free-ride!