LtdL Stage 5 - Genting Highland

Within days after clocking awesomeness on my cycling map, the international cycling scene hit our country with le Tour de Langkawi since February 21^st. The much awaited stage came last Monday, February 25^th where the peloton will climb the Hors Category, Genting Highland. The hardest there is in the country of course but nothing compares to the majestic ones in Europe though.

It was a working day, hence these bunch of enthusiasts (konon) took the day off and plan for some fun on high altitude. Some of us even took the challenge of riding up which was kind of an annual affair nowadays. Det and me just stick to our original plan driving up with packed nasi lemaks and hot Nescafe.

It was a blessing for those who cycle up when the weather was just perfect with no sun around until noon. In fact, it rained! Our drive up was filled with more anxiety as we passed familiar faces. Most of them filled with regrets and curses. I almost got myself into that option of riding up, perhaps next year. I did attempt once a few years back. The climb was one thing, but the descending was the worse. You get numb arms, numb fingers, numb butt, and numb face from the freezing cold. And that ain’t pretty while approaching a downhill corner at the speed of 60 kph.

However, most of us decided to bivouac at the Temple area (temple lagi!). This spot where we can cheer the pro riders when they passed by and perhaps give them a push up the steepest climb. We had a carnival atmosphere. A few local cycling groups had barbeque (Kambing golek!) while waiting for the peloton to arrive.

It rained throughout the outing; it got heavier when the peloton arrived. But that didn’t dampen the pro riders’ spirit of climbing or our fun cheering. I had my waterproof Cybershot with me, hence I just point and shoot for the fun and experience!