Tranum Back Again

As posted before, ride plans were set towards KCR. Hence, yesterday a bold attempt at  building miles and strength was done (bold sangat la konon...). We attempted the Sleepy Hollow route from Sup Awe to Kg. Tras, Tranum and back. The distance was unimaginable. Last I rode this kind of distance was 2 years ago during the second day of PCC IS. Plus, this route gave the best out of everyone. The long endless climb in solitary was inevitable and epic. 

The ride from Sup Awe to Genting Sempah was about controlling pace. And the chill morning from the surrounding was great to neutralize the warm weather from the last few days. We needed it. We RVed at GS waiting for the last man before descended all way towards Bentong.

However, plans are made but we never know things can go wrong. Midway down, Zakuan skidded and crashed due to slippery sand while taking a corner. He was in front of me but the distance between us was enough for me to witness his fall and strayed away avoiding more tumble. Fortunately the fall was not so bad, with just a few scratches. Don't worry, the bike was scratch-less.

The slippery corner

Zakuan was OK to move on and continue the mission though perhaps he was a bit shocked and tampered from the fall. We stopped at Bentong Shell for refill and refuel while collecting thoughts again from the mishaps.

Parading into the busy Bentong town and on the side line of Bentong-Raub road was managed successfully. Traffic was not too bad since it was still early.

I call the Bentong to Kg Tras route a Sleepy Hollow route due to its solitude. There was not a buzz of passing vehicle, at least for an hour throughout into the ride, except for the local bus serving Raub-Bentong. And I've noticed quite a few new getaway resorts blooming along the road. Some carry familiar names, which are big names in a sense of price. Tanah Aina for instance. Google it. I guess these are just overspills from Janda Baik. But still, it is a perfect getaway into the lush greenery of orchards and rubber trees....well, what is left of it I guess.

The end is nearing but yet still far. When we were divided by our own pace, we latched up to form smaller groups to keep the camaraderie alive. The roller coaster route almost took us to the limit of boredom but that was until we smell the processed rubber. That tells the sign that The Junction is so close.

Ahli kumpulan Cross Junction

Anuar and Dicky was already there, perhaps a few minutes before us. Alwin, Zakuan and me joined them under the shade of a large raintree. As time passed by while waiting for the rest to check in, we were led back in time when the cool rural breeze blew dry leaves on the road and falling petals from above.

We refilled and refueled at a nearby Kampung Tras small town enjoying the climate where time almost stood still. Plus the local sundry shop owner was also friendly to entertain us with our palaver. It was already mid day and we knew the journey back won't be generous to wait us.

Kampung Tras 7-Eleven

Back to Sleepy Hollow and solitary confinement enveloped each and every one of us. It was a mental game but that was just the tip of the iceberg. We reached back Raub-Bentong road and gusts of headwind smacked right into our path adding the challenge to the miles. The sight of Tanjung Sepat traumatic experience came back and I decided to bail out from fighting against the power of nature. Wind was too strong, hence the pace was kept to easy as we checked in at Kow Po ABC for a small dosage of sugar rush.

Last refuel station was at the Bentong Shell and the battle moves on for the final 30km back up to Genting Sempah. We tried to stick together most of the time but miles and legs sore was inevitable. The group of nine got strung out reforming back into isolation as the inclines get steeper. I was glad with the 26 tooth cassette which greatly perform compared to the previous 25. Imagine how 1 tooth makes a lot of different? Trust me, you'll be blessed with the technology at this juncture.

I made my way spinning lightly to avoid going 'over board' since the climb is long. Patience and virtue played a major role in bringing myself inch by inch through elevation and miles. I caught up with Alwin and Zakuan somewhere near Janda Baik junction.

The last point of RV was at a stall at Genting Sempah. It was almost 4.00 p.m. and every one checked  minutes in between for a serving of 'keropok lekor' and hot Nescafe. Priceless. Smiles and jokes started flying around back again across tables when each of us shared their moment of exile. As if we were back alive from the dead and smiles and laughter started smirking back. A few of us experienced severe cramps but most of us was mentally assessed.

Back alive and laughing

The final push back to Genting Sempah and down back to Gombak with what was left in the tank. Alhamdullillah things did not get worse than Zakuan's mishaps and we managed to complete the milage safely. However, time was a bit off. We expect that. For this kind of super long ride, time can never be the essence since pushing too hard too early is never a good formula.

But! Once you arrived back at the car and you get 10 missed calls from home, that is where you need to engage TT mode and CABUUUUUTS!

Till the last drop of sugar