Sizzlilng Bagan Lalang

It was recorded a 36 degree C yesterday on Garmin. Sizzling on our way back from Bagan Lalang. The super heat added a major challenge to the ride. Toss in some wild winds from all sides, a 30 kph pedal stroke could probably produce a 200 watt resistance. At windless condition, that could have achieved a 35 kph cruising for a longer haul instead. But yesterday, most of us decided to share the load optimally, for not to haggle in the red zone too long scared of not finishing the ride.

I was a bit on the 'off-side' at certain stage of the ride. The beginning started off with minor tight chest. Perhaps due to the humid morning and late night sleep. The ride back legs were playing the Linger note by The Cranberries. It was sustaining pain at the front pushing through the wind. It was also painful trying to catch up with the peloton when the terrain goes upwards.

At some point over post ride assessment, I think I need a 'break week'. I've been neglecting the rules of training. The enthusiasms over ruled what the body needs to say. I felt the fatigue crept in as signs of no rest. Though it may seem that I only ride on weekends, but the weekdays' chores are intervals itself.

But how can I, when there is The Stage 4 - Genting for Le Tour de Langkawi this weekend and I've also signed up for a mountain bike jamboree the week after? I have this whole week to evaluate the condition.

Janda Baik, Lenggeng, Bagan Lalang & Bentong...all piled up

After the slow-building Broga Pondan Power ride last few weeks, most of us were looking forward for more. DOMS were nursed in a jiff, excited for the next ride throughout the long weekend break. Dah mula ketagih nih…

Some opted to join BJCC’s ROTM 120km all the way to Ulu Yam and back from Bukit Jelutong on Saturday. It was a seductive idea; but resting this worn out soul was a better option. I planned for a short & nice controlled 60 RPM or lower ride the next day.

With the weather changes lately, I reckon a cooler route is preferable. From the usual Sekolah Teknik Gombak to Genting Sempah and detour into Kampung Janda Baik was simply continental.

A small group of four, we made our way up casually harassing at every chance of throwing jokes over the handlebar. It was nice. Weather was sweet too.

The plan was to have a coffee break at the famous cyclist joint Kopi & Kraf. It is such a nice & serene spot for a relaxing morning over a cup of coffee. We chose from a variety of Brazilian, Arabic or Colombian. Cikanos! A small portion (konon…) of nasi lemak that was just right for the moment was enough to make our day.

Then, we had to endure the four working days, anxiously waiting for the weekend. On Sunday, I opted to join a few old buddies whom went missing from cycling for awhile & planned for a healthier 2013 lifestyle. We did the Lenggeng loop. Legs were crispy from previous feats and have started showing good results.

Photo by Julie on top of Bukit Puyoh

CNY

The CNY break was spent locally. No plans for outstation getaways due to anticipated hectic holiday makers all over the country. Hence, ride plans were tabled.

After a chilling time with the family on Saturday, I hopped on to the Bagan Lalang cycle-train with some old friends. Sekarang ni belasah aje join mana-mana or sesaper pun :]

Instead of the usual UNIKEB, Bangi to Bagan Lalang route and back, Ajeep did a bit of alteration by changing the start point at PICC and introducing a new small loop with extra 30km via Labu on to the original route. It has some sustainable rolling hills almost like Bukit Pelandok, but kept to a less tormenting level. Traffic was almost zero due to its solitary location and perhaps the CNY holiday. Weather was even more promising, overcast throughout the ride. The CNY ride was concluded with 131km at a manageable pain and satisfaction.

Checked-in by Bahri at Bagan Lalang

Recovery day that followed was spent at Janda Baik picnic outing with the family. We welcomed a new family member and named her Leggo. She’s adorable, and that was the key point dad’s heart melted. Though I was against the idea of having a cat in the house from the start, but this time it was exceptional. Perhaps, it is timely that we introduce some exciting adjustment to the family.

Meet Leggo

The original plan to revisit Bentong after a lengthy absence was pushed. From food joint to food joint was the plan, in fact food was also the driven factor for all our rides! From Sup Awe, Gombak to Najath Restoran, Bentung where it was nicely done in a descend 5 hours ride time which was mostly steady state climb on the way back. Similar to Broga Loop, these climb are seldom pleasurable. The 30km climb back from Bentong is mostly pain and less pleasure, unless with steady pace and of course lots of patience. My trip a year ago was a nightmare!

Photo by Abe Awe

Regrouping at chilling Genting Sempah.
Photo by Abe Awe

Kow Po ABC closed for CNY. Najath substitutes
the pit stop. Photo by Abe Awe

With two weeks of long weekend breaks & induced with long rides, the legs are slowly getting into shape as well as my fitness level. Alhamdullillah. More miles ahead as we slowly look into the events that will be unfold soon.

Bagan Lalang

They say we have to listen to our body when it comes to vigorous workouts, especially when this old engine takes forever to recover from one. After the recce Lenggeng ride, then came the public holiday in the middle of the week. One had to succumb to the fact that fun overwrites recovery. Half heartedly I cycled the route again with the plan of no-cycling Sunday day due to Kidzania attempt pulak. Sekali sekala kena gak renew visa beb. Hehe.

The second Lenggeng ride was intelligently executed when we have more seasoned cyclists involved. The usual Azmar & Alwin in the group of six, and we have a nicely organised peloton for the whole 90km. That's where everybody have to chip in their domestique skills driving the peloton and no window for 'curi tulang'. The burning sensation from the calves and quads justifies the effort.

After 2 weeks without spinning (can't afford the luxurious time for it), TOK was eager to attempt Bagan Lalang. We have a few first timers for this route, hence I anticipated the pace would be decent enough for a leisurely ride to and fro.

Macam biasa, gambar rombongan kena ada

Bagan Lalang route is famous for it's tempting flats and acceptable rolling limitations. Plus, the distance is just about nice for one to stroll at a moderate pace or burn the quads like there's no tomorrow but still survive the ride. Hence, with a tiny lambung across a few chatrooms and text, TOK managed to gather a few invitational buddies to make it merrier.

The half of me was a bit hesitant and lazy for the ride (still recovering? From what pun aku tak tau), hence I only planned to just tucked myself at the back of the group and do whatever I can to kill any necessary boredom. With a few excited newbies on board, we have the train gaining speed in no time.

However, this particular spot was known for it's boredom killer. This small hairy dog will give chase at any lean shaved legs. Saiful and me was chatting and this dog came jumping out of a bush and start chasing. Saiful was merely inches away and I was on the outside. Despite earlier complaint by Saiful that he was recovering from flu, now he was yelling his belly out and spinning like mad. The dog seemed happy enough from the arousal of it's escapees, it barked back and carried on chasing. OMG! Luckily he gave way almost 50 meters later which left us panting our hearts out. Mark that dog-spot in the route map please!

Halfway into the ride, the train speed seemed swinging. It accelerates and decelerates. And the rear riders like me felt a bit obnoxious about it. Just as we peaked at the LBJ intersection, I attempted an attack. Fuiyo! Bunyi macam bagus. Bukan penembak tepat tapi more kepada penembak tak tepat! Hahaha! My intention was to give a wake-up call. I hurdled to the front and craved on the handlebar cranking those big gears until cruising speed reaches 50km/hr before giving it back to the peloton. Of course lah asakan tersebut telah membuat rider-rider berdarah kari teruja, so they reacted instantly with a few warning shouts and latched up like mad. Then, I went back to the rear after noticing Saiful was still shocked from the dog chase, and I slowly rode with him until the famous Shell Sungai Pelek.

Second attack was ignored about 10km later towards Bagan Lalang. Tak laku. Padan muka aku. Semua malas nak layan sebab masing-masing perut dah mula keroncong. Hehe. We dismounted at Gold Coast Bagan Lalang almost at 9.30 a.m. (pretty fast I guess) and gathered up with a group from UPM. Now there's a very long table of satisfied and hungry cyclists.

Kalau dah tua-tua, sukan macam ni je paling sesuai

The ride back was pure license to grill. Toasted. The heat was killing us. I don't know about you guys but yesterday it was SO hot. We stopped at every venue possible. We were drilling the asphalt trying to survive the ride as far as we can. As usual, as the milage accumulates, the peloton started to disperse into it's own pace. Hence, we were a bit strung out by a few minutes apart.

All in all, I noticed happy faces by the end of the ride. And I presumed those faces wanted more. Chill. We'll  fix something.