Such a wonderful world

The mind will let you know when it’s time to slow down and take detour for a different kind of pleasure. And I am thankful (all praise to Allah) that he knows what and when things are better served for us.

Honestly, I was kind of in a rundown/burnt out from too much tar and grime up my legs.  Plus the boredom that crept in. And so was the melting passion. And also the surrounding world of cycling as well (berat dah kes ni). With running took a backseat, and attempting PD triathlon was not a priority, I was gamed for reliving what was left so many years ago.

After the first attempt at drilling PCP last week, the weekend retreat in Kuantan food joints during school break was relieving. Zero milage & more calories. Though Kuantan is known for expensive eateries (depends what you choose, kalau setakat sata & kepok leko apa ada hal?), I took the taxing eating fee as just another vacation expenditure (short review la konon). Puiii…

My weekdays were cacar merba ever since January & I have not the slightest idea of what input to have. Saddling up on the trainer pun was not in the picture. But that was not until last week, when the opportunity and camaraderie evolved into passion (does these theories ever exist?). I mean, really. With the loan bike and a bunch of enthusiastic buddies, plus huge amount of racun tikus, I wallop PCP again, twice! Both on my way back from work outstation, hence PCP would be a great pit stop for some evening hero stuff.

The first day took my breath away, as excitement overruled capability. I was huffing badly like a boar, and within minutes I was sitting under the shelter feeling light headed. That was scary. The rest of the ride was kept at 41 year old mountain goat pace. Hahaha.

The following day, wallop lagi! This time, I came ready. An old friend decided to join & he’s more of a weekend warrior as compared to the speed demons weekend racer. Speed demons vanished into the trails mere seconds as we hit the foliage. Rahilmy & me, we took the nostalgic way appreciating and studying the trail in details. Such a wonderful world!

And concluding the enthusiasm level, a buddy signed me up for my first race. Ceh!

Dreaded weekend came, and the earlier plan to ride Broga brought shivers up my spine. Two weeks absent & though Broga reverse loop, it was never easy and only once did I complete it with smiles than gruel. And, this time, it was gruel.

A bold move, attempting it from home, and the earlier estimated miles was circa 130km. It was 143km eventually. With four major climbs. Aiyak! By the end of the ride, it was expressionless to face anymore climbs. Despite some haze in Langat in the beginning and Semenyih town later during the ride, the rest of it was generous weather and rain at Bukit Tangga. We had no sun throughout. That was a pleasure indeed. I was engaging endurance pace, hence I was always the slow marker la. Hehe. But it was a great attempt.

Reliving the mountain biking days

I can’t wait to post this. Nothing fancy but more like syiok sendiri. Sori beb :]

Finally my dream came true. Alhamdullillah & thanks to a friend, I was brought back to the path I used to hantam 9 years ago…The Holy Grail.

The Holy Grail tu apa? It’s a term us mountain bikers use to describe the perfect bike trail where a long rolling and switchback singletrack beats your heart out until you want to scream with 200% satisfaction.

It’s been years. But, lately a few buddies tabor racun terlalu kerap until the lalang also cannot grow anymore. Hence, the dream burns slow like a slow cooker. When racun came, the flame grew & then dimmed, until the next racun. But last night, an offer I can’t resist. Ayob offered me his bike. Like play laying-layang, I was a bit hesitant. Malu konon. Puiii…

When the offer was repeatedly asked, I took it with great honor. Terus plan for a ride with Azmar. Where? The Putrajaya Challenge Park. They say, it’s the best man-made trail, designed by the best trail builder import dari obersi lagi. I never had the chance to ride here since I sold my bike a year before the trail was completed and opened. If it’s truly as juicy as Kiara, I must come prepared.

I trusted the steed I’m loaning is ready for the trail. My skills? I doubt it. It’s been too many years since I launched down those switchbacks and short burst climbs. Don’t forget the long granny ones as well.

After a hectic day at the office & being in a mobile office honoring the client & local authorities, I finally rendezvoused with Azmar & Shaiful at PCP. Didn’t have the slightest idea of what’s waiting me behind those canopied hills. It was almost 5.30 p.m. when we started clicking in and rolled out.

Too bad the first climb was already a majlis pecah peluh semangkuk. A 100 m long granny & I was excited keeping steady not to give up on it. If I make it to the top, my heart will beat rhythmically like a drum for the rest of the ride.

I shouted in disbelief upon concurring it. Yeehaa! Give me some more! The following twist and turn really reminds me of the old Bukit Kiara Trail. And I am thankful to be reliving it. It was a 5km loop but enough for a good strength workout. Tagging along with these guys was really pushing my demeanor limits. They swerved at the tightest switchbacks. They attacked climbs and short bursts. They even assaulted the roller coaster ride like there’s no tomorrow! And I, obediently chucked in behind pressing my quads and calves and tapping the brakes as silky as I can. The bike swerved, screeched & banged like never before.

Now this trail is a thumbs up. Pretty much like Kiara but nothing close. I believed the old Kiara trails still the most technical trail I've ever ridden. Well, at least this trail is closer to my place :]

The trail was so juicy, with just a pinch of sugar over it, it really made my day. I smiled for the rest of the evening. But, my hands were still shaking while holding the bottle. Well what do you know?! I survived any face plant possible. I am still a mountain biker after all! Hahaha! :]