KCR160 2014

Kuantan Century Ride is back for the 3rd time. It's my 3rd attempt together. Just another cycling road trip as usual with small hopes of improving my previous record. Neither it is for me to boast results nor finisher medal on social media, nor asking people about their results and compare. I find that sickening.

Basically the ride was great, but however perfect our planning is, His planning is greater. We were stuck in the school break traffic for both days to Kuantan and back. Getting myself to the rendezvous point on Saturday afternoon took me 2 hours from Cheras to Ulu Klang. On our way back, the traffic jam started from Bentong Toll Plaza all the way to Gombak Toll Plaza.

My preparation for KCR160 2014 was pretty much a jigsaw puzzle.  Joining up all the pieces with adhoc planning, Alhamdulillah it was a training program to survive the 100 miles challenge. Not to beat other people but to survive without murmuring regrets and pain. 

With only a few long weekend rides including the Shah Alam Endurance Ride two weeks prior, a few of us hope that the training formula could bring us across the finishing line.

Looking at the route map, the loop is almost similar to the first KCR160. They gave us the rolling and climbs first and devastating killer flats for the remaining 100 kilometres. We only hope that the weather could be a bit kind on the second half of the ride.

Some of us from the group didn't quite make it to this year's starting line due to lack of training and work commitments. Only a handful were there hoping to make ends meet. We didn't quite have any plans to ride together since we don't the same strength and endurance. Hence, we latched ourselves to the best chosen peloton pace.

The controlled start pace and the initial rolling stage was pure self effort. I didn't quite get the legs to put in much strength as to finish the endless rolling through Feld Bukit Goh road. I assumed I was almost at the back of the 2000. Maybe 1500th-ish? 

As soon the rolls end, the TUDM airport marked the beginning of the flattish hell. The key to survive this is to bite your way onto a huge peloton with a descend speed. You don't want to over-stress your legs by latching to ambitious group of cyclists whom would constantly attack the pace and ruin everybody in it. 

By the time I reached the airport junction, there were only three of us and a huge peloton of more than 30 cyclists stood there constantly pedalling about 500 meters ahead. It was now or never. That was my target, to get into that group. But it was not easy, with only a few of us and the strong winds on the open road, the effort was so taxing. 

There's a turning into the Pekan bound highway. That was the point break. If I don't placed myself inside that group, my days are done. Teeth gritting effort, I cast my longest line to get the hook secured before they make the turn. Alhamdulillah it was successful. The pace was averaging at 32 kph, but in a big group like this, it was cruising. The bigger the group, the bigger inertia energy we produce.

The peloton grew bigger as we passed by smaller groups along the way and surprisingly it managed to form no less than 50-60 people inside. It was huge. And I was smiling all the way skipping Water Station 2, feeling attached to the awesome peloton not wanting to miss the ride. 

Hence, this is the beginning of a gruesome 100 kilometer ride. Flat routes zaps more if you don't regulate a good cadence and pace. You can't coast, you have to crank up to move forward. Your butt was in pain from hours on saddle without numb free stretching. The destination was Universiti Malaysia Pahang, located southward to Pekan, and it was a coastal scenery. The view was great, so was the weather. We rode the 60 over cyclist train charging the 40 km stretch to Pekan at 32 kph. It could be impossible to survive this distance alone or in a smaller group. Or maybe possible but it would be longer at slower pace. That would take too much effort. And you still have to concur the remaining 60 km back to Kuantan for that piece of metal.

The 3rd water station was inside UMP. I find the campus a bit barren and deserted. Perhaps it's newly built. It started to heat up and windy as well. The grim faces of cyclist across the road exiting the campus to continue cycling was not good. We had to stop for water and loosening the legs. 

Medical tents were full with aching and cramped cyclists. Like battleground. The heat outside the tent was not welcoming either, but we had to move on. We had clocked 105 km and the remaining 55 km should be doable.

The earlier peloton had dispersed since we didn't had any plan to regroup. Besides we don't know each other, we just ride together. We had to form a new group. A few of us started slow, trying to create a group that hopefully could fuel our engine for the remaining of the distance. We were fortunate with smart cyclists around us, whom later able to form a big group again. The route back was tougher too, a wider and exposed road. Too bad it didn't last long. Halfway through, a handful of them decided to surge the pace. Perhaps they planned to chase the clock for a sub-5 hour timing. I did not bother to gauge my time, only to finish this. I let go and discreetly drifting in between solitary cyclists trying to latch to whatever group still exist. 

My cadence was constant but not constant enough to maintain in the accelerating group. I chose to keep this cadence hoping not to trigger any muscle cramp which I felt tingling somewhere around the thighs and quads. The sign directed us back to Tanjung Lumpor which remains another 20 km. A fast calculation of the distance would take me another hour if I maintain the speed without any stop.

It was almost like a time trial mode, churning the crank at 30 kph, passing by cyclists and overtaken by others. It was an individual war for each of us. At one point, the pain was too unbearable. Both thighs were in so much pain, it seemed like the muscles were shrinking tightly. I had that discreet screaming face on for that. Even my toes were too numb and I don't have the slightest idea of my rescue plan. I slowed down the pace and let the pain subside before the last climb at the bridge before entering the town. The climb need to be attempted in deep coolness so as not to re-trigger the cramp. 

Alhamdulillah the bridge attempt was the opposite from my first KCR which was too ugly while climbing it halfway, the quads decided to stiff. I rolled down the bridge, welcomed by the policeman manning that particular huge four cross and continued on with my constant speed across the finish line.

Cahaya SPK - A Solitary Cyclist

When I came back from the tour, there was a small window to train for the next century ride. I know that I didn’t gather any fitness advantage from the tour considering the easy pace and ‘threshold’ eating habit.

As a backup, I signed up for the Shah Alam Endurance Ride, about two weeks after my tour. I have one weekend prior to the event to test out the route and my bike and my stamina. Hence, this event should be my gauge stick to the bigger Kuantan Century Ride on 1^st June.

As I jotted down millions of time before, the route on this part of Selangor was never easy. I guess the climate played the most factor. Hence, it is an ideal place for us cyclist that wish to torture oneself to the heat, terrain and boredom.

The climax of this route is the Cahaya SPK climb. Cyclists frequent here find it spine chilling like we used to listen to legend folklores about haunted road or something like that. The place would simply give you the ‘stars and chill’.

The loops can be altered to suit ones level of stamina. However, opting to finish with the Cahaya SPK climb is the best alternative.

The week after my tour, we did the small loop, excluding Kuala Selangor flat and straight death road. Still, the Cahaya SPK was in the menu. And I misread the pace from the earlier Jalan Puncak Alam. My last ride here was a few years back and it didn’t quite safely kept in my good memories bank.

A total of five magical climbs and the slightest miscalculation of energy regulated means doom.

My training ride that particular weekend taught me that attacking the first two climbs after 80 km in your legs is not smart. I paid the toll, witnessing the front riders fade away into the afternoon glare. The churning of the crank was heavy as I dragged the bike and myself to the top.

During the Shah Alam Endurance Ride, we had 120 km already in our legs after making a huge loop from Batang Berjuntai to Kuala Selangor and back via Asam Jawa. Both are straight as an arrow road and flat as a pancake. There’s not a chance of coasting on flat route like this. Gauging your cadence and heart rate is the smartest way to survive the rest of the ride.

Come Cahaya SPK, most of us were scattered along the Jalan Batu Arang 16 km stretch. We were blessed with good weather that afternoon, right exactly at the climb itself. It drizzled with cool breeze against our half-awake legs and fatigue bodies. We were solitary riders by then. We completed the 149 km challenge. Alhamdulillah.

A week before Kuantan Century Ride, it was taper week. Now these legs are itchy twitchy to get it spinning after the good outcome of Shah Alam Endurance Ride. And the spirit is also itchy to have Cahaya SPK in the menu again. And this time, though we made a smaller loop, we managed to churn our way up together finishing with huge grins on our faces as we scattered on the floor of Bukit Jelutong 7-Eleven.

Penang Ride

We were back in Penang recently. After two years. The last visit was back in 2012 for Kayuh Lasak. After the traffic turmoil we faced during our short stay, Penang was never in my getaway list. 

But this time around the persuasion by fellow riders and food lovers managed to convince me for another trip. It was planned earlier during the year but the dates just kept on went astray. Other commitments were prioritized of course.

We planned for a road ride around the island instead of the usual off road cycling up the Penang Hill and all other hills available. Truth is, the roads were hilly as well. We just can't avoid the island's terrain.

The route we rode started off from Tanjung Bungah where the floating mosque is. It was Saturday morning and traffic was descend. A quick roti canai banjir with mix curry and dalca beforehand at Restoran Barakath for fuel. We met up with 2 Penangites buddies that were supposed to guide us should there be any re-routing required.

We rode through Batu Feringghi winding coastal road towards Teluk Bahang for another coffee break. Though it was only less than 10 km, that particular coffee stop was essential. It was a thumbs up.

Teluk Bahang essentials

The hilly course started right away up the Teluk Bahang dam. Surprisingly I started witnessing the cycling culture have bloomed immensely in Penang. Throughout Batu Feringghi I thought it was only sporadic scenes, but later into Teluk Bahang climb, it was almost similar to Genting Sempah weekend cyclists' getaway. From the look of it, majorities just took up cycling and it is a good sign.

Teluk Bahang climb was shorter than Genting Sempah or Genting Peres but probably steeper. The morning temperature and covered road simply made it a casual one. We stood at the top admiring the vast scenery of Balik Pulau. Another famous spot along this climb is the Titi Kerawang trail, known among mountain bikers for it's super elevation climbs in view of the splendid sceneries and of course the luxury of acres of durian orchards.

There were too many Cats in this route

We rolled down towards Balik Pulau for some leg loosening through peaceful kampung roads. Almost like the old Gombak Road from UIA to HOA only with lesser traffic.

Tourists

The bigger challenge for the day was the legendary Tun Sardon climb. Most famous every year in Pesta Penang Road Race where it is the venue for the finish line. Every racer have been serving legendary stories of it and I have not the slightest idea of how cruel is the incline.

The imagination came to reality once we rode out of Balik Pulau passing by the Kolej Kemahiran Teknologi MARA. The giant awaits, not mistakenly similar to the gruelling Bukit Tangga climb in Negeri Sembilan, the Broga Loop. But Tun Sardon climb is neat with cooler temperature from the near tree lines.

Almost reaching 6 km, this Cat 2 Climb serves the needed pain in the quads and calves. Not just that, my heart rate was banging so hard after almost a month hibernating from weekend rides. However the tough the climb was, descending was almost similar. It was too steep and short, the straight section caught up speed in mere seconds. It was horrific especially for me.

As a reward, we rode in for lunch at Cargas Cafe in Bayan Lepas, known among locals for it's special fried chicken with nasi kandar. We bumped into a group of local friends whom were digging after their ride as well. And the chit chat carried on over lunch till the sore legs recovered.

Completing the loop back to Balik Pulau, we rode through Teluk Kumbar where a new road with another massive climb awaits. It was another view of Balik Pulau coastline from the top.

The plan was to ride back up Teluk Bahang dam from Balik Pulau and back to Tanjung Bungah. Surpassing Bayan Lepas and into Air Hitam route towards Tanjung Bungah would only add risks from the busier afternoon traffic.

The hilly course back was getting more difficult due from the heat and fatigue legs. The climb back up Teluk Bahang dam almost taxed me. I attempted the descending part slowly building up my confidence. The round up back to Tanjung Bungah was clocked at 101 km. 

The post ride was also the better part of the trip. It was harvesting time. Since the ride only completed at 4.30 p.m., we had no chance for a nap. Instead we headed straight out after cleaning up for meals.

A few favourite eateries were closed around Tanjung Bungah. Too bad. We headed to Gurney Drive and hooked up with char kuew teow, pasembor and laksa. Followed by a short basking along the walkway before attempting for the 'real' dinner at Kapitan area. 

We were supposed to try out the nasi dalca near Tajuddin Hussein but too bad it was closed as well. Ended up having tosey and fresh milk blended with almonds. It was road side stall but the scene was awesome. We spent more time over a glass of milk chit chatting.

The planned Sunday short ride was a no go. We overslept. It was supposed to be an easy ride into town, perhaps stopping for more Penang delicacies. We suffered the torment of missing morning nasi kandar as well. Yes, I only knew that here, nasi kandar only serves in the morning. By 10.00 a.m., you'll be welcomed with empty trays.

We opted for nasi padang instead. It was at Kedai Kopi International Hotel. It was a thumbs up which also concluded our island trip. We took the second bridge on our back to mainland. It was super long and kind of having a boring scenery though.

Queue line was over rated

Kapitan area is nice for street walking

Fresh cow milk with blended almonds

Cendol queue

Nasi Padang

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.

Niner to Bentong

Some may feel that this is just another typical cyclist blog. Weekend over weekend, like there's nothing else to do besides cycling the regular route. Monotonous? It depends. Should it is an attempt purposely for training combined with group ride with buddies, then the perspective shall differ. Try it. The view and feeling atop the handlebar is awesome. You'll enjoy the sceneries and suffered under the climate. The typical tropical cycling adventure.

For the past two weeks we still commute the same places. It was a plan to mix between flat and hill rides. Ijok and Bentong. The later was a bit different when I decided to bring my mountain bike instead. I had to conclude with a wider tyres to substitute my phobia of descending those winding roads. Hopefully it helps with boosting confidence.

By the way, a day before Bentong it was wedding trip down south to Malacca. It was so hot, causing some DOMs later in the evening upon arriving home. The mental started juicing out dilemma thoughts of the Bentong idea, adding heavy bike phenomena some more.

All was good throughout the ride from Gombak to Bentong. It was always good for all rides when it was on the way to the destination. Though I had to churn a little bit more effort to catch up with the pace due to heavier bikes, but the 29 inch wheel diameter were able to equalise the rolling coverage. I had the feeling that almost 40% of my energy was used up compared to 30% should I rode a road bike. The difference in tyre width resulted to more rolling resistance, plus the extra 3 kilos weight contributed to that 10%.

I downed a plate of 'nasi campur' in Bentong, making it my lunch, a plan to survive the extra energy required to drag myself and the Niner back up the 30 km climb.

It was decent pace from Bentong but an inch of incline caught a hold of me. I managed to stay with the group until the incline gets steeper after Sekolah Bukit Tinggi. That was where gravity was a downside. I struggled moving the Niner up towards Janda Baik junction and all the way to Genting Sempah. The legs almost felt empty.

The descending back down to Gombak was confident but I had to press hard to catch up with those light road bikes though at a 5% gradient. It was a hard Bentong ride this time compared to a few weeks ago. I chose it. Strength training...konon....blah.

Riding the East Wind

This will be a quick and simple post. Nothing special. Just another ordinary weekend adding up miles to the legs. However, the weather was something extraordinary. Which brought a different perspective to our weekend group rides. Something that we cyclists would dreamt of.

We had super lovely weather for the last two weeks. It was over cast. Windy. Cold. Super chill in the morning and cosy cold late night. And not even a sudden burst of the solar wave reached the ground. 

I can still remember during our MFMC Tour when we experienced super windy days from all those three days on the coastal side. I presumed that it was the initial stage of the so called 'east wind' phenomena. A friend from Perlis told me that it is a yearly weather pattern up north during this time of year when the East Wind blew cold air from north east. Strong winds would blow through sugar cane fields creating a super scenic view. Even some cyclist friends would organised epic rides having a taste of these meteorological effects on two wheels. They call it the Kayuhan Angin Timur.

However, it felt strange here in Klang Valley when the east wind reached us. It didn't quite rain like it was in monsoon but the cold weather was different. Something that I have not experienced before in KL.

Base training continued for the following two weekends after the tour. A few of us have only started their season. They desperately needed to jump on the saddle and start spinning. We chose Bukit Jelutong to Kuala Selangor and back. The usual taxing route for super heat conditioning. With the current weather, it seemed promising for a great less tormenting ride.

Only four of us and that was ideal. We took the Guthrie Corridor and exited at Kuala Selangor. The trunk road that lead to Asam Jawa was superbly ridden. It was straight out and flat, perfect road condition and best of all was the welcoming temperature. The pace was also kept moderate for a more relaxing under the red zone.

Like any other typical weekend ride for a weekend warrior, we stick to the ride policy of "ride to eat and eat to ride". That's where almost all ride routes have a special place to eat or chill. Kuala Selangor pit stop would normally be at the Auntie Kopitiam. They served the standard kopitiam menu which works best for a cyclist that needs morning caffeine fix. The toast and half boiled eggs are traditional. I tried the curry mee, but I've tasted better.

So much about food, we rode back towards the busier road of Asam Jawa and Ijok for a brief hydration top up. Weather was still awesome. From Ijok it was a bit of rolling towards Sungai Buloh and back on Guthrie Corridor. Great ride with great pace and buddies.

Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring - Desmond Tutu

From the successful Kuala Selangor ride, we ventured for more cycling plans. A week after, we plan to brave the old Gombak Road. The famous cycling destination would be Bentong. Another group of friends were also attempting Bentong on the same day. There were almost 10 of us that morning from Gombak. 

Fellowship of the Bentong

Weather was still in the East-Wind mood. We expected that it would be colder than normal up at the peak of Genting Sempah. Most of our climbing pace was maintained at conversational pace. True it was, 18'C was read up at Genting Sempah. It was freezing. The mist was thicker. The wind was colder and wilder. It was not refreshing, but the crowd of cyclist grew bigger as we waited longer. 

We decided to continue down to Jalan Janda Baik, crossing the Selangor state boundary into Pahang. Some of us were a bit obnoxious about the Bentong idea after gauging from the initial Genting Sempah climb. A few turned back, bailing out due to health issues. Some detoured to Janda Baik. That left us with 7 to Bentong instead.

I found some difficulties descending those winding road from Janda Baik. It brought me the fright from previous crash. To make things worst, a motorbike overshot a corner and landed on the grass while the rider sat the pavement feeling confused. We helplessly cycled by, knowing that he should be alright while his fellow bikers rushed to the scene.

I was left to my own fright, making the brakes my best friend. Every turn was taken with too much cautious, causing me to lose ground. The group disappear into the foliage of the Gombak Road. Eventually I managed to catch up at the flatter stretch, much to a few friends' mercy.

Our simple breakfast at Najad was brief. The actual challenge was the climb back to Genting Sempah. For someone new to this route, the mental game would be the toughest game. For the rest, it  was just about finding the best cadence to last the climb. We played the second game, sticking close together saving some legs for the hardest push after Genting Sempah Rest Area. Maintaining the cadence flow and heart rate for that 30 kilometre long ascend.

It worked out well for the five of us. Ziff, Alwin, Fendi, Dicky and me triumphed together as if it was leisure. By the time we reached back Genting Sempah, we were still fresh.

Again, it didn't end quite well for me when the second hardest part was descending back to Gombak. I was holding every bit of my breath at every corner again, especially passing by the point of the dark history. I could not reach the slightest inch of confidence. It was disappointing. 

MFMC Tour - Day 3

It began to feel like waking up for work. Lazy. Beauty sleep was interrupted. But duty is duty. The mission have to move on. The Tour have made an appointment with Sekolah Kebangsaan Panglima Adnan, Port Dickson. The students have been waiting anxiously for us. 

We had the privilege meeting with the kids and teachers. Our rep did most of the talking and explaining about the mission and the importance of the awareness. It was almost 30 minutes. Looking at those faces in front of us, those innocent eyes, it started to make me feel blue. I missed my kids. The same kind of faces, an early morning fresh face with neat hair style, handsomely with a tie. Baru 3 hari der...

Bersama cikgu cikgi Sek. Keb. Panglima Adnan, Port Dickson

The students were excited when we started distributing flyers. More excitement when we gave out free car stickers to anyone with correct answers. Then followed by the compulsory photo session with students and teachers. The best welcoming gift for us was the delicious 'nasi lemak' at the school canteen. We had more talks with the teachers over breakfast, and like yesterday, we felt half heartedly leaving the nasi lemak... school behind.

Kelas 1 Biru

I missed my kids

It was almost 9.00 a.m., and the journey for today's mission is still long, unlike for Azmar and me. We shall depart from the tour on the first quarter of today's ride. We have other commitments. As a token of gratitude for their fellowship, Azmar and me paced them from Port Dickson to Sepang. 

The hills of Bukit Pelandok was the usual strength puller. Weather was slightly hot this morning and it was still windy. With fresh legs we soldiered on towards Sepang for our first regroup point.

We exchanged farewell and bid good luck for the rest of the team. The fellowship and camaraderie for two days had us blend together with the sweet and bitter moments logging miles from Johor Bahru. It was sad to depart but the mission had to move on. The awaiting miles for the the tourers are simply extraordinary with more challenging routes to tackle.

Azmar and me had our backpacks back on from the support vehicle and made our way back onto familiar territories. The Sepang, LBJ stretch and onto Jenderam Hilir. Weather had started taxing us and the backpacks is not a good idea for future cycling tour. We ended our ride in Putrajaya. The following two days were recovery for this old goat and I can't stop feeding myself for a few more days. Ada bela ke ni...?

MFMC Tour - Day 2

As if I was strapped to the bed trying to wake up on the second day of the tour. I overslept and had a narrow window for the loo and breakfast. Most of us had problem adjusting to the schedule after a taxing day before. We left Batu Pahat that morning a bit late. It was 9.00 a.m., but nothing bothered us since it will  be a long day on the saddle.

GDC riders rode back to JB that morning, which left the 12 of us to continue towards the north. Weather was elegantly splendid. Not a sip of sunlight. It was overcast and cooling. We prayed that it will stay that way throughout the day. 

It was many years ago when I last travelled through this part of Batu Pahat. That was before the launch of the North-South Expressway, I thing around the 1980's. Especially this particular stretch from Batu Pahat where our family would travel on Hari Raya and school breaks to my dad's home town in Muar. The only landmark or gauge that I could identify during my elementary days will be no other than the hundreds of PARITs. These are vegetated drainage channels, built ages ago. I think due to Muar's flat geographical location, these structures used to avoid floods and tides from the coast line. 

Day 2 - The Three States In A Go

Parit Yusof, Parti Bakar, Parit Jawa, Parit Keroma and Parit Sakai are among the ones that I can still remember. Also my favourites places to catch the fighting fish. But now, approaching Muar via Jalan Temenggong Ahmad, we can only find more 'Taman' instead of 'Parit'. By bicycle today, I can venture myself back down memory lane admiring what was left of the 'Parit's.

It is a 55 kilometre stretch off-the-beaten-track. What used to be a trunk road connecting these two major towns, now only serve the locals. The road was nice, shady and cooling and lack of traffic. Once in a while, cooling strong wind would blow us away awaken from our day dreams. We took turn pacing the 12 of us in a single file train. Kampung by kampung we passed. Parit by parit. 

By now, I started to get to know a few of the new friends besides Kicok, Kepet, Ipin, Panglima, Afiq, Awi and Toing. They were Awe the DIY guy, Raffi the GDC member and Yen with his legendary Proton T-Sprint Carbon. Then there were also Mattop, Achap and Ieow as our trusted logistics. And of course Didique the awesome cameraman.

We had an unscheduled stop at Sekolah Kebangsaan Parit Pechah when we saw the students were having their morning assembly. The teachers were kind enough to welcome our out-reached and wish us good luck.

Our first out-reach at Sek. Keb. Parit Pechah

It was a no-stop at Muar due to the busy streets and we picked the most historical spot for a group photo, no other than at the top of the Muar Bridge. Then it was a pit-stop at Tanjung Agas before we continued our way into the historical state of Malacca.

Kepet led the way from Sungai Rambai to Merlimau and Umbai towards Malacca Town. We had a treat of awesome 'asam pedas' Melaka for lunch at Kedai Kopi Haji Husin, his brother's stall in Peringgit area. And the dilemma started creeping in after a belly load of 'asam pedas' and heavy eyes in the mid-afternoon weather.

Muor or also known as Bandar Maharani

Johore-Malacca Border. One more to go

Asam Pedas Peringgit, Malacca

We dragged ourselves away from the lunch table, crawling towards our bikes and half heartedly leaving Kedai Kopi Haji Husin. It was only 95 kilometres and we have yet another 70 to go. And half of the day have already gone.

The next stretch of feat will be the Pantai Klebang and Tanjung Kling. Kepet suggested a local favourite coconut shake at Klebang. Too bad, the queue was long. We had no time. I haven't the slightest joy of wanting to view the sea when we passed by Tanjung Kling. It was windy for sure.

Then, the road starts rolling as we approach Sungai Udang. This was where the strength game started playing again, just like yesterday. We got separated when I saw Kepet was struggling up some climbs. I decided to pace him. However, it didn't quite work out for me either. Due to the slow spin up inclines, my quads started to protest too. Painful cramp attacks occurred twice up two climbs. I am fortunate to have Kepet, Afiq and Ipin with me. We shared some nonsense jokes served with a packet of sweet jackfruit while the pain subsides. That was at the highest peak near the Sungai Udang Forest Reserve. Lucky la it was cooling from the forest.

Kepet decided to take a detour towards Tanjung Bidara road for a quick visit at his school. While we were at it, an interested lady caught our peloton and started interviewing. And another out-reach achieved. Alhamdulillah.

The route from Tanjung Bidara via Kuala Sungai Baru and Kuala Linggi took us back to the coastal side. The sun began to set. The whole picture of Pengkalan Balak turned orange. If only I had my touring bike, the pace would be slower allowing me to indulge into the beautiful creation.

Again the peloton split up. And yet again the 'splinters' not sprinters, were left with our own camaraderie. However, we noticed that Kuala Linggi, is the border between Malacca and Negeri Sembilan. And that is a good sign. Teluk Kemang, our destination for the day is 20 kilometres away. Until then, it was like riding on familiar ground. We passed by Eagle Ranch and Tiara Beach Resort and the cranking was more energetic. We picked up Achap along the way who seemed struggling and paced each other till the end. Mattop was the usual car pacer too. It was almost dark at 6.30 p.m. I was starving and I need replenishment ASAP. After solat, we dug in for an early dinner or should I call it late tea.

It rained during the night. How fortunate. Dined for the second time (pardon me for the appetite) below our hotel and pampered this fatigue body to bed. 

MFMC Tour - Day 1

First of all, the followings are mostly personal stuff and personal encounters that I've experience throughout my outing with these good souls on their good quest. So, most of my writings does not represent any of their organisations. It is just a plain sharing notes that Insyaa Allah we hope could also put across the message.

I volunteered to join this tour, in support for fellow friends that have created the Mission For Missing Children (MFMC) group. This is their big awareness campaign among others. And it's kind of doable to join considering some logistics issues which seems to me to be feasible. They started from Woodlands, which is only a haul away from my mom's place. And I planned only to ride with them until the third day, which is up to Kuala Lumpur Stage.

From our hectic Friday at work, we only managed to leave KL late evening. Traffic was bad from the long weekend break, hence adding more challenge and only to arrive in JB at 2.30 a.m. Hitting the sack that late, we prayed that the Day-1 ride will be OK.

MFMC Tour Day 1 - Woodlands to Batu Pahat

I skipped the plan to enter Singapore in the early morning and reverted to meet them in JB soil instead. The official flag-off venue was at a Nur Ikhsan Trading, a local bike shop in Taman Perling whom decided to chip in their support for the tour. Some local medias were also around to get coverage of the mission tour. 

Another local cycling group, Golden Dream Cycling was also there with up to about 20 members decided to join the first day ride all the way to Batu Pahat. It was great to meet up with some old friends from the South.

South Park Gang still can smirk small smiles

Do some work for the peloton...konon. Pic by Didique

Weather was pretty much sunny and we didn't expect that the route will put up a great challenge. The planned route was to take all west coast road up to the north. Hence, from JB we headed westerly towards the coastal town of Pontian.

Upon reaching the west coast line JKR Route 5, we were straight away greeted with great propulsion of wind gush. Headwinds mostly. And it was not easy. A cyclist's nightmare. Besides scorching sun, steep long climbs and daredevil descends. It may seemed like there's too many nightmares but you can't find an ideal hobby. It comes with a tax.

Hot and windy. The almost straight and flat Route 5 led us for almost 65 kilometres along the southern west coast of the Peninsular. There were mostly patches of kampung houses, small scale industry yards and palm oil plantations. Not quite a picturesque route but it was interesting for a different kind of perspective besides the normal weekend cycling roads.

The angels are the stalls and sundry shops along the way. The fruit stalls selling pulasan. We skipped that. Sundry shop with dried salty fish on a bench. We checked in for a bottle of sugar replenishment and a durian flavoured ice cream. The last one was the crowd puller. I think it was the most ideal location for a sugar-cane juice stall in the district of Batu Pahat at the correct time. That was before we break for lunch at Restoran Nasi Ayam Ali in Rengit, Batu Pahat. The all time favourite was Nasi Ayam Sambal, but we can't afford to indulge due to bloat and over thirst.

One of the Raptors

Soul savior. Rengit Most Wanted

Right after lunch, it was the hottest part of the day. And the wind went away, leaving everything static like the old town of O.K. Corral (these should come together with the OST and the sound of an eagle in the background).

As we leave the discreet place, we were straight away welcomed with a rolling path. Ups and downs, plunging the ever fatigue quads and calves. With the afternoon heat thrown in and the fume from busier streets, we were like zombies on wheels. The end is nearing but the cramps and fatigues crept in at most of the members creating killing fields along the road. The taste of plain or mineral drinks can no more quench our thirsts. Coke and 100 Plus will just adds up to the bloating belly.

It was 115 kilometres in total but the torment was like a century. Reaching the hotel in Batu Pahat at almost 6.00 p.m. and we were just in time to clean ourselves for dinner before the body starts showing signs of shutting down.

Oasis

I have to be honest, the men of the day and the biggest applause have to be given to the 4X4 Raptor Team. They are the JB's 4X4 Club whom have taken the oath of escorting, supporting and marshalling our first day tour. They have handsomely done their job miraculously with a FIVE thumbs up from me. You guys are awesome.

Thumbs Up to The Raptors

I barely move a muscle right after dinner once it was time for hibernation. The body were craving for a good rest and the day to come will be another test. Some new friends were made today, hopefully a fellowship will be created soon.

Day 1 via JKR Route 5

Something For A Reason

Hey! Let's start the year with something healthy...like cycling to your favourite FOOD joint. Nasi lemak ikan semilang Lenggeng Most Wanted was on the menu for our first ride of 2014. Sihat nya la haiii...well at least there's something to look forward to. I don't celebrate new year with parties & such, but being thankful & praise to Him is just another way for being given the chance to live another day or another year. So, don't stop praising & stay out of bad stuff.

Check out their links

In the next short while into January, I have some cycling plans already. In a week time, I'll be participating in an awareness campaign ride. The Mission For Missing Children tour ride this weekend, 11-17 January 2014. The tour will take campaigners from Singapore to Hatyai, Thailand via the west coast road of Peninsular Malaysia.

These enthusiast cyclists are among our friends, athletes, triathletes, weekend warriors whom have the feeling that kids/children are gems that are given to us. Gems that should not be neglected. Gems that should not be taken for granted by our selfishness nor carelessness. These fellow people are attempting this campaign to make the world & especially our own country a safe place for kids.

Details of each route for each day as follows:

Day 1 - 11th January 2014 (Sat)

Woodlands to Batu Pahat (via Pontian)

137.1km

Day 2 - 12th January 2014 (Sun)

Batu Pahat to Teluk Kemang (via Kuala Sungai Baru)

169.4km

Day 3 - 13th January 2014 (Mon)

Teluk Kemang to Kuala Selangor (via Morib)

152.2km

School visit: Sekolah Kebangsaan Teluk Kemang (tentative)

Day 4 - 14th January 2014 (Tue)

Kuala Selangor to Sitiawan (via Hutan Melintang)

145.1km

Day 5 - 15th January 2014 (Wed)

Sitiawan to Semanggol (via Changkat Jering)

98.7km

School visit: Sekolah Kebangsaan Simpang Empat, Sitiawan (tentative)

Day 6 - 16th January 2014 (Thur)

Semanggol to Bukit Kayu Hitam (via Guar Cempedak)

210.1km

Day 7 - 17th January 2014 (Fri)

Bukit Kayu Hitam to Hatyai

66.1km

School visit: Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Kayu Hitam (tentative)

Total distance ard 979km or 1100km.

They will be distributing flyers, car stickers and other campaign stuffs throughout this journey. Targeting public places, schools, food stalls or whatever places that can be reached. This is a self funded tour, hence we'll be keeping our budget low at the moment.

Oh! I will only joining them for the first three days, that's all I can afford to support these angels. Insyaa Allah with good purpose, may all with smooth sailing (cycling).

If you're around the area, drop by to say Hi!

Crash and not burnt

Counting backwards, it's 16 days without mishaps. Alhamdulillah. Going back 3 weeks ago, I was doing back to back cycling. The crazy suffering ride to Part Dickson from home on Sunday, and a comeback to Bukit Kiara doing the full loop on Tuesday. That was the first day of Muharram. Physically it was taxing that it took throughout the three days until the weekend to recover. But came Sunday, the short ride up Genting Sempah was miracle. The muscles showed signs of strength. I was flying...

...perhaps this is a bit exaggerate

...but so was my descending. A mere 15 minutes rolling down from the peak, I hit the deck. Hard. It was pain again since my motorbike crash in 2008. The road rash was the worse part to deal with. It was split second at the crest of the corner, the rear wheel slides and my last thought was gritting the pain over my left cheek. My left face was red covered in blood. My right hand as well. My chest was in pain, so was my thorn jersey and bib. 

The remaining descending seemed endless while the corners seemed doubling up. Tackling those crests doubled the effort with pain at bay. I can't think more than the next cause of action of dealing with the wounds.

Azahari suggested the first aid treatment should be at the Hospital Orang Asli Gombak. Alhamdulillah the procedure was zero hassle having to have dearest lovely nurse cleaning up the wounds and a jab up my sleeve.

The rest was a week on medical leave and despair. And another week of work piles. However, I didn't lost my spirit. Looking forward for another weekend after recovery.

I'll make sure precaution is priority

The highlight of the week was planned to being dirty playing mud and dirt with buddies for a ride into Kemensah. It has been ages since our visit and we kept on wondering for its existence. Plans were laid out towards the weekend, but not until Friday evening when Amir decided to ring the bell. He made a request for me to usher him for Sunday's school sports day. 

"Abang masuk 3 acara tau ayah." And I wouldn't want to miss these. I've missed some of his soccer matches but this is no exception. A few messages threw across the whatsapp board and we are good to go for Sunday.

Back in my mind was also to substitute my ride. I had no choice but to do it on Saturday which is a seldom thing. I need a mid-size ride after 2 weeks idling. And I was also contemplating to do one at the same time since Friday would normally be a hectic day till night and a Saturday ride would be creating more lactic acids equals suffering.

Browsing for a last minute group ride, BJCC would normally ride on Saturday and they planned for Kuala Klawang from Batu 18. Blessed. I chose to join them, but still before I hit the sack, I was still hesitant.

I had to do this. Left home and drove to Batu 18. That would be abnormal, but I had to be there in time for the roll-off at 7.30 a.m. It rained in the wee hours, resulting to a very cold morning in the small town Batu 18 and English climate up in Genting Peras. 

The torment started straight after the descending towards Titi, the 20km ride to Kuala Klawang and back (the breakfast session was of course OK), the ride back to Titi, the climb back up to Genting Peras and back to Batu 18. A combo of 10% pleasure and 90% torture. That was a wrap and I spent the rest of the day sleeping it over with very tight hamstring.

OK. The actual highlight was the sports day. Amir did 3 events! I tell you, this guy is a master in doing these kind of stuff. The ones that does not require 5 minutes or longer staring at books. The psycho-motto thing is superb for him and I don't have the slightest idea where he get it from. I don't do sports day or football friendlies in my hey days. Not until I was in the 20s. But Amir excels without even knowing his age boundary.

For the first time I came across hurdles at a primary school sports day. 80m hurdle for the first event and I saw him at the first lane. He was strong throughout but the last hurdle caught his stride and he toppled. Lucky it was on the field. I knew he was crying from the frustration and not from the fall, but when I saw his team mates comforted his way back to the team tent, I decided to let him grow and deal with the fall as an athlete.

I missed his winning 200 meter dash while I was away awhile but KakLong was there to cheer his victory. I bet that it was a priceless moment.

The grand finale was the 4 x 100 meter dash. Favourites. Amir was the second runner. When he received the baton, the Blue Team was second. But he managed to be first at the last 20 meter before passing the baton to the third runner. However, a small accident happened between the runners and the baton fell from the third runners grip. Then, they were second in position again. But they kept the strength and maintained the place till the end. Alhamdullillah.

I am proud of this fella. A 2 minutes pep talk earlier in the morning in the car was my only chance that he understands winning and losing is not about luck, but plain effort, prayers and Allah almighty's bless. 

"Losses are just another way of Allah's decision to give us something better. Winning is also Allah's way to tell us that we can only ask from Him and no other."

The 4x100 Blue Team feveret. Sorang lagi pi beli air sirap

Hat yang ni iklan...tapi champion in the making
cuma belum tau speciality

Bapaknya dapat naik 1 kali je podium tu :P

Naufal, our jiran missed his 2nd runner up long jump medal

Mission for Sri Gandos

Without any event commitments until year end, a few of us who are free to do anything have been planning to attempt the Kampung Sumpitan climb. What was so legend about this climb by local cyclists be it the pros or simply weekend warriors had us craving for the experience. They called it the 'Bukit Magnet'.

Right after our Hatyai cycling trip few months back, we have started planning for this. After so many adjustments to our calendar year, we pushed ahead with it though with less miles in the legs. Al-maklum the month of Syawal had us stalled from cycling. Alasan...

The usual suspects, the ones from Hatyai. Ordinary fathers & husbands on weekdays and the food-hunter-on-2-wheels on weekends.

We left KL on Friday evening after settling all routines. Escaping the city Friday traffic was something that we looked forward to. Nonetheless, we find the North-South Express-way was also busy up to Ipoh. How come eh?

We reached Selama, Perak somewhere after mid night and hit the sack hoping for a good rest from the drive and for the tasking day ahead.

Selama, a district in Perak still keep its heritage. The small town and kampung climate brought peaceful thoughts into me. The smell of traditional breakfast cuisine filled the air as we cruised through town on our bikes. The busy morning market by the road side definitely will do great in a shutter bug's lens.

We headed towards the first obstacle, so called Bukit PLKN. The three brothers altogether with increment gradient at each climb. Short but steep with the sun shine on our foreheads. Best of all, the sound of primates from nearby wilderness cheered our way up. Epic.

Killer Loop

The next civilization was Kampung Masjid. Such a peaceful place providing the beauty old kampung scene, quiet and serene. I wish one of this plot is mine. A quick pit stop for a quick taste of kuih Jawa and apam from the local stall tossed around before we left for the next bigger thing.

Just as we took the left turn, the gradient abruptly changed. As if like the board game Snake and Ladder awaits, only without the ladder. Maybe Snake and Bike. The combination of bends and inclines were spectacular. I don't why, but these crazy dudes simply seek for these kind of torment.

Even the pros and grand tours throw in mountain stages as part of the tour speciality menu. Hence, we are weird for talking nonsense about elevation and gradients in our everyday conversation.

The climb spread out for almost 13 km without recoveries. It was bad and ugly. But the shades from the forest canopies was cooling and beautiful. The ferns were gorgeous. I kept on being guided by the gradient readings from the cyclometer. An average of 7-8%. The steepest was 17% and we welcomed it with a roar and disbelieve. The most obvious thing about this climb is how heavy we felt attempting to churn and turn the crank. Abnormally heavy. Any paranormal or scientific explanation for it?

A celebration awaits at the peak. Just a few short post mortem for the completion of the task. The roll down towards Lenggong was a point of no return. Similar to the descending from Peres peak down to Titi. Likewise from Janda Baik to Bentong.

The descending was tricky at some part where steep and sharp bends held our breath for abrupt manoeuvrability. The way we descended through the gradient, we were also held up by the thought of climbing it on our way back.

As we reached the cross junction at Jalan Baling-Kuala Kangsar, Route 76, the open sky awaits. The sun shone bright while the road open up for the next 20 km rolling. That was where my old friend 'migraine' strike. I guess it was due to the super hot weather. The joy was kept aside, I only aimed for the next stop which was Restoran Tasik Raban.

Neglecting the pain, I dug in with the rest, indulging ourselves with the lucrative lunch menu of Tenggalan, Talapia and deep fried Keli. Fish dish is a must here. A revisit is another must.

Heavily discussed over lunch about our ride back, we decided to ditch the suffer party of having to climb back Sumpitan from Lenggong. Assuming it would be a disaster for most of us. We opted to circle around this so called Perak State backbone towards the south for a more flatter route. By calculation, that should take us another 100 km more, which will  sum up the total ride distance for this epic to 178 km. Migraine some more!

We had no choice and the majority have spoken. My head was too weak to digest deeper into the options, I just hooked on. The following 20 km towards Lubok Merbau junction was another killing field. Every time it started to incline upwards and when the legs started cranking, the blood started flooding the head and delivered excruciating pain. At times I almost shed tears holding it up. As we entered Lubok Merbau, that was where I threw in my towel, and decided to ditch my bike up on the support car and rest my head.

This small peloton took us through Padang Rengas - Changkat Jering - Taiping via Jalan Air Kuning - Kamunting and back to Selama. I was on and off the bike, but mostly off when the pain crept in again. The tour through these part of Perak was awesome. In fact, we also got chance to cycle along the famous and cooling Taiping Lake Garden. At that point, I felt like we were the urban fixies type pulak.

Enroute towards Selama, we stopped in the middle of nowhere (since I haven't been to this place before) for solat at Pondok Tanjung. Peaceful kampung enveloped us back again with lush greenery of palm oil alongside the new Keretapi Tanah Melayu double track.

Finally we managed to conclude our epic after almost 10 hours on the saddle (for most of us and exclude me) reaching back Kampung Guru, Selama at 6.30 p.m. feeling beaten up but the Sri Gandos awaits. All in all, it was this local delicacy that funded our motivation to attempt this epic ride.

Route A6 of the Bukit Sumpitan