MH Jamboree 360

Organizing memang 'A'. Thumbs up!

Untuk tahun 2013, ni lah event mountain bike pertama yang aku sign. Tanpa sebarang kerja-kerja letihan off road, aku bedal.com aje. Al-maklum busy mencari milage dengan road rides. Sekurang-kurangnya ada la sedikit bekalan stamina. Lagi pun, sekali sekala kena jugak test kemampuan. Macam ujian bulanan anak-anak di sekolah gak. Alhamdullillah.

Tapi musibat berlaku tanpa mengenal bau. Lain sikit ayat. Selalu orang buh “malang tak berbau”. Aku rasa Allah nak test or maybe jugak balasan cash akibat aku start bukan di tempat official. Padan muka akuuu…

Seawal 6.30 pagi aku dah ketemu Azmar di tepi jalan depan Minlon sebab nak konvoi untuk ke venue & collect goodies. First time masuk Kota Warisan, selalunya lalu depan je. Tak sangka banyak jugak rumah & kedai-kedai yang dah occupied. Trail mtb sure memang dijangka ada punya sebab ladang kelapa sawit yang terbentang luas memang adat trail jamboree kat Malaysia.

Start line kat atas bukit. Kalau hangpa lalu main road Dengkil-Salak Tinggi, sure boleh nampak tulisan putih besaq Kota Warisan kat tepi bukit depa buat. Haaa…kat situ lah. Disebabkan jumlah peserta hampir mencecah 1500 orang, cubaan menyelit di belakang Start Line dah agak mustahil. Lantas aku & rakan-rakan decide untuk mula dari bawah aje di mana jalan lebih luas & kurang kesesakan.

Ramai tu boh!

Sebaik peloton hadapan melintas kami, aku teruih cangkuk. Memang sah laju kepala keretapi mountain bike ni. Sekali sekala aku cuba menjeling meter, terkezut jugak aku tengok speed mencecah 35 km/j!!! Tu dia aih! Maybe sebab atas jalanraya lagi. Selepas 5km, bermulanya off-road. Itu pun aku dok perasan speed masih boleh maintain 32 km/j!!!

Off-road peringkat permulaan agak lapang dan permukaan jalan masih rata. Tapi sebaik memasuki canopy ladang kelapa sawit dan bermulanya jalan sedikit mendaki, permukaan dah mula 100% off-road condition. Loose rocks & tebing jalan yang terhakis. Even siap ada parit melintang.

Kalau kayuh santai dengan kawan-kawan over the weekend mungkin keadaan tidak begitu risky tapi dalam kumpulan sebegini ramai dengan kelajuan yang ‘Ma shaa Allah’ punya laju, kesilapan yang sekecil kuman boleh mengakibatkan dunia ini terbalik seketika. Hahaha!

Tang parit melintang at 45 degree tu lah Yang Berbahagia ini telah bertukar menjadi Yang Tergedodos! Aku follow rapat rider depan, tidak kurang satu kaki jarak tayar depan aku & tayar belakang dia. Keadaan yang mula mendaki menyebabkan pace attack bukit berlaku. Rider depan lepas parit tapi aku tidak. Kuang! Kuang! Kuang!

Maka aksi James Bond telah bertukar menjadi aksi Jebon. Handlebar aku terlipat sebab tersangkut dalam parit & aku terhempas aksi Silambam melebamkan sebelah kanan badan. Adeh! Penuh tanah dari lengan sampai ke kaki. Kaki kanan masih tersangkut di pedal, slow-slow aku tanggalkan. Rasa perit-perit sikit je tapi aku kurang ambil perhatian. Kayuhan perlu diteruskan sebab aku rasa aku masih gagah. Boleh ke?

Slow-slow aku bangun dan dirikan basikal semula. Riders masih menderu-deru melepasi aku dengan kelajuan yang menggerunkan. Aku menanti peluang untuk masuk balik dalam peloton. Ada 5 saat aku tunggu & terdapat bukaan, terus seriaaap! Aku masuk & sambung attack bukit semula.

Slow-slow juga keperitan dah mula amplified. Macam ada amplifier pulak dalam badan ni. Maybe otak aku dah mula hantar message rasional bahawa terdapat kecederaan yang perlu diambik perhatian. Sambil-sambil aku assess injury. Dari siku sampai ke tangan terdapat calar yang agak nampak brutal. Darah dah mula mengalir & luka dah mula bercampur peluh lantas menghantar message ‘nyut! Nyut! Nyut!’. Adeh! Pedih!

2XU syariah compliance compression tight aku pun dah kelihatan lubang di lutut sebesar biji kacang hijau. Adeh! Lutut pun terasa pedih, harap tak luka kronik.

Ride pace di dalam group depan ni boleh tahan chun. Setelah beberapa kilometer kayuhan, aku dapati masing-masing dah mula menjaga pace yang sustainable. Takde lagi terdapat attack di bukit. Begitu juga tatkala menuruni bukit. Ketinggian bukit yang kami daki berbeza-beza. Ada yang ciput pendek je tapi curam dan ada jugak yang sayup mata memandang. Siap zig-zag lagi. Ada jugak yang kreatif tu siap jerit pulak dari atas. Adeh!

Part downhill pun boleh tahan mencabar. Bukan sebab teknikal sangat tapi sebab kelajuan dan permukaan trail yang menghamparkan batu-batu pecah dan hakisan. Agak bahaya sekiranya hilang tumpuan dan yang 50-50.

Setiap kali aku sampai di CP, aku akan cuci luka dengan air mineral yang diberi setelah meneguk membasahkan tekak. Ye betul! Keeping up with the pace memang menyebabkan tahap dahaga yang boleh tahan kronik. Tapi aku tidak menghabiskan masa yang lama di setiap CP. Paling koman 2-3 saat togak air pehtu ciao.

Dah puas mengharung trail kelapa sawit, kami redah pulak single track di celah-celah semak mana entah. Aku follow aje orang depan sebab takde ruang memotong. Lagi pun pace kami semua lebih kurang sama. Sebaik keluar dari semak samun, jalan pasir tanah terbentang luas menuju ke jalanraya berturap. Jarak kayuhan baru mencecah 30km dengan masa kayuhan menghampiri 2 jam. Aku jangka mungkin ada satu lagi loop off-road yang akan diredah tapi sebaik aku berselisih dengan Azmar, aku difahamkan yang kayuhan dah hampir habis. Leeeer!

Once masuk jalanraya, kami diarahkan menuju semula ke arah garisan penamat (start line tadi gak). Berdesup aku layan tapi seat post pulak lama-lama menurun. Adeh! Takde masa nak stop untuk adjust. Aku layan aje setakat yang mampu sampai ke penghabisan. Alhamdullillah.

Second notification aku terima dari otak apabila pinggul kanan (term yang paling baik aku boleh fikirkan buat masa ni) aku terasa sakit. Mula-mula aku ingatkan sebab seatpost rendah tapi mungkin juga hasil aksi Jebon tadi. Sengals!

Dengan penuh sopan santun aku capai se-tin minuman Red Bull dari gadis Red Bull (ngeh! Ngeh! Ngeh!) dan slow-slow aku teguk penuh rasa kepuasan & kesyukuran sambil aku perhati panorama sekeliling.

Nampak gaya hasil dari sesi letihan hujung minggu yang lepas-lepas mampu menyediakan platform untuk aku maintain kayuhan intensity tinggi dalam jamboree ni. Alhamdullillah dengan nikmat yang dikurniakan. Dan Alhamdullillah juga takde injury yang lebih serious dari itu.

Namun, badan kali ni betul punya rasa letih hasil dari intensiti kayuhan. Asal nak bangun dari duduk sure muka mula 'tersenyum' kerana pinggul ku yang sengal dan tangan yang pedih. Adeh!

Pinjam neh dari CM Magazine.
Jebon oren sebelah kanan :]

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!

ROTM - Sungai Tengiiiiii

The regular Sunday ride-day was adjusted to give way for some family rescheduling. Hence, the weekend came just in time for BJCC’s Ride of the Month (ROTM) on Saturday. Nice pick I guess. The destination was Sungai Tengi and back from the usual Bukit Jelutong RV point. The distance that should cover is 165km.

However, as usual the crazy ideas had us made some alterations where Alwin and I decided to start from his place in Subang instead. That will be an extra 11km one way. And the final figure was beyond our imagination until we discover it at the end of the ride.

The thing that I don’t prefer to spend my weekend workout is to travel away from my place too often especially on Saturday. The afternoon traffic will be as tiring as the ride itself. Perhaps this would be an exception. Sekali sekala takpe la kots.

Right after solat, the travelling begins and I was 5 minutes off due to nature’s call…for the second time that morning! Can you believe that? Nervous la kots.

We got the tires rolling as soon as everything’s in order. With a century distance to attempt, no compromise is required. Saturday morning traffic have started making its way especially at Batu Tiga. Once we entered Bukit Jelutong and reached the RV point, there were almost about 50 cyclists will be joining the ROTM.

We didn’t have to wait long for the train to start charging, leaving Bukit Jelutong and into Guthrie Expressway. It was a very long train and I place myself safely in the middle of the pack, where the pace was manageable.

The usual GCE distance was taken until we met LATAR continuing towards Ijok. I didn’t have my heart rate reading yet for the ride hence a more subtle approach i.e. huffing & puffing method was used. As long as I can catch up and stay in a conversation mode, which was fine with me.

The day has started to shine bright, a sign that is going to be a roasting ride back later. Roast duck anyone?

Once after Ijok town for refill, we turned at the first left, which was basically a new venture for me at this part of Selangor. We were briefed that it’s going to be a 30km brutal flat as a pancake and straight as an arrow stretch. It really was!

The agony was not the flat and continuous pedaling without coasting, but the boredom and monotonous that started creeping in after the first hour. There was not even single scenery that we can enjoy for the minimal pleasure that we seek. It was definitely creepy and sleepy at the same time, but we can’t afford to fall off our bike and create disaster in the middle of a cruising speed peloton.

There was a bit of rolling towards the end before we slump our bikes and butts for a pre-booked breakfast at the so called Felda Sungai Tengi small town. It was a bit dragging when the meal stop took almost 45 minutes though.

It was obvious that we saw some nervous face wreck and worried look in the peloton as we started pedaling back. The scorching sun has started playing the hot tune of coastal humid wind. The ride back towards Ijok was modest where most of us stuck in the tame peloton. The headwinds grew stronger compared to the morning breeze.

We checked in at Petronas Ijok for refills and lying around inside the aircondition petrol station. Outside, it was nothing more than pain scenes. There was more pain than pleasure from this point onward. This was the part that ‘we bite more than we chew’ thing, and had to live through it.

Unfortunately the peloton didn’t stay together as we left Ijok. Hell broke loose when some of the stronger ones decided to crank it hard. My mistake was to get tangled up with them at the first sight of the ‘temple climb’…(no! not Temple Run). The acceleration was ridiculous for me to follow, hence I decided to be a bit wiser by letting go and recover.

The problem when pushing the red zone too long, it took a bit longer to recover. The panting was endless, legs barely respond to any passing small pelotons. Argh! And that was the worse place to get yourself in agony, the 15km stretch between the ‘’temple’ to GCE exit. Traffic was menacing the dusty road and the grime started piercing into the system. Not good.

Eventually the pain slowly eased and recovery seemed possible for another torment via GCE. Mathematically there should be about 5 inclines, painful ones, due to its length and creepy sight. Secondly, the time and wind condition adds up to the formula.

We formed a small group and followed our own pace which was down to basic pedaling, slow! The ups and downs were solitude. Halfway through we decided to take a break at the GCE rest area for some replenishment. Coke!

Alwin and me departed from the group as they left towards Bukit Jelutong. I was plainly determined to just finish the ride. Back to Batu Tiga and up Glenmarie (who put this incline here?!) and into Subang. A subtle attack of cramp occurred when I was leaving a traffic junction but it slowly subsides moments later. Still, it was painful.

We sank ourselves under Alwin’s car porch almost paralyzed by the extreme heat. Slightly above century distance, it was crazy but still somewhat awesome and a pinching pain. The trusty number was 173km in 6 hours 8 minutes. 

Off the beaten track

Titi was just perfect

We hardly decide where to ride for the weekend after the CNY adrenalin EPO, but we knew that we cringe for more. A last minute decision was made and the word Titi though seems like a mountain to climb but the merry of the buddies attracted most of us to hop in.

It was like a weekend joy train when four of us rolled off from BTHO, later met up with four more at Batu 9 streaking a long eight cyclist into Ulu Langat on Sunday deserted road. By the time we halted at Batu 14, we have ten and the pace was kept descend to allow conversation and jokes across. Some of us decided to start early from Batu 18 hoping that the train will catch up along the way up Peres, which we did actually.

The plan was to ride down to Titi stall for breakfast and turn back for the bumptious 13km climb up to Peres. The ride was supposed to be a ‘thin red line’ kind of ride where there’s no telling whether it is pain or pleasure. But, trust me; by the end of it, you’ll be craving for the next ride already. Spicy!

When we have matured cyclists in a group ride, ride ethics, pace, timing and everything seems to fall into place like a flow of sugar into a jar. As a result, we have the perfect ride. Regrouping was cut short, and even meal time was just about nice for the ride back. Best of all, these old buddies are simply neutral minded without a speck of sentiment found. Isn’t that awesome?

OK. As prescript, the adventure started from the bridge that borders between the leveled earth and the inclines. Titi-Peres climb are awesome for its heartbreaking average 9% as soon as the pedal start its first stroke. And in between the 13km stretch, we have the mercy of some recovery stretches to relax those burning quads. The essence of it is not to drill oneself or attack like there’s no tomorrow. Plus, you have to get that perfect cadence for the ‘flow’ of eternity. Patience, virtue plus the help of an old engine like Jens Voight’s was just the best remedy to finish it with smiles grinning from ear to ear.

Yes, we have that. The smiley faces from all of us. That defines clearly how perfect it was plus the ‘the thin red line’ thing as well. I am thankful, Alhamdullillah that almost all those long ride did before had the full mercy of weather. It could be a turnaround should the overcast dispersed replaced by the streaking sun. And it isn’t pretty. Still, I have those zebra stripes across my arm.

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.

Broga Pondan...Power!

Kononnya momentum kayuhan dah OK selepas buat 2-3 trip naik turun bukit bukau. So, bila ada kaum petik untuk kayuhan yang sedikit lebih mencabar, hati ini teruja untuk ber-jimba dengan kaki yang gatal ni. Depa pi petik Broga Pondan, tapi start dari BTHO. Itu bermaksud extra hampir 30km from the original loop. Maka, ride Broga Pondan Power diberi nama. Siap…!

Walaupun hanya laungan di kalangan kaum TOK aje, tapi plan kayuhan telah didengari para pengayuh basikal tegar sekitar Lembah Klang. Dapat dikumpul pada pagi tersebut hampir 15 orang yang akan menduga ketabahan jiwa. Boleh tahan jugak sambutan. Ada beberapa muka yang baru dikenali selain yang regulars.

Aku tak tau kenapa, tapi jarang kali aku attempt Broga dengan hati yang betul-betul tenang & penuh  keyakinan. Ada la satu kali aje kot yang betul-betul aku puas hati, tapi most of it memang suffer ala-cendol basi. Maka, pagi tersebut debaran kembali & hati mula goyang sebaik sahaja melepasi Gerai Anje Batu 18. Kaki rasa kurang respon positif dan pernafasan bergelora bagai tsunami. Petanda kurang bagus.

Sebaik mendaki laluan Genting Peres, pace yang boleh dikatakan sesedap rasa beberapa hari lepas aku buat sudah agak sukar untuk aku kekalkan. Memantul je rasa kaki & breathing. Halfway up, aku lepaskan tali cangkuk dari Alwin dan decide untuk follow pace se-kelat rasa.

Group of 15 ini hampir sama pace, maka regrouping di puncak Peres tak mengambil masa yang terlalu lama. Less than 5 minutes, kami berduyun-duyun turun ke arah Titi melepasi titik penyesalan yang bakal tiada noktah.

Jelas terbukti aku masih dalam mode training, di mana tatkala aku duduk dalam peloton, aku mampu mengukir senyuman dengan speed 37km/j. Tetapi sebaik aje terima giliran untuk menarik, kaki bagaikan kelu dan bertahan untuk 1 minit sahaja dah bagaikan penyeksaan yang teramat panjang.

Cabaran yang lebih tegar menanti sebaik kami ‘refuel’ di Petronas Kuala Klawang dan mengharungi turun-naik Kampung Jelebu menghala ke kaki Bukit Tangga. Papantanda tempat perkelahan Jeram Toi menandakan perkelahan kami bakal bermula dengan penyesalan.

Kaki masih dalam mode protest. Seorang demi seorang melepasi aku dengan perancangan untuk hanya melayan respon kaki yang masih dalam pembikinan. Cuaca agak damai tatkala memulakan pendakian, namun bertukar menjadi tikaman menusuk jiwa dalam separuh perjalanan naik. Seingat aku, zaman mula-mula aku dapat C24 dulu, pencapaian terbaik aku di sini. Selamba aje naik dengan senyum. Tapi itu je sekali. Pencapaian lain diibarat macam terkapai-kapai hado!

Regrouping di kaki bukit di simpang sebelum ke Lenggeng. Hanya Alwin & Nizam kelihatan di puncak Bukit Tangga menunggu aku selain mengambil nafas recovery. Aku hanya lalu tanpa berhenti sambil mengajak depa turun terus bagi menjimatkan masa.

Bukit kedua ialah Bukit Mandom. Bukit ini juga yang tiada belas kasihan (tatabahasa aku pun dah caca-merba). Sudah mula kedengaran beberapa keluh kesah dari kawan-kawan yang melepasi aku. Termasuk juga aku, penyesalan dah tiada gunanya tapi sebaik sampai di pekan Lenggeng, it should be a bit better…kot.

Aku layan mendaki Bukit Mandom tanpa perasaan. Malas dah nak fikir. Mental hanya lebih focus kat nasi lemak ikan sembilang yang menanti perut yang sedikit berkeroncong.

Timing ride kami untuk kali ini agak cantek. Ketibaan kami di Kuala Klawang sekitar 10:30 pagi, dan kami Berjaya sampai di pekan Lenggeng sekitar jam 12:15 p.m. (itu pun waktu aku nak mula suap…maybe 5 minit awal). Alhamdullillah.

Perut kembali naik! Argh! Akibat nikmat suapan hidangan masakan kampong yang sejati. Lately memang aku banyak concern pasal perut ku yang dulu nya hanya sekadar sindiran sinis tapi bila berdiri depan cermin, memang saling tak tumpah macam kuali gulai kawah. Puiii…!

Bagi me-maintain-kan timing yang cantek, makan serupa bas express, 12:30 p.m. kami dah duduk atas basikal untuk meneruskan perjuangan ke stage yang seterusnya, iaitu mengharungi rolling route of Broga sehingga pekan Semenyih sekitar 20km. Kami cuba untuk berada dalam satu group sebaik mungkin dan ia agak berjaya. Tapi tatkala peloton bertukar menjadi tiupan angin ribut, memang kaki ini menjerit-jerit keperitan menahan untuk terus cangkuk bersama.

Seperti biasa Shell Semenyih menjadi refuel stop terakhir. Bukit bukau terakhir juga di Lebuhraya SILK bakal menambah jiwa yang sedang luka. Tahap bonk belum tiba tapi kaki masih seperti yo-yo dengan sekali sekala memberi respon positif dan sekali sekala respon manja nak kena ketuk baru dia nak pusing.

Kayuhan khatam dengan mengambil masa 5 jam 46 minit dengan jarak 146km! Mak aih! Patut la aku nyawa-nyawa ikan. Milage increase dengan drastic sekali boh! Tapi Alhamdullillah takde difficulty kronik dan semua sampai dengan muka puas. Aku perlu menambah kekuatan lagi…ngeh ngeh ngeh… ;]

The rolling hills between Selangor & N9

Dua and 3 Hills

The momentum just kicked in and I let myself play along. The rhythm is just nice with some family activities thrown in to make it merrier. Hence, the weekend is packed and solidified with awesome adventures and fun.

Approaching the OCBC Cyclethon for the kids, we didn’t prepare much. Only at the last minute, that particular Friday evening we were excited about it and ushered Amir and Umar for a spin around the block. With 3 laps and sprint intervals at each, in a fun way of course, we just hoped that it would be enough.

SK-2 Cross Country

Saturday morning was Amir’s school cross country run. His third year now and training was blatantly done during his soccer trainings at school and the evening soccer play with the neighborhood kids. We didn’t hope much but I reckoned that he has the legs for a placing. I was casually being there without raining him with pressure and just make sure he runs safely and smart. Deep inside, we understand that each of us had some expectation for success. Umar, as usual the biggest supporter when he requested to tag along.

As anticipated, it did turn out successfully though the waiting was a bit doubtful due to the time taken for Amir to arrive back at school and the number of kids finishing. He looked focused and strong charging towards the finishing line. He came back to me with satisfaction completing in third place! Alhamdullillah. We waited for the prize giving session and dashed back home for rest before the evening’s OCBC cyclethon.

Jr Toks

“Amir pakai strategi ayah bagitau. ‘Start slow & habis kuat’,” his quote over lunch and I respect him for holding to the advice. Kinda touching too.

OCBC Cycle Malaysia

Right after ibu came back home, we ventured into the Saturday afternoon traffic into KL town towards KLCC where OCBC cyclethon took place. Not quite a strategic venue though, since car parks and other logistic issues were the biggest challenge. Why didn’t they consider Putrajaya for such a lovely venue with beautiful landscapes and whole big roads for every cyclist?

Amir and Umars’ age category was scheduled to start at 3:15 p.m. However, upon arriving at the venue, we saw almost every kid had entered the holding bay and yet it was still an hour to go. They blew the horn early! Mere minutes after Amir and Umar got themselves in, the fun began with a bang! There were easily 50 little cyclists between 7-9 years old with all kinds bike. The atmosphere was so full of fun! Naufal, our neighbor and their best friend decided to tag along as supporter. And not forgetting KakLong thw whole life fan as well ;]

With the railings guiding them throughout the big circle in front of the Twin Tower, it was almost similar to a grand tour criterion stage, only a mini size one. The dashing and zooming of these little tots with big hearts was a great scene. We found our spot to cheer them along the course. Amir zoomed by with full concentration. He didn’t bother our shouts and cheers. Moments later Umar bobbing by on his undersized bike, upon hearing our cheers he found us and waved in excitement. So funny la this guy.

Konar baring or drift?!

Lead man

You're supposed to bite it, not suck it!

Yeay! Kami setuju esok kami tak akan kacau ayah ber-jimba!

Laps after laps, 4 altogether I counted, fatigue faces drooled in on everyone though some still have the courage to fight on. They completed the challenge and were guided towards the medal and drinks station. Such a very short adrenaline rushed for the kids as well as the spectators. Thumbs up guys!

3 Hills Backyard Ride

All the conundrums a day earlier was throttled at a manageable pace handling domestic tasks with tender loving. Sunday came totally for dad. The usual ‘kampung’ suspects planned for a smaller scale ala-Colmar ride. A short, localized non-travelling required and quick dash back home. We chose Bukit Sungai Tekali a.k.a. Bukit Hantu, Genting Peres and Bukit Ampang for the day’s menu, just nice for the climbing legs momentum workout.

Crowd was just nice. With 8 manageable buddies, we rolled off from the usual joint sharp at 7:30 a.m. Sunday traffic was light into Hulu Langat, only at the usual breakfast joints along the way. Quite a while since I went up Bukit Hantu, where the day’s first climb was managed at a slower pace reserving for latter.

The road was closed from traffic at the foot of the hill. Halfway up, we came upon a massive landslide that have taken away half of the pavement and the earth beneath it. Scary sight. The fall was too deep to survive which was almost the same magnitude that occurred to the road to Sungai Tekala.

Regrouping and down we went, heading towards Peres. Now the pace has throttled up and some decided to play catch. It was a fast climb and almost took most of my legs. We didn’t stay long since strong wind gushed through the Peres top chilling our sweaty form in seconds. The descending was fast too; basically everyone was synchronizing for the same thoughts for ‘roti canai’ at the usual Batu 18 stall.

After the ‘chase’ for ‘roti canai’, we had the bobbing idea about Bukit Ampang. 50-50.  Somebody rubbed salt to the wound some more when an idea came up to ditch the last climb. However, most of us were used to the pain from last week’s ride; hence we scaled Bukit Ampang under the knifelike sun. Though not as steep as Bukit Hantu, and not as long as Peres, the rising temperature adds up to the challenge. Legs almost jellied halfway up but it stood where it was supposed to be, on the pedal. Alhamdullillah.

Only four of us left to ride back to Batu 9 and BTHO. I had the privilege to draft one of the finest bikes and cyclists. I couldn’t recall who was doing the work up front but it was a good strong one, awesomely cruising at 30-ish km/hr. I just had my senses gone numbed and kept on revving ignoring the pain.

The ride back home was satisfaction concluded. We went for a group ride in a synchronized rhythm less the sentiment issue, enjoying the camaraderie in the same passion, or shall I say it was one awesome sentiment-free-ride! 

Sickness - Bukit Tinggi

The idea of attempting hills of Bukit Tinggi came last year when Azmi a.k.a. Globe Rider started sowing the seeds of mountain love into my mind. It was then when Rozaimi wanted to train his mountain legs, I rolled out the proposal. In fact it was good for everyone who plans to start the new season with some strength trainings.

The words started spreading. Suddenly TOK came back alive with a few ideas and nonsense thrown in but the Colmar idea was pretty much doable. I notified Azmi asking for route direction but we get back more instead, he willingly wanted to lead the ride. Magnificento!

The words of mouth were so strong that we easily gathered about 21 buddies at Sup Awe that morning. With a few more groups with their own ride, the place can easily be mistaken for an event. Though, the rain clouds kicked in some wariness among us, a plan is still a plan that requires pursuances.

Three quarter way up Genting Sempah, we had a puncture. Slight drizzle and thick fog adds up to the drama. Fog was so thick, visibility was merely meters away. The feeling of Alps climbing fantasized in each of us.

Riding down from Genting Sempah towards Janda Baik intersection was wet, cold & numb. We shivered on our bikes while slowly grasping the brakes ready for any unwanted mishaps. With the weather looked unpromisingly good for the rest of the ride, 6 buddies bailed out & decided to detour to Janda Baik instead, leaving out the remaining 15 for the Colmar attempt. Beyond this juncture, it was a new riding route my most of us.

We rolled down the steep and winding road through Bukit Tinggi narrow street, busy with the Sunday morning hawkers and wet market. The only way into Colmar Tropicale was from the Karak Highway. Hence, we had to cycle on the highway for about 3km. The idea of cycling on Karak Highway was beyond my thoughts. Which means, we had to climb back up on Karak Highway to Genting Sempah…?

The real ordeal was the sight of the majestic climb right after we entered the Berjaya Hills entrance road. Similar to Fraser Hills, it has 2 optional routes navigating to the same point, which is the ultimate Colmar Tropicale peak.

Azmi suggested the left option which is pretty much longer but less nasty circumnavigating in a clockwise direction. Through to be told, we don’t have the slightest idea of how steep was the climb until Azmi shouted out the gradient reading from his tweeting Garmin. Damn! The variation threw in 9-10% average and it was kind of demotivating as well. We had the pleasure of beautiful overcast sky and cool breeze with a few recovery stretches along the climb. It can be tormenting should the sky open up since the climb was exposed without canopies.

The 14km long climb started playing yo-yo down to our quads and gluteus. Every stroke of the crank arm getting heavier each time we met with a new climb. Climb after climb, we started seeing resort buildings and that was a good sign for remedy.

The only thing that was a bit frustrating about this route is that we had to pay to enter Colmar Tropicale and food ain’t cheap either. Despite our engine-less vehicle, we were still charged without mercy of RM12. Trust me; next attempt will be until the ticket collection booth. I’m not paying again.

The most brutal climb is beyond that ticket counter, a 16% gradient for 100m, and we actually paid purposely for that. Call it stupidity. Almost similar to the one in Bukit Merah Resort climb.

It felt so steep, really. I can feel the steepness. The thighs were struggling to push the pedals for forward/upward motion. The hands were gripping the hoods for control and the core was burning trying to keep balance in place. Straight up was almost impossible; hence we were advised to zig-zag instead. I was lucky it was only 100 meters; else walk-the-bike approach should’ve been more logical.

We rolled in towards the entrance of the Colmar Street and rest our bike & butts at the bench that was put in a strategic pattern for photo shoots. Cold, wet & hungry, we had loads of photos taken to make every penny worth spent.

Pasukan Bola MSSD Bukit Tinggi (pic by Affendy Nanyan)

Starvation pulled us out early from the town. The idea of walking on the cobble stone was hindered by the security. They wanted us to park our bikes elsewhere instead. Now who’s gonna watch over those RM15k bike? Bad idea.

Now it was playing chase going back down the other way. Turn after turn with small turning radius at times. Loosing concentration may lead to crash or overshooting the safety guardrails. Balance and tossing around with the centre of gravity was skills! The scene from Chasing Legends when the pros went down mountain path with tires screeching and brakes whining suddenly caught my day dreaming from the cold mountain air. The recap of Jens Voight crashed at high speed descending was heart stopping.

Slowly reducing my speed and secured my approach at every corner avoiding any unwanted stunts. Completing the descent was also tiring.  We regrouped before entering Karak Highway again and started to string ourselves out like a bee line along the highway pacing our own selves in accordance to our empty fuel tank.

Finally lunch break came when we stopped at the Bukit Tinggi town. The town always reminded me of Cameron Highland’s Farmville, small and busy to itself. A Malay restaurant serves the best lunch for the day with a cup of hot Nescafe ‘O’. Sumptuous.

Pump-it up! (pic by Halil Rahman)

We had a short discussion for alternatives way back up to Genting Sempah intertwined with laughter from the day’s feat. Jokes started flying around the lunch table, but we yet to see the final of it.

It was either via Jalan Gombak lama with 2km steep incline plus 3km granny or the 3km continuous 10% Karak Highway. We chose the latter for a shorter torment & time. The climbing speed was almost similar to the YTL cement carrying tanker. It was totally solitude as one stayed to our own selves despite the revving engines from the highway. It seemed endless but still the final push from Genting Sempah R&R will be the ultimate challenge.

Bike portaging is part of the game (pic by Halil Rahman)

We took a breather at the R&R while regrouping before the last climb. The last climb almost had most of us. With tiring legs, we cursed our selves left and right. This climb is always being remembered as the painful one, almost for every cyclist.

Here we go up Karak Highway (pic by Halil Rahman)

The rolling down Genting Sempah to Sup Awe was mixed with boredom and smile. We checked-in at 2:30 p.m. and that provide enough time for a quick cleanup and ABC.

With a few more ride plans down the line, more posts will be inevitable. Looks like the legs are twitching for more & looks like running will be at bay for a while.

Lets get crazy...

Feel Again

Year 2013 came with a bang for most of us. Alhamdullillah. Me, I just planned for a slow crawl into the building blocks back into shape after a year of absence and just plain building guts.

The original plan to revisit Bukit Ammah was shelved due to the lack of morality, but in another perspective, I was wise enough not to. Running milage took a yo-yo trip with all those school break trips. Eventually, I had to post it at Bib-2-let on FB.

Watching down the line of 2013, it may seem that getting the running legs back into shape isn’t easy. I’ll be busier ‘running’ around the neighborhood juggling domestic issues, literally. Marathon? KIV for another year. That’s two years in a row now.

The cycling part is more enjoying for the time being. That’s because I can only do it once a week over the weekend, and there’s nothing more demanding than that. It’ will be either a simple cup of coffee ride or the ones that you-can-bite-more-than-you-can-chew kind of ride.

Right after the school opening drama settles down, it was back to my dusty drawing board to plan for building a mileage program. This old goat needs a twitch to the age old stuff; hence we need some kind of a slow build up. Strength first, mileage comes in progressively. Possible?

With what was left from the kayuh laksa jamboree kicked-off, the rolling back into Langat and up Genting Peres was fortunately manageable. Though it may seem like a crawl pace, but it was still enjoyable less gritting teeth and curse.

The second ride to Lenggeng Loop for the lovely nasi lemak ikan sembilang was absolutely fantastic. Now I can feel that the gear starts kicking in and drools for more.

Ride plans came in like a gush of silky wind over the window seal. We have a few plans down the line for January and February already. Event calendar have yet to be settled since a few wish-to-do events threw in blood sucking participating fee.

We have just completed the Colmar climb yesterday. We rode from Gombak to Colmar and back. A very hilly route and it paid a handsomely rewarding lower back pain! Been a while since I did a suffer fest ride this. It should be a good one for the starting block though, of course after this back pain subsides.

My feet and heart is numb...