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!

Ma'a As-Salaama 2013

Tu dia...it means goodbye in Arabic.

By this time, everyone will endure the year-end-fever of recapping what they went through for 365 days. Facebook will be flooded with them. Blogs? Not quite as popular as Facebook. Perhaps lesser crowd & publicity, hence less glamorous. I would just stay in this sleepy hollow talking to myself & whoever remains idolising the blog world. 

Praise to Allah s.w.t., the year passed by in a jiff. Not Ziff. Where is he anyway? I missed his Snail Pace writings. Time has taken the acceleration lane year by year. We grow older faster. Our kids also. By the time we have a sip of coffee on that fine evening, only we realised that we have yet to do a lot of things.

2013 was earlier planned as a year for casual. No major exams for the kids, so it was supposed to be a less stress year. It was indeed, in the house I meant. Alhamdulillah. But the world out there is not. Politics and war and killings are just getting dirtier and inhumanly. Na'uzubillah. May we have His forgiveness & love & protection.

That was global.

My path as a so-called weekend warrior didn't escape the chance of doing the weekend-warrior-stunts. No, I didn't climb any super elevation mountain, nor did I run an ultra distance event. I did not even cycle to the end of the world clocking super human miles. 

I just did the normal routine of cycling on weekends and signing up for some. I pursued the routine of yester-years as part of my istiqomah program. At this age, I don't see any extreme new-things-to-do is feasible. I don't see it can groom my resume, nor can it help me gain...weight? I don't know what to continue...

What I did was gathering some cycling friends with the same broad perspective about "Cycle & Food" and we planned for some cycle trips. That was when we had the chance to cycle to neighbouring Hatyai, the Sumpitan climb and a few other epics while indulging into local food. Most were done on weekends without jeopardising other family commitments. 

My second half of 2013 was a bit dirty. I welcomed the monsoon with my cream-pie Niner by signing up for the PCC Presidential Ride & a few other mountain bike jamborees.

My running went haywire. I took a few steps earlier of the year but it didn't catch any momentum. Now the image of running haunts me, though the itch still remains. Perhaps next year lah.

Aah! Was that a waste of 365 days? Not achieving any personal goals? Boring stuff. Every year doing same thing only.  

...Alhamdulillah. 

Next year? I do have some new ideas besides repeating what is on schedule. One of it is taking up bike touring. The activity is picking up with the growing numbers of bike lovers in the country. Also my growing age tends to see into a more quiet kind of cycling that would perhaps suits my slower pace & peaceful mind. I might write a book for that. Chewah.

Best of both worlds. Touring bike, but too expensive

I should start from the 'beginning'

That should include my attire

And plan my tour...simpang Kodiang ada 3 marhalah lagi der

That's a wrap. Have a blessed 2014!

The Wetlands Jamboree

Only after a week of epic, I had minimum time to prepare for the next mountain jamboree. I think I was still recovering from the 7 hour feat and the rest of the bike stuff were still over the house. The attires were still in tumbles. Helmet & gloves last minute washing. The Camelbak? I'll bring the smaller one, so the big one still smells with Semenyih organics. Yucks! Lucky thing I had the bike washed the same day after the Prezy Ride. 

Paya Indah Wetlands were always in my place-to-visit list. I know there are something different to the place, every place is. However, the not-so-adventure of me nowadays, the plan was always shelved. Perhaps due to lack of publicity, and only when some years ago the place took centre stage when some NGOs lodge complains about the abandoning of some wildlife there.

The attraction here is the Crocodile Pond and Hippo Pond. Two large ponds with these special species. Ms. Gloria was a gift from Botswana. Now perhaps with some babies. The crocs were massive and lots of them. Some pelicans and other wetland creatures come and go throughout the 3100 hectares of land. This jamboree took me through some rough trails into the wetland, a new geographical scene on knobbies.

We were early on event day. Surprise! Weather was great though it rained late last night. We RVed at a few designated points and marched our way to PIW without hassle. A drive through Dengkil town on Sunday morning suddenly went busy especially with tens of vehicles transporting bikes.

The crowd was huge. All 1400 of us, that will squeeze out of PIW through narrow winding road on to the main Dengkil-Banting road for 6 km. I started off slow for some warm-ups, while laughing away at people overtaking all over the place trying to create a race climate. What's wrong with these guys? A podium lucky-draw prizes awaits everybody, not the fastest.

I made my way up the to the front (assuming) when we were already onto bigger & wider road while making good of the steady cadence and bigger wheel size. All effort went down the drain when the first off-road obstacle was a very huge climb in the palm oil plantation where everybody that I overtook came together again at the massive traffic haul. Argh! The rest of the ride to finish the plantation section was basically overtaking and been overtook again. It was kind of de-motivational but a jamboree is to have fun. Right? ....silence.

Connecting us back to the wetlands was via a 5 km stretch of slippery fire road along the ELITE Highway. I was going fast avoiding mud holes and stubborn-trail-hogging cyclists who would not give way for me to overtake on the right. They think they can go fast when they heard my "ehem!" notification while not giving me way, but they were scared when mud holes appear and went to abrupt slowdown. There goes my momentum.

The next stretch through THE wetland trail was a new adventure. The first thing that welcome us was a 2 km straight stretch of pit trail. It was pain-in-the-ass. And when I said PITA, I mean the real thing. The trail may look plush with the soft & soggy appearance, but it was MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE. Lies underneath the thin layer of dark brown soil are thousands or maybe millions of rotten roots and woods and stumps. It gave us the thuds! The knockings! The scraping off tyres! The side slips! The boredom! The every-mountain-bikers-most-irritating-things on a ride. It was also a single track trail, and there goes my overtaking opportunity...again.

Please don't get me wrong about people taking it as a race against my ability to overtake and complain about

One of the best

trail-hogger. Cycling off-road is about the ability to choose the right line. And some of these people don't have it. They either bulldoze themselves through everything, or wait till the last moment to think & chose their line. And that would be all too late and probably not a good style if we are riding with 1399 other people. The 2 km stretch will perhaps create a bee line of 20 km. And when fatigues crept in after humping oneself unnecessarily earlier on, my "ehem!" noting will again appear to be soundless.

I stood patiently behind some fellow cyclist and took a deep breath thundering through them when chances appear. That almost took half a gallon of my remaining strength attempting two to three stunts like that.

Geographically, I find the trail awesome and interesting. I noticed vast flat land on both sides, with thick bushes and lots of fallen dead trees. These creates the soggy pit soil when drainage was poor due to the flat topography. Among others, it also creates new species of moss and other green life taking refuge on the dead woods. Too bad I was not in the mood of taking pictures, it sure would turn out to be a nice one.

We arrived back to the PIW approaching from the North noticeably from the scenery of huge lakes and water lilies. The trail brought me back to Batu Dam trails. Nostalgic kejap bleh? I went straight on, fast while they have wider path and hammering the pedal when I knew that the end would be near. Didn't take the chance to slow down and enjoy the geography but perhaps a revisit would be nice.


Without any alert, I was caught by surprise when suddenly fellow front cyclist slowed down in abrupt when the trail disappear. There was only a huge water body with grass and red tapes as our path. What the heaven?! Do you mean we have to ride through or in that? Like an amphibian? I tailed the front riders cautiously, pedalling and splish-sploshing ourselves through for a few hundred meters at waist high water depth. It was fun and at the same time scary. Kot-kot la suddenly the Jaws of Death appear from beneath ka! Naya weiii...

It was a big relief when finally the submarine adventure was over. Phew! It also took away all the muds clogging the dérailleurs and drive trains. That was also cool. I push the pedal harder maintaining the momentum, drafting some guys and went pass them when they went out of gas. Jahat.

Alhamdulillah the ride ended after almost 2 hours covering 36 km of the Wetlands. Awesomeness.

Interesting jamboree

Flat out

Prezzy...superb suffer

This particular event is held every 2 years. Organiser need loads of time and planning in creating these super trails ensuring super torture and mega suffer for the participants. Whether us mountain bikers are becoming super suffer freaks or we are just plain boredom of the only weekend stuff to juggle around.

Like all other super hyped events in Malaysia, mountain bike events have become popular and signing up will require urgent assignment. However, the fee are still minimal unlike the hiking fee of all other sport events.

PCC Presidential Ride take turn between Kayuh Lasak. Just nice. Or else we'll be burning more calories and more muscles on year end.

This year's Prezy was held at a new venue, a fish farm at Jalan Sungai Lalang, Semenyih. Nice ambient.

With some teasers and trailers from Facebook about the trails, the sceneries, the holy cow climbs and inclines and super sweet downhills and single tracks, I already anticipate the gutsy feeling of sufferings like previous Prezies. After my crash, I had only a week to saddle up at which I was hoping that I could survive the challenge, suffer and regrets thrown in as well. Hence, no suspense required approaching the weekend.

That particular morning, we were at our usual pace to the venue...slow & late. Parking was ample and the ride to the starting line was casual. My only strategy was to push a bit harder at the first leg to avoid bottleneck congestion upon reaching the trail head. And of course to complete all the 4 stages. We have more than a thousand participants to squeeze into a single track. Talking about Sunday morning traffic.

As such, I picked up the laid trails from Baikbike as follows, together with my nonsense talk (senang nak citer):

It was all over Semenyih and it was green & scenic. I was so busted to take photos

Stage 1 – Black Mamba

A pure cross-country route with hardly any technical sections winding its way like a cobra up and down and left and right across mostly rubber and palm plantations.  Starts with 4km of tar and dirt roads to spread out the crowd but expect the usual jam when we hit the narrow trailhead. There will be the unavoidable hills so pace yourself and take it as a ‘warm up’ to prepare for the big one in the next stage. Approximately 11km. 70% canopied and all rideable. Expect to wet your shoes at the end of the loop but before that, enjoy an exhilarating downhill.

Legs were still fresh and spirit was up. I can't recall the actual trail condition since I was too busy enjoying the sweetness.

Stage 2 – The Bitch

This is where you’ll put your ‘warmed up’ muscles to good use. Highlight here is that climb that we call the Bitch but you will be rewarded with a fantastic downhill leading all the way down to a V dip with a stream at the bottom. Depending on weather conditions, the Bitch can very quickly burn you out on a hot sunny day as you will be riding to the highest peak of the entire ride. Caution on the long descent though, the initial part of which is peppered with deep water gullies that can trap and send you over the bars.  It narrows into a singletrack with a deep descent down to the stream. An unavoidable hike-a-bike here and riders are advised to exercise extreme caution here and after crossing the stream. You will be riding along a narrow ledge with a DEEP ravine on one side!  Approximately 12km and 40% canopied.

...this part of the trail also was in my state of blur but it was obvious that that so called the Bitch climb was not so bitchy due to the promising weather and awesome durian orchard trail. Still fun & enjoyable. Legs still holding on.

Roller coaster ride busting quads & calves. Sakit pinggang...!

Stage 3 – Enchanted Forest

Longest stage of the ride where you will find a bit of everything. Lots of fun singletracks and rolling hills cutting across rubber and palm plantations, orchards and secondary forest but highlight here would be the Enchanted Forest that closes this stage! You have to be there to appreciate the beauty of this part of Semenyih. And it’s here too where you will have a fantastic time blasting down and out of the Enchanted Forest. Approximately 17km and 60% canopied.

...the taxing have started creeping in with built-up miles and lactic acid & time accumulation in the legs and body. It was basically a chicken & egg situation. Should I have saved some legs for this later stages, I would have caught myself in the massive traffic jam earlier on. Or if I pushed myself, the risk of cramps and fatigue will sooner or later get me. I risk the later option. Ended up with a painful right quad at one of those steep climb. I can't barely stand and threw myself aside on the vegetation and let the pain subsides.

Hydration went out two-third into this stage. All 1.5 litres in the bladder. An hour without water. My mistake to skip rehydration at CP2. Again, I was thankful that the weather was great that made thirst at bay.

Stage 4 – Braveheart

The finale loop designed to test the toughest. It’s called Braveheart for a reason. This is where riders will have to deal with the ‘Kill Hill’, after 40km of slogging up and down the hills of Semenyih. We take our hats off to all who complete this last challenge. But you will be rewarded with one quick ‘best-in-the-world’ descent to the finish line. This is the stage where the boys/girls will be separated from the men/women! And remember to top up your water before entering the loop. Approximately 11km of enjoyable suffering!

...arrived at CP3 barely 15 minutes before the cut-off time. It was 12.15 p.m. and the weather was still great. Had the luxury of pushing High 5 Sambal Ikan Bilis down the throat and an explicit cold canned 100 plus treat from a friend. Thankful! 20 minutes later I was off to venture into Stage 4 unknowingly it would test my manhood.

The so called Kill Hill caught us by surprise when we thought that the first climb into Stage 4 was it. It was nothing suicidal back then, where the downhill section almost like bringing us back to the finish line. Just as we thought it was conquest & concurred, that view of bare slope with tiny people parading their bikes almost blew it off. The morals, spirit, legs, strength...all gone down to zero.

I can't afford another cramp attack in an attempt to cycle up these hill. Besides, it was obviously impossible to my standard plus all those weak muscles thrown in. These guys are assassins!

Turn after turn, the climb never end. I started hearing curses and bad jokes in the air. My gestimate that the distance was circa 1.5 km only but the vertical distance felt the same. Most of us can't accept the super steep gradient. It was hike bike & break for an hour. The so called 'best-in-the-world' descent to the finish line was nothing other than lame extras waiting for the remaining time for the body to shut down.

My creampie

It's been a while since I had this pain. It was all over. Almost similar to finishing a 26 miler. Almost like a Powerman. But the pure dirt treatment was unearthed and it was still awesome.

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