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

World Disorder

There's too much going on around right now. Ever since those windy days, hot and dry spell followed for almost 2 months now. Until the breaking news of water supply disruption which first hit Klang Valley. And now spreads over the entire country. And it hasn't been raining, promisingly and naturally. Unless they do those artificial rain or so called cloud seeding. 

Just as we were about to embark into the rhythm of the 'un-falling' rain together with the hunt for price-hiked water-container fever, out of nowhere we were blanketed with haze. It is no intermittent but such a pretty bad one. The API reading gets hazardous approaching every evening. Alhamdulillah we have some winds blown around during the morning and night time, but the heat wave keeps getting stronger. 

Then there was a tiny advert called by the governing body...."please announce in discreet, price hike 5 sen for Ron97 ya...". Read it like you never notice it. Naaa...it won't have any impact on me, since I don't own an Alphard. But, I did accidentally fill up my motorbike with Ron97 with my normal RM5.00 rate. It only filled half my tank and only lasted 5 seconds after squeezing the nozzle. It may seemed just like a cup of Ron97. So clever la them, announcement made in hazy weather.

Just as we were about, again, to drench our lungs with more unhealthy particles from forest fire and open burning, we were shaken by the biggest news. A missing Malaysia Airline jetliner. A Boeing 777. The news spreads like the east wind blowing chilled news all over the country. We were the centre stage of the world since the international flight was bound for Beijing, and it appeared to lost comm in the middle of the South China Sea south of Vietnam coast.

Like other happenings, these things are always prone to tonnes of speculations. It gets even worse with the help of social medias and unofficial newsmen. It has been almost two weeks now since the tragedy, March 8, 2014. Still, the plane and it's passengers and crew are missing.

Queen Stage - LtdL 2014

I was there again this year at Stage 4 'Queen Stage' at Genting Highlands for the le Tour de Langkawi 2014. Though my earlier plan was to cycle up like the rest of the Malaysian cyclist enthusiasts, a last minute decision was made to avoid from regrets and catastrophe. Actually, body was aching from playing football over 3 evenings in the neighbourhood. 

You know the drill la, the anxiety was high and young but the old body was struggling to catch up. Then there were also kids and teenagers also, these few dads were marching up and down the football field when it was only 15 minutes into the game. All joints were screaming in pain like a post marathon syndrome. Pardon me for the long absence from running. 

Instead of having to wake up early on Sunday morning, struggling from the aches some more, I was able to supervise my kids for their early morning tuition and homework drill with breakfast by chef dad. Casually drove to Genting Highlands at 9:00 AM.

Right after the first climb from Karak Highway with 10% inclination, I was already greeted with gritting teeth cyclists cranking up the slope. Met a friend which seemed to be still energetic. As I coast uphill, more and more weekend warriors spread all over the climb towards Goh Tong Jaya. Weather was superb, not too cold and not too shiny.

The gradient became 'ammah' after Goh Tong Jaya. The first few stretches were long and granny. It was silence but not until some ego-maniac superbikes vroom-ing by like they own the road. Talking about respects. Piece by piece I met with cycling friends completing the puzzle of who was ahead and who was taking their leisurely pace.

The spot for a good view of the stage will be at the so call chinese temple, a few kilometres before the peak. This spot have been favoured by spectators for years. It could be having the most steepest, but best of all, there weren't any officials manning the fans. Every year, the spot drew in growing number of crowds. This year, it was probably the largest since the stage falls on Sunday.

ETA for the peloton was 12:30 PM. There was a slight delay but we waited at the corners patiently. Weather was still good, allowing for chillax talks and kinds like that.

Once the cavalcade drove by, the madness took place with adrenalines flying around, be it the pros themselves and the fans. Let the photos tell the madness...

Rare

Meanwhile, something that may have been an outdated news due to the training excitement, again. We have a new family member. A second attempt at having a cat in the house. Daughter's been asking about it, which I have no idea of where she had the idea from. I know cousins and friends have cats, but our previous attempt at Lego, a kitten adopted from Janda Baik, was not quite successful.

No. It's not that the cat died or what. We just send it back to Janda Baik after deciding that we were not ready with the additional responsibility.

It's all about responsibility. And someone have to carry it all. If they cumulatively decide to have a cat, then the drama of pointing fingers will occur when it comes to having the job done. For example is the cat waste management, cat food issues and of course the expenses. The expenses will come from the parents. The daily routines will create issues.

Cats is cuddly. I was made to know that males are the most cuddle-some. A friend told me so, and it's true. Those eyes will definitely make you 'cheroiii...'.

Our month long experience with Lego was nothing. We had to learn more. I had to firm out that cat facilities should be top notch before bringing in the cat. We were fortunate that the previous owner passed us the cat condo worth 500 bucks complete with cat bowl and all other accessories for FREE!

We had trouble with his name. Yes, it's a HE. Not a big issue actually but simply enjoyed calling numerous names. Mom called him Rare. It was supposed to be for another kitten that we planned to adopt a month before, but too bad it was involved in a road kill. Innalillah. Daughter preferred Snow, from his fluffy white fur. I would simply call out whatever names that cross my mind, that would normally be Lego or Rare.

My youngest would normally play with him, testing his flying trapeze skills. Daughter will make him the 'kitty hand-rug' while enjoying her novel. Mom will test his vocal skill ambitiously thinking that cat can also talk. My second will simply ignore him since he worries too much if the cat ain't got enough care & love. Me, on the other hand is the supervisor making sure everyone play their role, and that includes Rare himself.

So far, Rare has been a good cat. I like him except when he follows me around when I arrive home everyday. I know that he needs a good scratch from me at least a minute or two. 

Some say that he needs to be neutered. That would be some kind of a bit cruel for me...at the first thought of course. I started google-ing and learned that it's not against the religious if neutering can help avoid unfortunate things like hygienic issues and stuff like that.

OK, I introduce you to Rare, Snow or whatever his name is...

Photo by Yasmin

 

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