Penang FUN FUN Ride. Episode 2.

After the hard ride on the first day, I was a bit doubtful on today's ride. After all, most rides to dam areas are uphill. Anyway, we had a good dinner last night but I didn't sleep well. Probably, I can't sleep good unless in my own bed.

Again at 5.30am the alarm sounded. Lilian was the first one up and she changed and then it was my turn. Then Lip and then Penny and last one up was Clement. I made it early because I wanted a proper breakfast but the intended spot (Hutton Lane Koay Teow Th'ng) was not opened yet. Disappointed, I drove around and then decided on Agyrll Road Roti Chanai. The shop has shifted to a shop lot. It was in a shack under a tree the last time I saw. Although opened early, the roti chanai was a disappointment. They don't make it like last time anymore.

Not as good as it used to be!

After that we drove straight to Teluk Bahang and it rained quite heavily on the way there. We were at the appointed place and it was still raining. The appointed time was 7.45am but it was still raining. I was expecting the ride to be called off and Larry called that they are on the way from the MacDonalds in Bt. Feringghi. So, we waited at a bus stop. We don't want to wait in a stuffy car.

Waiting for our guide.

Larry arrived first and gave us a hearty and joyful greetings! There's never a moment where we don't smile with him around. Slowly the other riders trickled in and by the time we start, it was already 9.00am. We were introduced to the other riders and off we went. The rain stopped at 9.00am as Larry has predicted.

Clement trying out Larry's bike.

A 5 minute ride and we saw the dam already. I thought we were riding to the dam only and I expected it to be an easy sightseeing ride. It was a short climb to the dam area and we took a group shot here. Then there was discussion of riding to '800'. I wondered what that was??? As usual me and Lilian was the last two. I took my time winding up the road, passing durian orchards and many other farms. Must be nice riding here during the durian seasons. Just like KKB dam, this dam is quite recent and a new road was built and the old road was submerged! You can see an isolated temple on top of a hill over the lake. The access was flooded and I honestly don't know if there's another access.

A mere turn, we can see the dam already!

After some climbing, I now know what '800' is about. It's a signboard located on the pinnacle of the climb. We all regrouped here and Mako cautioned us about a dangerous bend where one rider flew over the armco barrier! The road was still wet and Lilian and me decided to take the slope slow. It was a long downhill and I thought this is going to be a short ride. Later I saw Titi Kerawang Waterfalls. Then I saw Balik Pulau signboard. Dang! We are back to where we were yesterday. The downhill stopped at the foothills of the mountain, a place called Sg. Pinang. There was a few pre-war shop houses here and we all took our meal here. I felt bloated after the roti chanai and Larry was so kind to cycle somewhere to buy some 'Ban Chang Koay' or pancakes. They were nice!

We passed Titi Kerawang as well.

We were just 6 km from where we came yesterday but coming from the other side. After the meal, we visited a nutmeg factory where the owner was quite a resourceful man. You can eat as much as you want here, no obligations and he explained every details of the nutmeg industry. We bought some produce here and since Clement has a rear carrier and bag, the task of carrying it goes to him. We won't argue with him for that!

Our transport man!

I was like strolling with Lilian. We took our time and we had lots of warm up yesterday. The ride up was made to look easier compared to yesterday's ride. Luckily for us, this ride was breathtaking and also relaxing. The faster riders were already gone when we reached the '800'. From '800' onward was all downhill again. Some parts was still wet and I reminded Lilian to take it easy. There was another short climb just before the dam and it was starting to get hot after this.

Waiting for 2 turtles to arrive.

We finally reached our cars and some smiles and laughs. We then folded our bikes and rushed back to out hotel to check out and also to take a bath. We made a date with Larry and Winnie for lunch.

Later we went for lunch at a food court in Cecil St. Ghaut. The selection was wide with every kind of Penang hawkers fare available under one roof. The place was busy though. The 'Koay Teow Th'ng' was even better than the one in Hutton Lane. We went to one bike shop in Times Square and then Larry guided us to the way to the bridge after saying our goodbyes. I like to thank Larry for this fantastic ride today and he was the perfect host! My salute to Larry.

Our lunch venue!

Penang Fun Ride with Fellow Riders. Episode 1.

Feeling good at Jalan Tun Sardon highest point.

Clement suggested Penang ride out of the blue! I was OK with it as I need a holiday too, so I thought, 'a holiday'.

After much deciding, we choose 9th and 10th as the ride dates. We also planned to drive down after finding out that the sleeping berth to Penang was full on KTM. Was supposed to be in 3 cars but William had to back out due to personal reasons and this was a bane to him. Much of it later.

We then decided to go in 2 cars with Clement and Penny going in Lip's car while I and Lilian in my own. I was actually planning to drive at 2.00am and drive straight to regroup with Clement but later changed the plan again. I left earlier at 7.00pm but the horrendous jam in KL mde me reached the Damansara toll at 8.15pm. Anyway, I was still an hour earlier than the other.

Along the way, I had a call from Hotel 1926, reconfirming the room for 6 which I thought has been given away as I was supposed to check in at 3.00pm. I told them to hold on and informed Clement that the room in 1926 is still on. Much later at 12 midnight I have already parked my car at the hotel. Lilian and me then went next few doors to have a meal while waiting for them to arrive. They came, eat, chat and then we checked in. We all slept at 3.00am and our ride is at 7.00am.

Preparing the bikes in a haste as we were late!

At 5.30am the alarm sounded! I asked Clement if we can skip the ride! Hahahaha. So, we struggled up and struggled again to stay awake! Cleaned up and drove to Queensbay, had a light breakfast on the way. I was in Pantai Jerejak when Winson called and I did a wrong turn and ended up somewhere else. Anyway, we managed to get to the right spot but we were late!

NCIS Penang!  Never Come In Suspenders. Always in cycling shorts!

Here we met Winson, Francis, Tan and Larry (the yellowman) and with 5 of us, that makes 9 riders. We were taken to the cycling lane along the coast there and I was impressed that the state government did something like that. Wonder if the Federal Government is going to compel the other states to follow suit.

The cycling lane.

From there on wards, we followed Winson and rode along the coastal way and saw the collapsed part of the second bridge. It forced us do a long detour around the site and then to Batu Maung. So much has changed since I was in Penang. This used to be a pig farming area and it's now all urbanized! From Batu Maung we headed to Teluk Kumbar and we turned into Gertak Sanggul. Here we see a lot of other cyclist but mountain bikers mostly.

We were actually some fox in lamb's clothings! We were riding very slowly which made the Penang riders ride slow too. After some mountain bikers started to tease us and all hell broke loose. I started to chase after the mtbers and then the others started to fly up the slopes there. Larry was riding fast too. Then with all the formality away, we know each other's strength!

We had drinks here in Gertak Sanggul.

After a beach ride, I was dissapointed that we can't do the farmer's trail to Pulau Betong and anyway we rode on to Balik Pulau. We were near Puspakom in Teluk Kumbar when Clement and Penny was missing. Larry did an about turn and check out the problem. I was actually a bit worried though and a few frantic calls went unanswered. After a while, Penny called and explained that Clement had a flat! I was relieved after getting the news.

The ride after Gertak Sanggul.

I waited for quite sometime and by then it was just me and Lilian at the Puspakom. Winson, Tan and Francis went ahead first. Then I called Lip and informed him that I will go uphill first. Lilian and me rode to the new elevated road which replaced the old roads to Balik Pulau. I think the old roads are much better. I remembered passing under nets tied to the durian trees to catch falling durians in the old days. The view though was spectacular from the elevated road. We rode to the highest point of the road but there was no sign of the front 3 riders. I choose a shady spot and waited there.

On the elevated road.

It was a while before they arrived and it seems Clement's tires was not sitting well on the rims. He trundled down slowly to Balik Pulau and it started to rain heavily when we were at the Petronas station. We bypassed Pulau Betong for today and knowing myself, it won't be long for me to do another trip to ride there. As guided, we were at the Balik Pulau new market in a short while. We had a long rest there and had some local food. The nutmeg juice was heavenly! This is something we don't get in KL.

Nutmeg juice with Assam Laksa.

During the meal here is where 'another cari pasal thingee'  grew. Hahaha. I was talking to Larry and said we are already half way going round the island. 

Wong   : " How about taking a full round?"

Larry    : " Your car is parked in Queensbay".

Wong   : " Either way, we are going to ride another 40 km".

Larry    : " You can go another way".

Wong   : " You mean Jalan Tun Sardon".

Larry    : " You know the road, it's like this (showing an upright palm), you 

                need to push at some parts ".

Wong   : " So, we push lorr! "

So, it was decided! We used the steepest road back to Queensbay. Winson glared at Larry for instigating while Larry denied it as he said I know about the road. Hahaha. Somehow or rather the challenge came up except for Tan who resides in Balik Pulau, all decided to ride Jalan Tun Sardon.

Early onto the road, just as we were riding up, I saw Lilian did not used her lowest gear. I told her to move up and she said the gears are not in tune. I adamantly called her to shift up as she was slow! The moment she did that, her chain broke! Then she screamed at me. Slowly she pushed her bike to a shade while I picked up the chain. I rejoined her chain and continued. At least she can use her lowest gear now. Slowly but surely we grinded up, up and up! This was even steeper than Genting Perez! We finally regrouped at the lookout point and I can see happy faces of achievement. I gulped down a bottle of orange juice and I never thought that orange juice tasted thas good!

A deserving breather.

We took our time and rested and check out each other's bikes. Compliment must be given to Winson and Tan as they too managed to ride up without pushing. Needless to say for Larry, he looks athletic and he is so! Tan and Larry cautioned us about the junction in Paya Terubong. I stressed hard again on that particular junction as I know about that too. It was downhill all the way, we passed the junction and then finally I breathed a sigh of relief. " No more hills" I thought to myself. Then they took us into Bukit Jambul and then another few rounds of slopes! I thought they were going straight to Relau where there are no slopes. After the slopes in Bukit Jambul and then Lip Sin Garden and we parted with Tan who stays around here. Larry was no where in sight! Winson then guided us back to Queensbay. The sun was really hitting our backs now.

We reached our cars and I did a 'hi 5' with Winson for a great ride. I also thanked Winson for taking the trouble to organize this ride for us. Also many thanks to Larry, Francis and Tan. Larry came over and wished us goodbyes but before that, "See you tomorrow morning". Tomorrow I will be joining Larry and band of merry riders to Teluk Bahang Dam. Check that out in Episode 2!

Trying The Impossible!

A happy group of riders who still don't know what's to come later!

Much have been said about the ride beyond Genting Perez (GP) and also I have heard many stories of riders hitching a ride back after reaching the small township of Titi. Quite frankly, it was this reason also why I have been avoiding the route after Genting Perez although I have been doing Genting Perez quite often.

We were having a drink one fine day and was discussing on the next riding venue when Clement brought up Titi. Seems he was also quite curious about the place too. We were supposed to ride Broga to Seremban but William was not happy with the traffic from Mantin to Seremban. So, I decided to go with Clement's plan. We hit Titi this weekend.

We arrived at the Hulu Langat 18th usual place to park and I saw Zol's van parked there. A call revealed that he was at one of the eating shops. Lilian and me rode and joined him for breakfast. Nothing much, just a pack of 'nasi lemak' and 2 pieces of curry puffs. Lilian had the same too.

After breakfast, we rode to the meeting point and all the riders were there already. After they set up, we moved out. The ride here is quite routine to us, at least until GP that is. It was raining now but we know we are going to do far today so the rain didn't bother us. We know by the time we finish, our clothes will dry out too. The rain got heavier and I see a lot of other cyclist returning back. The rain stopped when we were taking a breather at the Semenyih junction. We headed straight up to GP from there on. Another rider Alles Nai have never done rides like such. This was his first hilly ride. This is also his chance to test his Tern Ninja X20 to see if the money paid is worthy.

Reaching the first checkpoint.

Like usual, me and Lilian was the last to reach GP. This time I took longer than usual because the route is going to be further and I rode easy using the lower gears. They were already raring to carry on when Lilian and myself reached the peak. This is the first peak and there are two more, SO I THOUGHT !

We can still play the fool here!

We all zoomed down from GP and suprise, suprise, the descending stopped as soon as I hit my brakes! It was climbing again! I thought we were going down all the way. Aah! no matter, we just rode on and climb and climb and Zol turn back a few times to check on me and Lilian, us being a slow climber. We reach another peak as I saw a telecom tower which usually are sited at the peak of most hills. Nope! it was not to be, it was still uphill and we pass by a construction site where they were prepping up a slope. A group of construction workers cheered us on and asked us where we were heading. Zol anwered, " Kayuh ke Titi ". The workers eyes widened and they muttered among themselves.

The ride was like a stroll to them!

So, we reached the peak and zoomed down again and again the descent was short. Again we have to climb and then another peak and the same we descend and again we reached another peak until we were like climbing to about 6 peaks! We regrouped and Zol instructed the riders that after the bridge, carry on straight. Before he can finish his sentence, the riders were already zooming down the slope. Me and Lilian was also descending fast, hitting 52 km/h at some spot. While they were 'yippying' down, the thought of coming back was haunting me! This time the descent was long and fast.

The front pack Clement, Penny, William and Lip was long gone(even Alles Nai) when we reached the bridge. We were tired already but we still need to reach Titi. We passed by a few governmental rehabilitation centers and one weird sounding University Malaya's facilities. We passed by a cane factory, lots of canes inside the premises. I was dehydrated, tired and finally I saw the signboard!

I am soooo happy to see the signboard!

Just before turning into the road, I spotted a few folding bikes parked beside a small makeshift eatery at the junction. Then the bikes became familiar and the front group was there. We joined them and when I sat on the chair, I saw some pathetic looking riders, hahaha. Most of us were beat up! I called for drinks and also had some simple lunch. The main topic at the table, " How are we going to manage riding back?" A few policemen who came for lunch also joined in the conversation. Still we were laughing and joking so I guess we are all still all right.

Anything taste good at this juncture!

After resting, we went checking out the small town and I am curious about the local 'kueh' here. The town is so small, we had no problem finding it. The 'kueh' seller ask us if we can make it back. He said many, many riders has failed and hitched a ride or took the bus back! He must have seen a lot. Some bought and Lilian bought mineral water to refill our water bottles. Zol took us to the back of a temple to ease ourselves before the arduous journey back. We rode out back to the junction, bade 'goodbye' to the three policemen at the stall and headed back.

The famous local delicacy.

We were riding on the same route as we rode in before. First was the prison, then UM's facility and then the cane factory and finally the bridge. It was HOT! The sun was taking a toll on us. After a rest, a long rest actually we finally cross the bridge and hit the slopes AGAIN! Hitting the fresh slope when we are already DEAD tired is a real mental challenge!

The journey back up to GP was a MONOTONOUS GRIND up. You keep grinding the cranks and you can even do it without looking at the front. Lilian and me have to shut out our thoughts and just crank up. Along the way, I broke my chain. I probably need chainsaw chain on my bike. It happens to me so often! Again I lose 2 links again. My hands were all black fiddling with the chain but Lilian and Zol was enjoying the rest though.

The junction just before the bridge. Up! Up! and away!

On the way, Zol was saying," Nak sampai dah, 2 km je! (Almost there, just another 2km) ". I retorted back, " Tak caya lah ". It was almost 2 hours since the bridge and finally Lilian dismounted and wanted to push. Just as she started pushing Zol came riding down and hollered to her to mount back again. He said GP is just after this climb another 500 meters ahead. So, Lilian mounted on her Boardwalk again and started to pedal. Just as Zol said, GP was just ahead. The rest of the gang was there. They were all so happy to reached back. AND SO WERE WE!  We rested for a moment as the rest of the way was friendly territory, a routine to us!

I was telling Lilian that I will not pedal until the 'orang asli' houses and going to coast down leisurely. I want to rest my legs. She said she will do the same too, which I doubt as she can't restrain herself zooming downhill. So we did and all of us were zooming down and Lip and William was waiting at the junction when Lilian hollered, " GO, GO, GO! " and zoomed past. They mounted and followed her. Lilian never stop here as stopping here breaks the downhill momentum and she likes to continue on the fast descent.

Meanwhile me and Zol was at the rear leisurely coasting down and said to Zol, " Satu hari penuh dah berkayuh ". ( Cycled a full day ). He grinned and replied, " PUAS ". (Satisfied). At the kampong flats, all riders were in crazy mode. Zol was suprised that we were ALL doing 28 km/h averagely and at one point Clement was doing 35 km/h chasing after his wife! It went on till the Hulu Langat town. The constant uphill grinding must have made our muscles used to the hard pedaling. 

Barley, barley barley!

Finally, we headed back to the usual watering hole for after rides. Barley, ice cold barley water! The lady boss was suprised there were riders coming this late! She asked where did we go, hahaha. It was almost 4.00 pm already! We rested and drank many bottles of the barley water before we headed back to our cars. The ride was torturous and mentally challenging, I must say but it was EPIC. Even more so that we did it on our folding bikes!

Most riders in Hulu Langat knows this mascot.