Trans Titiwangsa Ride

The gang without the 2 pixmen.

I was doing a recce trip into Raub one day for a 'durian ride' and it seems the place was not suitable for riding bikes as the traffic in Raub was quite busy and not only that, the vehicles was fast too with road conditions also quite bad. On the way back, instead of returning back via Bentong, I took the scenic route back through Gap junction.

From there, the idea of the Trans Titiwangsa Ride was born. I was gamed on trying to ride across our main range. This road was actually the only way to the east during the colonial days with Gap as the pass or Genting as the locals called it.

The riders participation was quite encouraging in the beginning but on nearing the date, there was many withdrawals due to the clash of date with another ride in Melaka. It didn't bother me as this ride, I was prepared to ride with only Lilian, my wife in the beginning. I was actually anticipating that there will be no others joining but the final tally came to 11 riders.

I waited for Fenn and Susanna at the Damamsara toll station after picking up Wai Keat from his home in the wee hours of the morning. After the former arrived, we proceeded to Kuala Kubu Bahru which was choosen to be the base venue. We had breakfast there and later was joined by Irene, Jayl, KK, Betty and Sooi Ying with JK driving the support car. The support came about because suprisingly, it was newbies that was attracted to this ride and Betty was unsure whether she could make it so she persuaded Sooi Ying to ride along and do a relay between riding and driving. As JK hurt his backbone, he offered his service as the driver. So, both Sooi Ying and Betty was riding with JK behind the wheels.

We started slow, real slow!

Once we were ready, we started off at almost 8.00am. Time and time again , I reminded them  not to rush off at the beginning and to take the ride as slow and relaxing as possible. The slow and pleasant ride was not really taxing and we reach the Selangor Dam quite easily, even for the few newbies. There we had a photo session and bantering was also the program for the whole day.

Sun was up but it was not hot.

We moved on to Sungai Chilling entrance and took a few shots there too. After here, Wai Keat took the lead as I am a slow climber who does not really care for time. Lilian was not feeling well too, so I better take it slow. we broke into two groups with Wai Keat taking the lead with Fenn, Su, Jayl, Betty and Sooi Ying. Suprisingly, the three newbies were at the front pack. While at the rear, I was with KK, Irene and Lilian.

Photo session at the Sg. Chilling entrance.

KK was riding his newly acquired Surly for the first time going up hilly rides. Irene was an encouragement to new riders, although not a new rider, she was very phobic of hill rides before. After much persuasion and convincing, also with a slight technical modification on her Tyrell plus another trial session in Genting Peras beforehand, she was gamed. My objective here today was never how fast we can but more to finishing the ride, even with four new riders. We agreed to regroup at the waterfall at the 24th milestone. As I always maintained, I wanted all to regroup before riding on , no matter how fast or slow the riders are.

Crossing the iron bridge.

First and second group was not really very far apart though. Hunger seems to be a factor to keep watch on on this route. Carbo loading is a must too. After a while Irene seems to be dizzy and noodles at breakfast doesn't seem to last. So, we stopped and had some food and drinks as most stocked some food in their bags and since there was a support car, a whole cooling carton of 100 plus was also available. I had experienced this before when I first ride this route. After a while resting, we continued and slowly we trudged up and up and up. The first pack was waiting at a certain point and it was just a mere kilometer from the waterfall, probably they didn't know that the waterfall was just two bends away. After all 11 of us are regrouped, we moved on till the waterfall. As usual photo session is a must but more importantly, we were lining up to use the only toilet here. I was holding it since Sungai Chilling!

Some crazy camwhoring afterwards we rode on. There's another 8 kilometers to our lunch and rest. Irene was getting tired and ask me how far are we to Gap. I told to lookout for an Indian temple, on the right and not on the left! " When you see it, then you can shout, Hooray! " I told Irene. The weather was really kind on us today, it was cooling. Then after a turn we saw some buildings and Lilian shouted, " Yay! we are here already! " A few of the front riders was already at the hanging bridge just below the Gap Resthouse. we joined them and Wai Keat told us that the cafe was not open! There goes our lunch.

Some crazy camwhoring!

We were tired, hungry and thirsty! We had a group meeting on whether to ride up to Fraser's Hill or zoom down to Kg.Tras for lunch. We all decided to ride down and that we did! The ride down here was faster than the other side and certain part of the roads were not smooth until we cross an iron bridge. Lilian and Wai Keat was really fast going down while I tag at the rear. It actually took some time to actually finish rolling down. The fast snaking down the road was quite fun with Wai Keat and Lilian clocking over 50 km/h at certain stretch. Wai Keat and Lilian stopped at another waterfall to wait for the rest to regroup. After all are accounted for, there's still more downhill to go. we passed by a really big and well maintained durian orchard. Durian trees was abundant as far as the eyes can see.

Saw the nearest way to feed ourselves.

We then came down to more flatter road and then I saw the shop house at the junction that turns to the Bentong route. we were too hungry for photo session here and we rode past it. As we neared Kg. Tras we can see more residential houses. I then saw a narrow bridge and rode over it forgetting that the support car cannot pass it. " Never mind, JK will find a way to find us", I was thinking. We went around the village looking for restaurants and we saw one but it was not opened but the shop owner directed us to another one that was open. Wai Keat went to scout first while we rested and waited. I gave a call to the support car and check his location and then directed him to the eatery. Wai Keat has ordered for 2 tables of 6 and 5 pax. Anything is good now!

A temple along the route.

After filling in our stomach and satisfy our thirst, we headed out of the village and onto the main road to Raub. We stopped by a temple and was impressed with the 'thousand hand Kuan Yin Goddess' and took a few snaps there. After that we moved on and headed straight into another hill climb and long too. With our stomach full and ourselves on sleep mode, we had to dig deep into ourselves to reach the apex of the hill. After reaching we waited for another regrouping and headed downhill again and then after a few more 'dragonbacks' we finally reached the Raub town junction.

From here , I took over the lead as I know where our hotel is and as fast as we could, we hurried to the hotel. We were all in bad need of a bath and rest. after reaching the junction to our 'homestay', we baded goodbye to KK, Betty, Sooi Ying and JK and we decided to meet at 7.00pm for dinner.

Although not the main curry house, this branch's food also lives up to the expectation of Sempalit curry chicken.

After checking in and sat down, we were too relaxed to even take a bath but we had to. After a short nap after bath, we then rode out again into town where the others were putting up. we had a grand curry dinner (Sempalit curry chicken) at Ratha Curry House. We took a short ride after dinner to check out the town and all of us headed back to the homestay.

We opened a few bottles of wine and beers and have the famous Sempalit groundnuts. We were very loud laughing at every funny incidents that happen during the ride here. With a few glass, added with the full stomach and drain out body, we began to get too relaxed! This was when the idea of not wanting to ride back was hatched! I have actually planned the contingencies and I even have telephone numbers of 4WD vehicles to fetch us up back to Gap but KK suggested that we ride in Chamang, Bentong after some 'ice kacang'.

Curry Fish Head

So, it was decided that , tomorrow morning all the drivers will go to KKB and then drive back to Raub with the cars. Then we will all head for Bentong. We did just that and had a good Hainanese breakfast in KKB, e even had Hainanese chicken chop but the 'nasi lemak bungkus' here was fantastic! There was only 3 packets left and Irene took two. We then headed to the famous KKB cake shop and bought some cakes to take back.



We drove back to Raub in a convoy of 5 cars and after checking out, we headed to Bentong and KK took us to another spot for 'ice kacang'. Suprisingly, the 'ice kacang' here was even better than the more famous Kow Po. The sky was turning dark and strong winds blowing hard when we were having the meal and we decided to head home after this. After paying, we headed back to KL. 

Even though it was a tough route, it was relaxing as no one in the group was in a hurry. Sense of camaraderie was prevalent among us and more care was given because there was 4 new riders in the flock and this made the whole group closer. In fact all of us made it without coming down to push even on the uphill section from KKB.I wish every ride was marshall as such as I find it more less stressing and fun. I am very sure that I shall invite all the participants on this ride again for other rides. This bunch has my first priority invites for any rides!

The Great Rawang Challenge Ride

It is the time of the year again when CFAL (Cycling For A Lane) is held again and among us, there were many who are not riding. I was planning for a quiet and relaxing weekend, then after I mentioned to Cikgu about doing the Ijok's 'beggar chicken' ride, Cikgu immediately proposed riding from Rawang. Then after conferring with Rivern, the date was moved to Saturday and like myself, I am OK with any day, even weekdays!

So, the Rawang to Ijok ride was born ! Date CFAL weekend.

Event page was posted up in Facebook and hosted by me and Cikgu. (sheepishly, actually Cikgu did most of the work). Orders need to be confirmed at least a day earlier for the 'beggar's chicken' ( chicken wrapped in foil with herbs and covered with mud and coal fired till done, something like doing clam bake on the beach ).

Starting point

The day approaches fast and there were a few late entries and we re-ordered an extra table. The meeting point in a school in Rawang was choosen for safety of the cars. We have also pointed out very clearly on the event page that for this event we will not wait for late comers and all came punctually.

After the group photo, it started to drizzle and when we reached the first apex of the dragon's back, it started pouring. I was still arguing  with myself whether to put on the rain poncho. Then, I say, " what the heck! ". Just feel the rain. It was raining cats and dogs but the whole group cycled on. When the rain started more and more dump trucks appeared but they were careful too as they were driving on 'kampong' roads.

<music> riding in the rain.

After stopping under flyovers for regrouping a few times, I decided to put on my rain poncho. Not because of the rain but because of my thin jersey. My nippies was too obvious and Chris was really excited about it. Although still getting drenched, it was warmer. I kept my glasses in the bag as droplets are blurring my vision.

We stopped at a lakeside local eatery called Kafe Tasik Biru and the nasi lemak there was nice. So does the 'lontong' that KK ate. View from here was nice too and we all had a good rest here and had our share of filling in for breakfast. The rain although slowed down, nevertheless it was still a very wet ride. The view from the slopes behind Rawang is actually quite scenic but most were not really looking at it because of the extra attention we need to put in while riding wet.

We moved on towards Kundang, passing a golf club and through housing estates towards the Kuala Selangor main trunk road. Just after the junction into Batu Arang, the road here was beautifully lined with rows of rubber trees. The whole scene was almost extracted out of a movie scene. We did not ride into Batu Arang as we headed to Ijok first.

Big honey jackfruits

Nearing Ijok, I told Cikgu that I won't be riding to the rabbit farm and I will be waiting at Delicious Restaurant. The ride to the farm is another 5 kilometers and I was not really interested and I prefer to get dried and be more comfortable for lunch later. So, a few of us rode to the restaurant and had a hot chinese tea while waiting for the main pack to return.

Beggar chicken oven!

Apart from serving the famous 'beggar chickens' this restaurant also sells the Honey jackfruit. We were observing a worker extracting the fruit. They also produces preserved calamansi limes and there were rows of bottled preserved limes there. Yes,, they sell it too. Opposite the restaurant, amidst the oil palms, there's also a chicken breeding farm. My guess the chicken we will be having are from here too.

Happy diners

After an hour, the main pack returned and after we were all seated and refreshed, the food is served. Each table had 2 chickens, a duck, a fish, glutinous rice and a greens. I would suggest avoiding the duck as it seems bland but we didn't try the pig's trotter though. The glutinous rice had salted egg yolks inside. No wonder I see boxes of them behind. The food was consumed within 30 minutes and also there were 13 orders of take away chicken. Take-aways are still mud wrapped and it weighs 3 kgs each. I had one tucked into my rear bag, no problem.

The bike must have rejected the chicken as I got a puncture just after I loaded the chicken. So, I changed the tube while the rest waited. After huffing and puffing, we finally moved on. 500 meters on, I noticed the rear tires were going flat. So, I stopped again and redo the puncture again. Luckily Mr.Chow was still around as my other spare is a presta valve and my pump can't pump presta! I spent quite some time pumping it as the spokes were too near for a full size pump. We managed to fill in the tube and we rushed to rejoin the others.

The famous root in Batu Arang also for mosquito bites!

At the junction we regrouped and moved on. After a while riding, Wai Keat was telling me my tire were still under inflated. He asked me if I want to fill more air into it. We stopped and tried pumping it and in the process bent the valve and the tires can't hold the air. Now, this is tiring and also looking for problems when there's none. Then Chris cycled by and I had to get a spare schrader valved tube from Chris. Another round of tube changing and P-U-M-P-I-N-G  ! Golly! my hands are aching now. Finally we managed to get the air right and off we went.

The main group waited for us at a junction and we all rode together. I like this group, really! Understanding and patient! No matter who's in trouble, we are riding in a tight group. No heroes trying to show their speed prowess. We then rode into Batu Arang and Cikgu being the good guide, showed us the history of Batu Arang. After the iconic tower roundabout photo session, we rode towards Rawang again and this time we have to climb, climb and climb.

Everyone was still in jovial mood proving that the ride was not tough and we have clocked over 50 kilometers at this stage. The climb took some time for some but it was not too tiring while the faster climbers stopped at the Rawang junction to wait for the last few riders to rejoin. When the last rider arrived, there was cheering and encouragement.

The vacuum cleaner and the rider!

The final stretch was the last 13 kilometers but a great deal of it was downhill. We managed to reach the Orchid Farm quite easily and as it was quite late already, almost 5.00pm we broke up into two groups. The group that wants to visit the farm went ahead while the other group head for Rawang.

We stopped at a petrol station and replenished ourselves with 100 plus before we continued again. The last part was dangerous actually. The daily jam here made motorized vehicles lined in two rows in a single lane road and that leaves no space for us cyclist to maneuver. And that little tight lane, we had to share with motorcyclist. I was sweeping at the rear because it was quite dangerous and some with slick tires, made it even more treacherous. At some parts Fenn had to come down and push and at some parts we had to cycle in the middle between two rows of vehicles which included many lorries and buses.

Finally, we rode into the more open road and into the road leading to the school. Finally we saw the same cement factory and in the last turn, we reached the school gates. There were faces of relief when we reached there. Finally , finally!  I can take off my drenched shoes and socks and luckily I have a spare pair in my car. Some went back first and some waited for the last to return and when that happened, we thanked Cikgu and Cikgu and drove home and I got stuck in a bad traffic jam for two hours before reaching home.

You know! After all the soaking, tiredness, hunger, thirst, numbing feeling in the ass and palms, IT WAS FUN! When are we doing it again?