Kuantan to Sungai Lembing
Some pictures courtesy of other riders!
All looking fresh and eager!
A month ago, me and Chris had made a recce ride to Sungai Lembing from the toll plaza in Bukit Goh which the exit to Kuantan. Although we did manage to came out intact after wandering aimlessly in the palm oil plantation and emerged only in the evening into civilization, we still liked Sungai Lembing.
So, from what we found out, we maintained with our accommodations and certain food, do away with some food and also most importantly, do away with the harsh conditions of the off road. So, the date choosen was 6th July and to make the trip more joyful, a local resident and fellow rider, Lai Wai Keat joined us.
In fact it was Wai Keat's advise that we should avoid parking our cars at the toll plaza overnight and he offered us to park at his home in Kuantan. On the morning of the said day, I started my journey at 2.30am. I also found out that all of the particiapating riders are already in Kuantan except me. I started off early as I can't sleep, must be the clash in my biological clock. Thanks to Peugeot fantastic backup service (it's already 2 1/2 months now) I am driving with no air conditioner. I reached the Kuantan exit at 5.00am and it was still early, I decided to drive to Sungai Lembing first to drop off my backpacks. This will make my ride very much easier, hihihihi!
I was hunting down the owner of the homestay when I was there and there was already a huge crowd at the marketplace at 5.45am. They are on the way up the Panorama Hill. I still can't wake up the homestay owner and finally at 6.30am he replied my call and I explained that I just want to drop something off at the homestay.
That done, I rushed back ASAP to Kuantan as Wai Keat called me already. When I met with Wai Keat who guided me back to his place, everyone was there already. In total there are 13 riders, Me and Lilian, Chris, Wai Keat, Fenn, Susanna, Irene, Pohnee, Robert, Anne, Kimmiesakie and finally Winson and Sherine who drove all the way from Penang to join this ride. This makes the ride doubly tiring for them. We had a breakfast prepared by Wai Keat's family and off we went.
We hit the dirt at the instant as the road out of the housing estate was a long.....long.....gradua climb. Although I did not rush a few riders were already doing the 2Ts ( turun dan tolak ). As we rode onto the highway to the toll station (where we were supposed to start), we have climbed 3 slopes of the same elevation and it was already 14.8 km recorded.
A few were beginning to simmer and starting to go into a boil.....hahaha! We slowed down the pace and decided to have a cold Coca Cola or 100 Plus break in Pancing. But that was another 8 km away so we have to work hard to get the bounty! Beside the local 'coffee shoppe' our 'durian King' spotted some next door. Without notice, he and 2 more riders were more interested in durians than a cold drink. While we were enjoying our cold drinks, he was chomping on durians.
After the long deserved rest we were on our way to Gua Charas. It was almost noon when we arrive there so we might be able to view the magical ray of light shining onto the 'sleeping Buddha'. The road into the cave temple was full of landmines laid by a few herds of cow. We reached the foothill of the limestone hill which housed the temple which was halfway on the cliff of the limestone outcrop and it was only accessible via some cemented stairs and a rickety iron stairs. I did not climb this time as I have already done so a month before. Most of us just rested at the foothills while a few ventured into the caves.
When everyone was accounted for, we moved on and this was the toughest part of the ride. Not because of the terrain but more of the harsh scorching high temperature of the midday sun. The whole route was open and we were all subjected to the high temperature ride. Luckily I have advised most of them to refill their water bottles. In fact a long before we reach, most of our bottles were empty. Wai Keat was leading the ride and he did a good job of keeping every rider in a tight group. We also rested a lot between the ride. Kilometer by kilometer we trudge on and we finally came to a small 'kampong' sundry shop and that looks like a good place to regroup. Winson must have been on 'sports' mode as he didn't stop there and zoomed past. We actually rested quite long here because of the cold drinks and the shade.
When everyone was there, without Winson off course, he's passed us, we rode the last leg of the route. I knew the road here and I also know that it won't be far. Finally we saw Winson standing at the arch into Sungai Lembing. He asked," Where's my wife? " Only now did he asked, hahaha. Off course she was in good hands. "Quite unfair isn't it", Winson? You are riding a 24 speed bike while your wife struggles on a 7 speed bike. Hahaha!
We regrouped under the arch and had a photo sessions there. We were finally there already with many of us already sun burned! Then we had a small discussion on what we want to do next? Most of us were hungry and we all agreed to have lunch first, albeit a very late one. Wai Keat and me decided for the market place to check if there are still any stalls open. We saw one and it was quite packed but still we joined 4 tables and sat around it. Our orders were the unique speciality of Sungai Lembing, "the tomato noodle ". Apart from that the 'dried chilly noodle' and also fried rice. Needless to say, we consume a lot of cold drinks.
A cheeky local went somewhere and came back with a packet of pineapple juice. Immediately, I saw it and asked, " Where did you get it? " Everyone then saw it too and demanded that after this meal, we are going there for the pineapple water!
For part 2, click here.
I was hunting down the owner of the homestay when I was there and there was already a huge crowd at the marketplace at 5.45am. They are on the way up the Panorama Hill. I still can't wake up the homestay owner and finally at 6.30am he replied my call and I explained that I just want to drop something off at the homestay.
Breakfast time!
That done, I rushed back ASAP to Kuantan as Wai Keat called me already. When I met with Wai Keat who guided me back to his place, everyone was there already. In total there are 13 riders, Me and Lilian, Chris, Wai Keat, Fenn, Susanna, Irene, Pohnee, Robert, Anne, Kimmiesakie and finally Winson and Sherine who drove all the way from Penang to join this ride. This makes the ride doubly tiring for them. We had a breakfast prepared by Wai Keat's family and off we went.
We hit the dirt at the instant as the road out of the housing estate was a long.....long.....gradua climb. Although I did not rush a few riders were already doing the 2Ts ( turun dan tolak ). As we rode onto the highway to the toll station (where we were supposed to start), we have climbed 3 slopes of the same elevation and it was already 14.8 km recorded.
All raring to go.
A few were beginning to simmer and starting to go into a boil.....hahaha! We slowed down the pace and decided to have a cold Coca Cola or 100 Plus break in Pancing. But that was another 8 km away so we have to work hard to get the bounty! Beside the local 'coffee shoppe' our 'durian King' spotted some next door. Without notice, he and 2 more riders were more interested in durians than a cold drink. While we were enjoying our cold drinks, he was chomping on durians.
Durians everywhere now! And someone cannot resist.
After the long deserved rest we were on our way to Gua Charas. It was almost noon when we arrive there so we might be able to view the magical ray of light shining onto the 'sleeping Buddha'. The road into the cave temple was full of landmines laid by a few herds of cow. We reached the foothill of the limestone hill which housed the temple which was halfway on the cliff of the limestone outcrop and it was only accessible via some cemented stairs and a rickety iron stairs. I did not climb this time as I have already done so a month before. Most of us just rested at the foothills while a few ventured into the caves.
The karst outcrop of Gua Charas.
When everyone was accounted for, we moved on and this was the toughest part of the ride. Not because of the terrain but more of the harsh scorching high temperature of the midday sun. The whole route was open and we were all subjected to the high temperature ride. Luckily I have advised most of them to refill their water bottles. In fact a long before we reach, most of our bottles were empty. Wai Keat was leading the ride and he did a good job of keeping every rider in a tight group. We also rested a lot between the ride. Kilometer by kilometer we trudge on and we finally came to a small 'kampong' sundry shop and that looks like a good place to regroup. Winson must have been on 'sports' mode as he didn't stop there and zoomed past. We actually rested quite long here because of the cold drinks and the shade.
The simmering heat over slopes is taking it's toll.
When everyone was there, without Winson off course, he's passed us, we rode the last leg of the route. I knew the road here and I also know that it won't be far. Finally we saw Winson standing at the arch into Sungai Lembing. He asked," Where's my wife? " Only now did he asked, hahaha. Off course she was in good hands. "Quite unfair isn't it", Winson? You are riding a 24 speed bike while your wife struggles on a 7 speed bike. Hahaha!
Finally here.
We regrouped under the arch and had a photo sessions there. We were finally there already with many of us already sun burned! Then we had a small discussion on what we want to do next? Most of us were hungry and we all agreed to have lunch first, albeit a very late one. Wai Keat and me decided for the market place to check if there are still any stalls open. We saw one and it was quite packed but still we joined 4 tables and sat around it. Our orders were the unique speciality of Sungai Lembing, "the tomato noodle ". Apart from that the 'dried chilly noodle' and also fried rice. Needless to say, we consume a lot of cold drinks.
This is weird! Local tomato noodle.
A cheeky local went somewhere and came back with a packet of pineapple juice. Immediately, I saw it and asked, " Where did you get it? " Everyone then saw it too and demanded that after this meal, we are going there for the pineapple water!
Doesn't this looks refreshing after a hot ride?
For part 2, click here.
Very interesting! ��
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