Kampar Sitiawan Roundabout - III  (final)

The days begins and we all know we have made a tough decision to ride back to Kampar. We decided to start as early as possible and we will stop for breakfast on the way. After leaving the key on the sewing machine of the care taker, we left, riding southwards towards Teluk Intan. we won't be riding the off - road stretch again!

The riders! 

Looking fresh in the morning. We were hitting 23km/h to 28km/h for the first few hours to take advantage of the cool crisp air. We also decided to do a pit stop and regroup after every 10 kilometers.

The ride was getting hotter and hotter, passing through paddy fields.

A fellow cyclist from Felcra saw us and wave us to stop. He wanted to have a chat with us and also take some photo of us. We obliged and also we made some new friends. Irene also took the opportunity to hitch a ride to the sugar cane stop that we planned.

Our stop! Fresh sugar cane juice. We also chatted with the stall owner whom we had chatted before on our way to Sitiawan the previous day. Our new friend also accompanied Irene while waiting for us to arrive. We rode in shortly.

We then took a longer but with more shade route through the plantations and kampongs. The stall owner gave us the directions. He was right, the route was much more pleasing and relaxing. Fruits were in season again. Seems the kampong here grows a lot of lime trees.

We then reach the bridge spanning the Kinta river. While we were here, Lilian's bike fell over and broke the rear derailleur hanger. A quick fix was needed and the only solution was to shorten the chain and choose a ratio to run on single speed.

For the next 40 kilometers, Lilian has to ride on single speed but thank goodness, there are only a few hills. After repairing we carried on, passing Kampong Gajah without stopping. The sun was getting higher and it is already hitting our backs.

Somewhere along Kampong Timah, I had a gastric bout and we stopped at a small village hiding under some shade while Lilian went into the local village store to get me some milk. The rest was discussing about short cuts which I don't think existed, unless you cut a new route! Hahaahaa. A few kilometers further , we finally had to stop for lunch as hunger is setting in. We can't wait to find a better eatery. Anyway the eatery was good. Gan says the mee rebus was nice and the chicken rice that I had was quite OK.

How far more ???

We arrived at a small village called Tronoh Mines and this is a symbolic signal that our destination is near. Hooray! The small village is so peaceful, can hardly see anyone. Are they having their siesta at this hour?

KookKeong having a photo taken at the sign. He even saw a RM100 note on the grass. who might have left it there? After picking it up, he was riding with his eyes set to the ground, hoping for more, hahahahaa!

Our last pit stop before hitting Kampar again. We are still in a jovial mood, especially after chatting about KK's treasure bounty. Still some distance to go but shouold be OK, we have done so far already.

Finally, we rode into Kampar and we have clocked 214 kilometers in all. The first day we done 100 kilometers and today it was 95 kilometers. The rest were all done in Sitiawan itself. we must pat ourselves for being able to do this and especially to Gan CG who was riding a 16 inches folding bikes and also Pakkong for which this is his maiden major ride out of town. It was mentally tough, especially on the 25 kilometers off-road stretch.

Finally, after taking our bath and rest, ice kacang

AND

what else, Kampar's famous clay pot chicken rice!

Kampar Sitiawan Roundabout -  II

For our second day, we have decided last night that everyone sleeps in. No waking up call. Sleep as long as you want!

Me, on the other can't sleep late. As much as I wanted to, I can't. So, me and Lilian went out riding. I wanted to take Lilian to Yee Si Restaurant in Kg. Koh but.............as luck wants it, it was closed for 10 days. The boss must be clearing his leave! hahahahaa...

So, I decided to take Lilian to another famous Sitiawan food, the "lorr mee" near the wet market. Managed to find it, quite easy to spot actually, we see continous flow of locals going there. Verdict, not my kind of food!

When I rode back to the villa, most of them are up and I joined them again for another round of breakfast. This time it was near the main Sitiawan junction where Alex swears that the curry noodle was fantastic. I was full already so I did not try but looking at it, it seems very good, seconded by Alex and Pakkong.

We were not going to do anything today except going to the "Tai Pak Koong" temple. But that we will ride out in the evening. So, we just laze around the villa, plucking rambutans to eat. It was ripening already and there were many trees in the villa's compound. We also cleaned and lubed our bikes.

Later, we rode to Pasir Panjang where the temple is situated. Hang around there for quite a bit too. The temple was beautiful. 

"Tai Pak Koong" or Grand Uncle which the temple is dedicated to.

Other deities found in the temple. The main temple grounds were actually behind and we took our time strolling around. There were also new additions to this nice temple but it was not ready yet. Must make a point to visit it again , maybe after another 6 months. By then, it should be ready.

We rode into a small stretch of trail that leads into the mangrove. The feeling ws relaxed and so we decided to wait for the sunset shot before going for dinner.

Sunset!

DINNER TIME !

We departed the temple grounds and went searching for Jit Yue Hiong Seafood. Took us a while but we managed.

Very good seafood! Very fairly priced too!

Alex drooling over the toddy! I never tried before but according to our experts, it was fresh and good. Cheap too , it seems. I took a glass but really don't fancy it. I loved the food though.

After the dinner, we ronda ronda around Sitiawan and then back to the villa. We have decided over dinner that we will ride back to Kampar !




For the final part.