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.

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.

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.

Kuantan Sungai Lembing Part 2

Some pixs are from other riders album.

The durian party!

The folks in Sungai Lembing is so trusting or maybe I have been there before that he is so trusting. While the rest went to their respective lodgings, the 6 of us rode to the homestay. It was over the other side of the river and we have to ride past the local graveyard. When we reached there, nobody was around but the doors were not locked. I opened the door and the air conditioner was on. Mr. Yap (the owner) has already switched it on for us. It was really a relief to get out of the heat and into a comfortable room.

The homestay.

We sat around the huge table, enjoying the cool breeze from the air conditioner and still reluctant to have our bath. Finally, the smell and sweat on our bodies made us withdrew into our rooms and the others were going out again to explore the rivers and the town. Me and Lilian decided to take a deserving afternoon nap as we did not had a wink at all for the past 36 hours.

I woke up at 5.00pm and suggested that we ride out to look for them. Just as we were opening the gates, we heard them coming back. We chatted for a while and then by 7.00pm we were out riding again with our headlights for dinner at Hoover Restaurant. Wai Keat and Chris has pre-ordered our dinner and it was set for 7.30pm but the place was full and we just lingered outside the restaurant waiting for our table. The dinner was so-so only but we were really hungry.

After dinner, there was a debate to where we should go, to their place or ours. I was ready to go back to enjoy a little tipple as I brought a bottle of vodka. We went hunting around town for ice but it was not available, not from sundry shops or restaurants. We rode back, making do without the ice. As soon as we were back at the 'homestay', I checked the fridge and .....voila! there was a pack of ice inside the freezer. we got out the glasses and with the leftover 'siew yoke' we chatted over vodka. Slowly our conversation got a bit louder and the laughter getting thunderous!

Vodka orange!

We were almost finishing the bottle when Su went for a pee and I took this chance to slip into my room. Wai Keat and Su was given the task to finish the bottle!

The next morning, I heard Chris's voice outside and me and Lilian too woke up. After cleaning, I called up the 'homestay' owner as we were leaving. He came over and I paid him for the 'homestay' rates. We chatted for a while with him and he took a photo of us, the crazy gang of cyclist from KL. After saying goodbye, we left for breakfast.

San sui towfoo! Nice and silky.

We met the others at the market where most of the 'san sui' towfoo was. Like the last time, the place was packed with tourist. I ordered 8 pieces (2 belongs to Chris) and an assortment of other 'yong tow foo' and two bowls of noodles. As usual, we bantered around and by this time, the 4WD from Kuantan arrived. Ah! yes, I forgot to mention. After yesterday's hot sun burning ride, Irene and a few others decided not to ride back and was contemplating to take the bus out. We discussed over it and decided we all will take the bus and to ensure we can get onto the bus (the last trip, the bus driver disallowed it), a 4WD will ferry all our bikes while we hop onto the bus back to Kuantan.

All aboard to be ferried back!

Never seen commuters so happy about taking the bus!

Chris left for KL first as he had a prior engagement. We then in 2 cars went to Kemaman for lunch. The famed 'coffee and bread' was under renovations  so we opted for the 'curry noodle and steamed fish' here, also a famous eatery. We went near the riverside and had this unique styled curry noodle and then we visited the turtle sanctuary along the way home. The turtles were cute and it was really nice. Lilian bought a few souvenir and finally left for home passing by the Cherating beachside.

Cute turtles.

That we did! Even the public bus ride was fun! Hahaha. It cost RM2.00 per person to the bus stop near Wai Keat's home. After arriving, we hopped out and waited for vehicles to ferry us to Wai Keat's place. We reacched Wai Keat's place a while later and we find durians. Loads of them and they were all high quality D24s and 'Musang King' from Bentong/Raub district. Wai Keat's dad gave us this durian party and it was really delicious! Me and Lililan and even Anne said it, " I never had so much durian in one eating." I was full an really full on durians.

Musang King.

After having the durians, we have to move on as we have to drive back to KL. I feel kind of guilty for not repaying Wai Keat's kind hospitality on this trip. I will make up for it, later. Thanks to Peugeot's after sales service, I was driving back to KL without the air conditioner. It's been two month's now. It was sweaty and sleepy! We made it to KL without incident though but if any insect were to run into me, they won't be able to get off my face!

Ipoh Senang Senang Ride

The trip was planned last month and as soon as Johnny informed me about the trip I agreed on the spot. I have a choice of going there by train but parking around Sentral KL and also the schedule at home made going by ETS a bit of hassle for me so I decided to drive to Ipoh on that very morning. Helen together with Vincent and James were already in Ipoh the night before as I requested them to be on time. Clement and Penny was already in Teluk Intan for a wedding dinner so they drove to Ipoh the same morning as well.

I reached Ipoh a bit early as there was no traffic on PLUS. It took me only 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Ipoh's toll plaza and since the exit was near Kg. Simee, I drove to the wet market there for the 'egg tarts'. I bought a few and had it together with a bowl of 'Kai See Hor Fun'. It cost only RM2.80 per bowl! I slushed it down with a glass or warm soya bean milk. I drove slowly to the Railway Station and checked with Clement on his whereabouts. It seems that he's arrived too.

The eatery at Kg.Simee, nice egg tarts there.

As I drove into the Railway Station I saw Clement assembling his bike with Penny. I parked beside him and also did the same. Helen, James and Vincent came along later and so did 'Ah Fatt'. As we were loitering about the railway station, we saw the big group (from the Ipoh Fun Ride) numbering almost two thousand rode past with all the fanfare. Patrol cars' siren wailing, men shouting and SBs' trail bikes roaring past herding the riders. It took some time for all those riders to ride past.

Uncle John's gang was already at the railway station quite early and Uncle John himself came over and introduced himself. We chatted a while and later the train from KL arrived. Then Sam Cheong, Johnny, Patrick, Roger, Radzi, William and Eric emerged from the station gates and started to unfold their bikes. Altogether we have 22 riders.

Bikes all ready to go!

A short briefing and group photo in front of the railway station and off we went. I actually was familiar with Ipoh as I have stayed in Taman Cempaka for 3 years in the 90s. The city hardly changed, the pace or the city itself. We convoyed down to the riverbank and then rode into Taman Dr Seenivasagam. This is still the oldest park here and the air was nice here with a lake at the center. KL could learn from this preservation! 

Taman Dr Seenivasagam

After circling the park we headed onto the main roads and headed for the old town. That's where the 'old food' is also available. Good 'old food'! Most of the food in KL have already been through an evolution but not that many in KL knows. Only those who have been through the days of cassette players, Betamax or VHS players will know. It's still prepared the same way here. I can't say I am an expert but being a former cook and also been eating around Malaysia, I can attest to that.

The old eateries of old town. At the other far end,

Nam Heong (where Old Town coffee started) and Sun Yuan Loong.

There were many 'coffee shops' here, more than 10 actually. All old style! The group splintered into many small groups. Some went for this and some went for that! I and Lilian, seeing the crowd (and we have eaten anyway), stayed back with Uncle Pah and watch over the bikes. 20 minutes later, we all regrouped and Uncle Pah leaded us to Sultan Abdul Aziz recreation Park. We rode through many of the main Ipoh city roads passing through the chaotic 'Dim Sum Alley'. Somehow or rather, the famous 'dim sum' eateries all converged into this lane. This makes the traffic chaotic on a Sunday morning! After a brief stop at the Park and a 'pow wow'! by the elderly, it was decided that we ride to The Perak Cave Temple.

"Sudah sampai" Perak Tong

From the streets of Ipoh, we headed to more quiet lanes of housing estates and then more secluded lanes and headed for the temple. The ride was relaxing as the sky was kind to us. In the morning, I was expecting a wet ride but it turned out a perfect cloudy day. The temple was peaceful until a group of riders rode in and park the bikes in a row for group photo. After the session, we parked our bikes under a tree and as usual Uncle John stayed back to look after the bikes while we explored the cave. The cave was like a tunnel with the temple inside and on the other side of the mountain, there was a garden with a lily pond. Really nice, except for the marble plant on the other end which somehow mars the scenery!

At the other end of the tunnel!

After everyone was satisfied and regrouped, there was another 'pow wow' between the elders and they decided to ride to Ulu Kinta. This is where the trail head for Gunong Korbu is! That is far! We didn't objected anyway and we just followed. Along the ride, a few pit stop was made for the slow riders to regrouped. This kind of ride, I liked! Another like was, there were local sweepers, so I don't have to sweep today and I can ride alongside Lilian. Hehehe! After reaching the Tg. Rambutan junction, we stopped at a petrol station, we made a pit stop at a petrol station. The way I see it, it was more of a 'Piss Stop', especially for the ladies. We refilled our water bottles here and I gulped down a can of 100Plus.

"PISS STOP"

As we rode on, we passed by Sunway's, "The Lost World" and also Banjaran Hot Spring. We did not stop as we were heading further into the dam area. Just about 5 kilometers from the dam, we were cautioned about the climb there. I was expecting Genting Peras like climb but actually it's milder and we did it without any difficulty. We ventured into the riverside and Uncle John said this was a favorite trail for mountain bikers. The off road trail here can go up to Chemor! Maybe one day we do that, possibly on a folding bike, off course!

We were really getting hungry now and the GPS recorded 42 kilometers already. Uncle John suggested we have 'nasi Kandar' and I don't think anyone will reject anyway. Too hungry already. We stopped at an eatery in Tambun just after Banjaran Hot Springs. Before that, we stopped at a roadside stall for coconut juice. After a hefty lunch, I though I could not cycle anymore. I think everyone is having the same feeling as after lunch, everybody seems to ride slow! Hahaha! 

Hungry Pack!

After a few kilometers, we all warmed up again and the tummy eased up, we were riding fast again. So fast that, Uncle John went zooming past us to get to the front riders to request them to slow down as the rear markers can't catch up. We were actually now heading for Funny Mountain soya bean shop. After reaching there, I wasn't interested anymore. The line was sooo........long! Then Penny and Helen volunteered to line up. So, we waited and Sam Cheong and many others were more interested in the 'Ice Cream Soda' float at the other end. Also the 'Rojak' there.

Johnny with an octogenarian who is STILL riding!

After quenching our desire for soya bean milk, there only time left to head back to the railway station. It was already 3.30pm now. The train back is scheduled for 5.05pm. We then headed back to the railway station and after goodbyes to Sam, Johnny and also Uncle John, we went to our cars and folded our bikes and headed home. My! was I sleepy on the drive back. I wish I was with them on the air conditioned train ride. I think they slept too!