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!

Sekinchan Ride.

An idyllic scenery along the way.

The idea actually started when Norman mentioned about being interested in riding in Sekinchan to Sungai Besar ( a place they called " Tua Kang " in Hokkien ). I have seen many photos of Sekinchan rides but usually within Sekinchan itself. So, when Lilian have a free day ( I was supposed to join Johnny in Fraser's Hill but couldn't make it), I decided to do a ride from Sekinchan to Sabak Bernam. Clement agreed with the idea. Zali told me about a chalet on stilts near the coastal area in Bernam and I was gamed to locate it.

So, I contacted a few riders via FB and the next morning, Steven and Lay Hoon, Earl Ku, Clement and wife, Norman and together with me and Lilian, we met up in front of the Sekinchan's fire station. The sun was up when we started the journey. Not sure of the route actually, we kept as much to the coast as possible. At one juncture, we came to a dead end with just a laterite road hugging the coast. We decided to take that road anyway, againts the objection forwarded by Norman. Hehehe!

A really 'shioking' laterite road!

Along the whole off road adventure, Clement spoke to a fisherman we met. He told us the laterite road goes as far as Pasir Panjang. We know it quite far but we are not sure where Pasir Panjang is! Norman resisted and was the last to reach a sluice gate that controls the irrigation canal. The laterite road continues but Norman again protested, so, we went back to the tarmac road.

Back to the tarmac!

My chain was giving problems again since the FRIM off road the other day. So, we cycled to a beach front area and while they were having drinks, I tried to rectify the problem. Clement helped me to cut off the problematic section of the chain. I need a new chain! After some temporary measure, we were off again continuing on the isolated coastal road which incidently is the old coastal trunk road but quite unused by traffic nowadays. We had the road all to ourselves.

We cycled at an average speed of 18 km/h and since the road is flat, it poses no problems to any of us. The sun was going higher and temperatures is also getting hotter. We made a few stops to rest, have drinks and also regrouped. Slowly, my GPS recorded 15 km, then 18 km , then 20 km and so on ..............

Road conditions were good!

Not knowing that Sungai Besar is actually just a kilometer away, we stopped in front of a big air conditioned restaurant. I was quite amazed that there is such a big restaurant in such an isolated place. Steven was more suprised and cycled into the compound to check it out. After some bantering and photos and disturbing a cow at the roadside, we moved on.

Around the corner, we saw another familiar coloured building where we started our journey. The fire station, almost as big as the one in Sekinchan looms ahead. Then we saw a mini stadium and I knew we were already in Sungai Besar. Norman caught up with me and told me to find a place for lunch. I said, " Something light, we take our seafood meal later back in Sekinchan". He replied, " Seafood here, OK ". I thought we were continuing to Sabak Bernam while he thought we were turning back from here! When he found out what the plan was, his eyes widened. Then I decide that we will have a meal here and head back for Sekinchan after that. I can explore what's ahead, sometime later in future.

The 'Bagan' entrance.

So, we went into the 'Bagan' area. Bagan is like a fishing village in Malay. Norman wants to know where to have a great meal so he stopped by a roadside drink stall and asked the 2 ladies manning the stall. I also joined in since since they were so accommodating, I ordered some drinks from them and the others joined in. At this juncture, Norman was like chatting with old friends with the ladies. We cycled into the same road but was still unsure of a good 'makan' place. Norman again asked a gas delivery man. We went back into town area as said but didn't find the place suitable! Later, we met again a man, who spoke to Norman earlier and he offered to guide us to a good place. We followed him back into the 'Bagan' following him on his motorcycle.

Two ladies manning the drinks stall. Norman's info center!

A restaurant recommended by a local.

We seated ourselves and there was curious onlookers looking at our bikes. We ordered and when the food came, we practically gulped down everything. We re-ordered again and again. Altogether we had 3 fish dishes, 2 eggs and brinjals and another greens and 2 BKTs. Multiple orders of ice buckets and 100Plus, chinese tea and also extra white rice. It all totalled up to RM165.00! We can never get food at this prices back in KL. After the meal, the shop keeper were asking about about our bikes and our PR man, Norman happily obliged!

Nice and cheap!

The pace back to Sekinchan was faster, so as to burn off the food we ate. I was full, too full infact. The ride back was quiet and faster. Earl was falling back and I slowed down to ride alongside. Lilian too slowed down. At one point, me and Lilian went ahead and after a while Earl disappeared from sight! We waited under a shade for 15 minutes but Earl was not in sight. Me and Lilian back tracked and a kilometer away, we saw Earl at the roadside taking off his rear tires. PUNCTURED! I helped him out and got it repaired. Clement called and we explained the delay. They will be waiting for us to regroup. We then cycled to where they were waiting. We let Earl rested for a moment before we carried on.

Punctured!

We cycled on till we saw another roadside selling sugar cane juice. We all stopped for drinks as the stall keeper has a nice seats and table under a shady tree by the canal. Such pleasant surrounding, we can't resist to rest for a moment. As usual Norman started bantering with the lady stall keeper and a few Malay boys. Then the whole group started chattering away with the locals. We watched a monitor lizard swam by in the canal. Imagine how relaxed we were! The it was time to carry on!

The place and drink is nice! Especially after ride.

The last stretch was a constant 18 km/h to 20 km/h and by 3.15 pm we were back to where we started. My GPS recorded 55 kilometers and average speed was 16 km/h. Although blistering hot, it was a nice ride. Quite relaxing and fun. By the time we folded and loaded the bikes onto our cars, we were just tired and wanted to go home, so there was no plans for drinks. We wished goodbye and left car by car. 

I still curious and very gamed for the next trip beyond Sungai Besar! Maybe a two day one nighter trip.

Why Fraser's Hill ? Again and again.

If you include the trip to just Sg.Chilling and also the one where I stopped at GAP station, this is the 5th time I am riding on this route. I have been to the peak thrice but I still love to ride here again. The route is cooling and even after noon, the route down is still cooling. That is off course, if you start from Sg.Chilling. If you start the ride from KKB, the part near the dam is going to be HOT!

The route up is considerably safe, not much traffic, sometimes we have the whole road to ourselves, quite near to KL, being just an hour's drive. We don't see much human contact which I see as the ideal as I won't have to be afraid of muggers. There are many stop points, starting with the dam's Visitors Center, Sg.Chilling Kelah Sanctuary, the waterfalls at the 22nd mile and finally GAP station itself where there's a cafe which is open everyday.

Parking in KKB is safe and if you are still doubtful, park in front of the police station. There are many parking spaces there. Ending the ride with a meal is also easy as there are many nice eateries here. The problem with riders are EGO mainly. Many shunned this route because they think it's tough. In actual, this is a very easy riding route. In the first place, Fraser's Hill is not a compulsory destination! The route is a more important criteria in riding our bikes. You can take a simple ride to the dam or do a picnic ride to Sungai Chilling. Sg. Chilling is just a mere 13 km ride. The undulating slopes of the route to Sg.Chilling will give you a good aerobic workout.

Once the initial part is conquered, then proceed to GAP or the waterfall or wherever along the route. There's no compulsion to finish the route. Likewise, if one rides in Hulu Langat 18th mile or Genting Sempah, there's also nothing there, right? It's just a place, a spot, nothing more. Fact is, Fraser's Hill route is so much safer than both mentioned riding venues.

On this trip, it was actually unplanned! We were riding a simple ride the day before and there's still two days of holiday. I was planning a ride to Hulu Langat but a fellow rider decided he wanted to bring his family for a ride to Fraser's Hill. So, I contacted my side and he did likewise. Meeting time and place is the usual and that's it. It's on.

My neighbour can't make it and another two was late so it was decided that they drive straight to the waterfall or GAP to wait for our riding party to meetup. During breakfast, we were undecided on where to start the ride as the weaker few was late. Then I decide to stick to the plan as there were still three riders who has never ridden here before.

We drove to Sungai Chilling which is 13 kilometers away and it took only 20 minutes which shaved off an hour's ride if we were to  start from KKB. I called the late riders to confirm their arrival. And off we went! The surrounding area was misty and cooling and we all took a slow ride to warm up. As usual, I will always be at the back and my wife was even slower as she was riding on her granny gear which I fitted in the night before.

The air was refreshing as usual here and this itself made the ride here worthwhile. The usual checkpoint is the waterfall, 10 kilometers away. The two late riders passed us and I told them to either park their cars at the waterfall or GAP. After a while riding, we reached the waterfall but they were not there, probably because there was no other car there. We regrouped and carried on.

At the small Indian shrine a few kilometers away, there was a small procession of a deity accompanied by drums and followers. They were on the way to the larger shrine near GAP. There was also RELA members to manage the traffic on the narrow road. The RELA saw us and stop the traffic from the opposite side and waved us to pass. This was the only spot where I had to pedal furiously pass the procession. Another few kilometers, the preparation for the arrival of the deity was in full gear! Tents was set up, the road blocked to one single lane and cars parked all along the road. We pedalled carefully with the help of more RELA members and this is also where I sighed a relief as GAP is just round the corner.

We saw the two other riders taking pictures on the hanging bridge and after seeing us they followed us. We took a rest at the cafe and I ordered a burger as I was hungry. Funnily though, I am always hungry riding this route. We continued to the peak and since Helen and Vincent are on 8 speed only, I am very sure they can't catch up with the rest. Except for Clement on 16 speed, the rest was either 24 or 27 speeders. Even mine and Lilian's foldies are 27 speeders. I took the back position and there were many cars that day. It was a long holiday weekend.

Problem with some drivers are, they think the road was built only for cars! These selfish drivers needs to be sent to Vietnam to rehabilitate their driving attitude! It seems like we are slowing them down. We were riding in a single file and far apart, what else do they want? Still they honked at us. Anyway we rode on without any untoward incident. Little by little, Helen and Vincent increased their gap with the front riders and at the 5th km out of 8 km Helen stopped for a moment and then started to push her bike, but just for a moment. 

The last 2 kilometers of the road up is actually easier as the gradient eased up a little and have some level parts. Finally at last, both of them cross the guard house and join the rest at the clock tower. I am very sure we won't be having lunch here today due the number of crowd so we rested and then took a few snapshots and left. I reminded them again and again, the road down is dangerous and do it slow. I can tell others but Lilian is a downhill freak! She was out of sight after a while and loud thunder made me chase after her. I never rode downhill this fast but today I need to catch up with her! After a while, lost between waiting for the others or continue chasing after Lilian, I stop at a spot where I can see a part of the road further downhill. I saw Lilian passing and then I waited for the rest. The rest was in sight and I started catching up with Lilian and I was expecting Lilian to be near the long bridge but she was not. I rode further and finally saw Lilian sitting on the roadside. She said it was quite eerie near the bridge so she waited near somewhere with sunlight.

We regrouped and went zooming down. We reached the GAP cafe again but then decided to have our meal (not lunch anymore) in KKB. Helen and Vincent folded their bikes and packed into their car and I wish goodbye to both of them. The rest of us, there's still another 20 kilometers to go, albeit easy coasting down. We regrouped again near the waterfall and a few kilometers from Sungai Chilling, I am still fresh after resting and coasting I pedalled all the way back to Sg.Chilling even if it was downhill.

Sungai Chilling was packed with visitors and there were others waiting for our parking spots. I reversed my car out and so did Clement for them to park in first. After securing their bikes, we made our way to KKB for our deserved meal. Before that I showed Clement where the famous pastry shop and they bought quite a lot. Then to the little coffee shop where there's nice 'curry mee'. It was not the 'curry mee' that made my day, it was the home made soya bean milk! Sold in 1.5 liter bottles, we ordered two!

We ended our ride here after the meal but I am very sure this will not be be the last ride here. Even now, a bike/hiking trip to the Chilling waterfalls is in the works! Planning with SC Chin and we just need a date. Until then..........

Chilling waterfalls, anyone? Biking and Hiking and picnic!

A Wonderful Agony!

After going back to cycling as a pastime and also for sweating it out, I have invites for rides to Fraser's Hill. Because of my slow pace of riding and also doubts about my own fitness and endurance, I have always avoided those time consuming rides. After hearing many adventures of the rides, I decided to do it on my own and not seeing those rides on Facebook.

I started initially with an easy one. I first checked out the last stage from Gap to Fraser's Hill itself. I, Lilian (my wife) and Mabel (my daughter) went one day and did just that. It was not hard at all! Seems the ride from Hulu Langat to Genting Peras was much harder. Then another week, I did from Sungai Chilling to Fraser's Hill and also it was within my capability and then another week, I did Kuala Kubu to GAP. I was supposed to go for the peak but after resting at GAP, I was a bit tired and also my thighs were aching. I did another KKB to Chilling ride with Ah Fatt and it took us only 90 minutes. I have actually wanted to guide Helen and gang to do this ride and continue doing until we can finish the whole route, just like I did. If we all can do this, we all can do any ride together. It may take 3 times or 4 times or even 5 times but eventually we will finish the whole route. But getting all riders together seems elusive! Probably, they are mentally blocked by the uphill route. Clement was also initially hesistant, not because of himself but his wife but after doing it, both husband and wife completed and find it not that hard. After this, there's no hill they can't cycle!

Then, finally I caught hold of a few other regular riders and I decided to do it again. Clement wanted to do it that Sunday, so I called up a few. Initially Helen was going but then at the last moment Vincent backed out! So, there were 3 riders that won't be going. Anyway, the plan is already in motion and that morning, I drove to Kuala Kubu Bahru and on the way I saw 'Ah Fatt' riding to the meet up point. I called also Zolkaflee and it seems he's already in Serendah. That made 6 riders altogether. Two couples (Clement and wife and me and wife) plus 'Ah Fatt' and Zolkaflee. Before we left, a group of Ori bikers arrived. It seems they are planning the same ride too and among them was Norman, a familiar cyclist. Zolkaflee arrived a bit late and as soon as he arrived, we started off. 

It took quite a while for Lilian to warm up and luckily the morning sun was cooling and I was riding slow with her while the rest speed off. Just before we reach the dam, a few Ori bikers overtook me. A call from 'Ah Fatt' telling me they were within the dam compound, so I turned left into the dam. I rested a took a few photos before we continued again.

Regrouping at the dam.

Just outside, on the main road the Ori bikers was regrouping. We rode on after wishing them. It's quite near from here to Sg.Chilling, our next regrouping point. As usual, due to Lilian's aggravating back pain, we rode slow and soon part of the Ori bikers overtook us again. Two groups has already merged into a single group. Not long after, we reached the old Bailey bridge and there they were, waiting for us. We took a few photos and I enquired if Norman has pass us. Just as I mention him, we saw him riding towards us. He threw his bike to the side and had a group photo with us.

Sungai Chilling

Off we went again and this time the next regrouping point will be at the waterfall at the 22nd mile from KKB to Fraser's Hill road. Sg.Chilling is 12.8 km as recorded on my GPS. So, the next check point is another 10 km but this time is all uphill. Ah Fatt told my wife to carry on riding as he says bike riding is a form of therapy for back pains! And he added," It must be an uphill ride". As we rode on, a member of the Ori biker had a cramp! I was just passing and asked if they needed help but they say it's OK. So, we carried on but Ah Fatt and Zolkaflee and also Clement was rushing down to see if we are all OK. I must appreciate this examplary biking camaraderie spirit. Although not our group, we all must still assist! They were OK, it was just a cramp. I did notice though, when their last rider past, her seat was too high and at every stroke of the pedal, she was pulling her calf muscles.

On and on we rode and the GPS was recording 21.5 km. I was relief that I will be able to rest  and it's only another 500 meters. But alas! the GPS was recording 23 km then 24 km but the waterfall was still not in sight. Finally, after a turn, I saw Zol's bright orange fluorescent shorts and I heaved a sigh of relief! I took some shots of them and rested a while and off we went again.

A very fit couple, Clement and wife.

The strongman on the right and the best sweeper on the left!

Next will be lunch stop at GAP. That's another 10 km ride! The road is still winding up with no downhill or level road. Me and Lilian was the last of the combination of two groups and we really took it slow, really slow. Halfway, another group emerged! They were all on road bikes with green jerseys. As usual, we rode past a small shrine and this marked that we have another 5 km or so to ride. After 3 km, the inclination gets easier and finally I saw the fence of an old building, then another shrine on the right and that marks the destination is just round the corner.

A deserving breather at the GAP cafe.

We rode past the GAP's cafe and hollered to others, " We need to piss ". The toilet is past the cafe. We joined them later and I just can't eat anything at this stage. I refilled my water bottle and had a cold 100PLus. I saw the lady rider (the one who suffered a cramp) just going up the hill. I rested another 10 minutes and off we went but not before Clement, Ah Fatt and Zol asked my wife if she wants too. Lilian said it's OK.

We inched up the hill, stroke by stroke, turn by turn. The ride up this part seems really harder from my last visit! Lilian was already really tired at this juncture and I can only coax. After all, there's only a few more kilometers. At the 4th km mark, I saw a couple sitting by the roadside. They were cheering for us. She was the rider that suffered the cramp. I must admire her spirit! Even after suffering cramps, she still carried on. I tried to motivate her by saying, "Another 4 kilometers more and after two, the road gets level". Initially, I thought so too! Lilian was tired and we stop to have a bun each and the couple overtook us and this time we cheered for them.

After resting, we carried on and I saw the couple pushing their bikes now. We rode and pass them but very slow. I noticed that pushing the bikes covers 3.5 km/h and we can only ride 5 to 6 km/h. I teased her saying, " Everyone is laughing at the peak". She replied, " Let them, I am happy just to reach the top". I gave her a thumbs up and rode past her. We pass the 3 km marker then 2 km and finally the ultimate 1 km marker. A few hundred meters after that, I saw red flower blooms and I called out to Lilian, " I can see flowers already". Ah Fatt and Zol was at the guardhouse waiting for us.

The customary shot!

Clement was hungry and went for a bite with wifey. We rode to the sundry shop and I filled myself with another 100Plus. After a deserved rest we went to the customary photo at the clock tower. After that, I heard from Clement that Norman(the other group)  wanted to descend with us and he's waiting at the food court with the rest of the Oribikers. So, we have to ride uphill again to the food court (another groan from Lilian). We were supposed to have lunch at the eatery there but Norman told us the workers are annoyed at the packed crowd. There was no empty table anyway, so we decided to take lunch back at GAP. Zol misunderstood us and thought we were having lunch at the clock tower! That was why he told us to carry on and he will catch up later.

The 'angin' shop where all the Oribikers were having lunch.

We descended and we were on the route that I hated most about this trip. The new road down is not all the way down but a very badly designed road with uphills and downhills and longer and also has many bridges. The weight of me going downhill on this stretch must have stressed the tires as I had two punctures here. Not one but two! Lilian was grumbling as she was just after a high climb when someone shouted ,"Pancit, pancit!" She was carrying the other spare inner tube and she rode down while grumbling. Hahaha. Ah Fatt and Clement help me this time to change the inner tubes and after that we carried on and there's still no sight of Zol. Just as I was about to ride, Zol called and asked us about our location. I told him we are almost near GAP and he was suprised! He thought we are still on the peak. The Ori bikers have all past us, including Norman who was even faster to leave when ask to help us. Hahaha!

We reached back at the GAP cafe and ordered a few 'mee goreng', that's only what they have as it was late. It was nearing 4.00pm now! We still have to wait for Zol to regroup. The Oribikers have left! Zol regrouped after a while and said it was eerie riding alone at the road down. After eating we zoomed down and I took it slow as my tires were under inflated and Clement was behind me all the time. Zol was waiting for us at one point and together we rolled down while the first pack, Ah Fatt, Lilian and Clement's wife was nowhere in sight. There was not much pedalling here, just coasting down. 

We regrouped at Chilling and there's still two more uphill to go. The first one was easy but the second one to the dam is higher. The ride climaxed at the apex of the last climb! After this is again all the way down, much faster than the previous descend. Ah Fatt said this is the first time he rode the whole day! Hehehe, thanks to me and Lilian.

Almost back to town I stopped at a junction where Ah Fatt always take a short cut home. He has to cycle another 7 km! I baded goodbye and me and Zol rode on to catch up with the rest. Since it was 'puasa' month, I told Zol to go back first and Clement and wife together with me and Lilian had another late lunch before departing back to KL.

It's not what bikes we ride but it's who we ride with. I must thank Ah Fatt and Clement for being such a sport. It was fun although punishing and I call this "A wonderful agony". It was really a very enjoyable ride, best I had so far!

It's almost 1100 meters climb in 40 kilometers.

A Beginners Ride on An Advanced Route

GENTING PERAS (Selangor.NS border)

The 5 foldies belonging to us

I have met Helen on the internet. She was asking around for recommendations on what folding bikes to get as she was just starting to ride. I, off course a Dahon rider recommends Dahon FIRST! She finally settled for a Dahon Speed P8 for her husband and she chooses a Tern Link 8 speeder. They also have another pally who choose a Dahon MU P8.

When I first showed them around Putrajaya for their inaugural ride, they were really slow! I was yawning on the ride, hahaha! And it ended after sunset. Then on the second week, I changed Vincent's original brake sets to a better brake system. Helen has to work so she didn't turn up and I took them around Putrajaya lakeside and this time they were quite adjusted to their bikes. Ong Lay Hoon and Steven joined us for that ride. The rode an extra 40 kilometers, to and fro from Puchong. For the beginners, we did a 20 kilometer loop around the lake. The I decided to take them to Genting Peras. They were OK but I think they just agreed blindly, hehehe.

They were a bit reluctant but I cajoled them into the ride. I told them to do the first stage first which is a 12 kilometer flat route till the Semenyih junction. There's only a last slope at the end. Before the ride I chatted with another new rider, Earl Ku. He is not really new actually, except the last time he rode was 15 years ago! He also got himself a foldie but a 26 incher. We made a date to ride together and I also roped in Zolkaflee, my neighbour. He is a very reliable sweeper and caring rider.

All 7 of us met in Hulu Langat 18th mile. Set up our bikes and after a 'leak stop' for Helen, we were on our way. I took the last position to sweep. There were many other riders that morning and as usual road bikes seems to like this route. It was a cool morning as it rained last night, in fact, there was a slight drizzle when I drove to the meeting point. We all took it slow and they were enjoying a 'kampong ride' for the first time. Finally we came to the last climb to the junction and Helen (this is her 2nd ride) was struggling but she made it.

From left : Earl Ku, Vincent, Zolkaflee, Helen, Lilian and James.

All of them looked so fresh so I decided to take them to the hilly ride! I convinced them by telling them, " we just ride as far as we can and if we can't complete, we turn back". As usual I was sweeping Helen at the rear and Lilian and Zol taking the lead. At the 4th kilometer point (there are markings painted on the road), Earl Ku stopped and he was gasping. I told him to rest for a while before continuing. I told Helen to go on first. Then Earl told me he can't carry on. As the others are all so far in front, I told Earl to rest and then head back down to the junction and wait for us. He agreed and I rode off to catch up with the others. A little ahead, Zol was chatting with some kids on the roadside. I told him Earl gave up and I rode ahead to catch up the others.

Helen was not far ahead and I followed her at the back. Lilian, James and Vincent was out of sight. So, we slowly trudged up. I can see Helen was tired but was quite determined. She rode quietly, concentrating on the ride and I kept motivating her with phrases like, " there's a level road in front " or " it's quite near already " and finally, I told her, " this is a no return point ". I mean, we are almost there already, we should push the bike up even if we can't ride, hehehe. The last slope, she suddenly stopped and she told me, she needs a rest. 

I suggested we change our rides. She agreed! Mine has an upgraded double chain ring so I adjusted to the smaller chainring for her to ride while I took over her Tern 8 speed. It was still OK for me as I was still using the bigger chain ring all the way up. When we continued, she rode for another 15 minutes before she stopped again. I already saw the sign post at Genting and I told her to push on. Then she said she will push and we swapped bikes again. I rode and joined the rest while she struggled the last meters and she rode the last few hundred meters. She made it! It's her second ride only.

As usual, merry bantering is a must while resting at the destination. After 20 minutes and 'Kodak moment' , time to push off. Lilian rode off, down hill is her favorite. Just before I can mount, I saw Zol riding up! I thought he was keeping Earl company, obviously not! He rode to me and told me Earl was just beyond the bend. His legs are cramped! I told Zol, he gave up already and Zol motivated him up!

I told Zol that he might as well push the whole remaining distance as it is so near. At least he made it too. That he did and at last, we saw Earl pushing up his bike till the signboard. Finally they all made it. Then I saw Lilian ridng up AGAIN! Hahaha. 

Time for some nice and cooling 'barley' drink. I cautioned them about the down hill riding. Off we went, Zol and myself keeping to the back at all times. Almost near the junction, the cover of my torch light came flying off! The tire pressure must be a bit too much! I spent 5 to 10 minutes looking for the lens and the cover and finally found it!

The slow ride continued from here till the small town and at the last few kilometers, I can see Helen is really tired. Still we have finish it. Slowly we met up with James and Vincent and it seems Vincent had a fall when he was trying to answer the phone. Nothing serious though. Lilian was missing not in sight at all. Later at the 'coffee shop' she told me she needs to 'pee', that's why she was rushing. We had the famous 'barli botol' at the  'coffee shoppe' but seems 'nasi lemak bungkus' has all been sold out. We promised to ride again next week and bade goodbyes.

For a more detailed trip analysis, click ;

http://www.brytonsport.com/mapTrackView/2?id=3695363

A "pre-ride" RIDE to Fraser's Hill.

The symbolic picture!

After the Sungai Chilling ride, I heard there was a plan for a night ride from KKB to Fraser's Hill. As excited as I was, the ride was just tentative as mentioned by Johnny. Anyway, I just hope for the best. I have always wanted to ride to Fraser's Hill but lack of confidence was always the stumbling block! Most rides encompass roadies which I really don't want to join as they are fast riders and I might as well ride on my own if I were to join road bikes. After all, the greetings at the start is just a formality and maybe a chat at the destination and a 'bye-bye' after that. Not much of interaction. I don't even remember them or neither can they remember me when we meet next time.

After a casual chat with Ah Fatt of My Bike Shop, who described the ride is not that difficult, I decided to follow Nike's motto, " Just Do It ". I was supposed to join Ah Fatt for breakfast at 7.00 am that morning but the jam in KL during weekdays is making me late. I reached Kuala Kubu Bahru (KKB) at almost 8.00am! I still went for breakfast at the 'wanton mee' shop but Ah Fatt was long gone! The lady asked me quite rudely, " Apa minum?" I was taken aback and my daughter was laughing. I replied, " Teh ais, kasi itu mee wanton, chee yok banyak banyak! " Why did she asked me in Bahasa? Am I getting too dark? Common sense tells that, I can't be Indian and a Malay won't patronize there, right? " Good Grief! , I must look like an aborigine nowadays" I thought to myself. I was supposed to start the ride from here but since I am late and I thought it might be wiser if I shave off 10 kilometers from the ride. I suggested to Lilian and Mabel that we start from the dam.

Our breakfast!

After having breakfast, we drove off and on reaching the dam, I changed my mind again and decided to start from Sungai Chilling. A place I last rode to! It was just a short drive and the car mileage read just 10 kilometers from KKB. After finding a shady good spot to park the car, we set up our bikes and then did a few strokes to warm up a bit. Then off we go.

The road doesn't look so steep when we ride but from the former trips I had there, it kind of looks steeper. The ride was uneventful, just riding the slight gradient uphill BUT the uphill don't stop! It just carried on and on and on and on. There was two places where work on the slopes was going on and there were workers who cheered us on. Rather they were cheering at the two ladies not the 'fatty' sweeping behind.

The slope just went up and up!

Twelve kilometers past, we reach a waterfall on the right side of the road. We stopped for a moment and then carried on. The road was still uphill all the way with no levelling off at all but it's not that steep. Nothing that our gears can't handle. It's still an easy ride but a wee slow, that's all. Finally, I saw the shrine on the right hand side and I know Gap is not far now. I been here many times, hiking Ulu Semangkok and also Pine Tree Hill's twin peaks. We were quiet with a few sudden burst of bantering, once in a while. Finally, the hanging bridge was in sight and also the dilapidated Gap Hotel. What a waste! One more turn and we saw the junction. The 'makan' stall was open! Suprise, suprise! We rested a while over a cup of 'teh-O ais limau'. The 'a while' was almost half an hour!

Sore palms.

The last push to the top! This was what I have dreaded. We turn into the first uphill after the junction and I found out that we can still do it without maximizing our gears! It was mentioned 8 kilometers to Fraser's Hill. Slowly but steadily we rode up, careful not to over exert. The 7 kilometer marker stone pass by and subsequently the 6 kilometer and then 5 kilometer until the last 1 kilometer. Apart from a few utility trucks and a few tourist vehicles, we had the road all by ourselves. That was not so hard! It was suprising. And I hesitated all this while. The last 2 kilometers was actually easy riding and with a newly paved tarmac, it was pleasant!

The phone has to ring when we were enjoying.

The first shop was a small sundry shop and Mabel went in for 2 bottles of cold '100 plus'. The chinese restaurant opposite was closed. I had dinner there last time after we hiked Pine Tree Hill last year. That hike was gruelling! After a few sip, we rode on to the clock tower. The iconic Fraser's Hill roundabout with   the clock tower. A few man asked me to help them take their group photo and I did that. We chatted for a moment and after they left, we took our symbolic photos and decided to descend.

100 plus to celebrate!

Eeeeeeww! to descend, we have to ride to Jalan Lurah which is past the Paddock where I did some archery before. The road was uphill again and after resting, we were sluggish! The road down was 2 kilometers longer than the road uphill and there were also a few climbs between the down hilling. The speed limit stated on the sign was 30 kmh but from my cyclometer, we were doing like 40 kmh at most parts! I wonder if they can give us a ticket? Halfway down, there was a loud ambulance siren wailing. I hollered to them and advised them to stop. We hauled our bikes up the grass verge and waited for the ambulance to pass. After passing, we carried on and after another 2 kilometers we were at the Gap road junction. We still had to ride UP again to the 'makan' stall at Gap junction.

The view on the way down.

Reaching there, Lilian rushed into the 'emergency room'. Must have been very 'bladderful' for her. Mabel joined her and we rested at the tea stall for a moment and then twenty, YES! 20 kilometers of downhill till Sungai Chilling. The best part was the downhilling was not steep but gradual slope down all the way. A ride pass the bridge again and then we were all set to Hoooooooooray! My hands were numb from holding on the handlebars. We were zooming down for almost 40 minutes because at certain point, there was construction debris on the roadside and also one or two places with fallen branches. In no time we saw a big metal bin on the roadside with rubbish spewing out! We pass it on the way up this morning. How disgusting! I knew we reached Sungai Chilling again.

We felt lousy that we have to climb again after reaching Gap road.

We were in joy but our palms were sore! It took us a while to fold back the bikes and stuff 3 bikes into the car and leave a space for another passenger at the rear. Started the car and drove to KKB for a late lunch. we reached the restaurant, "Tan Seow Woi". I didn't eat there the other day but I will today. The signature ' mui choy pork' was sold out! The others still available was the 'tow foo fish' and the 'steamed salted fish pork' with lots of ginger. The usual 'leong cha' was the drink for 3 of us. We sat there and took a leisurely lunch till they close, in fact they have to wait for our table. Then the drive back. Even before reaching Ampang Pecah, both of them were already sleeping. Guess it going to be me and 'Lite and Easy' all the way back to KL. Before that I stopped over at Serendah for the YeeKee's ' kai tan koh ' which is also incidently closed when I was there the last trip.

A hearty meal after the ride.