Penang Kayuh Kayuh Makan Day 2 Part 2.

We woke up quite early and we were all ready and also hungry again. We decided to get some late lunch and we only have our folding bikes. I suggested 'ice kacang' and they 'OKayed' it. We rode to the New World in Swatow Lane for the rojak and ice kacang. It was my favorite after school reward during my schooling days here.

Half way during lunch, Cikgu went back to the hotel as he forgotten his camera, While we were still eating, he came back! Here we again stuffed ourself silly! KK and Chris wanted to try everything and I mean everything!

We explored the complex for a while before heading to the wall mural area. Although I have heard and seen pictures of tourist visiting these places, I was quite astounded by the number of tourist thronging the area. It was also suprising to see all the funny antics that they posed for the pictures. Even Cikgu Chin was into it.

We got a call from Larry and he was early. We rushed back to the hotel as fast as we can. We can't keep the host waiting, can we? Cikgu lead the way, going against traffic at most times, hahaha. Convenience of a folding bike, huh?

We met up with Larry and Winnie. Not long after, we were on our way. Since it was still early, we were to meet up with the main group later, we rode around for a while. We went to see another mural at another part of the city.

We join the main group later at the next street. Here I met Jimmy, Aliya and Mako again. Was nice to ride with them again. Also a BM rider, Gary was present too especially to ride with Cikgu Chin. Me and Wai Keat went looking for a place to buy water as we have already finished ours. It was really hot! We were feeling dehydrated or is it the MSG? After refilling our water bottle the big group started the ride.

We went along busy streets and I must say, it was quite stressing riding and keeping watch on the heavy traffic. Mako and Jimmy together with Larry were good marshalls though. They did what we can't do here in KL. They blew their whistle and parked their bike smack in the center so vehicles can't go through and allowed all riders to crossed before moving aside! Here in KL, you do that, there will be fist fights unless you are wearing a white uniform with black stripe.

We rode along Burma Road, Kelawei Road and then to Midlands and cut across to Brown Road. Something peculiar happened in Brown Road. The road was dark and as me and Chris was passing this empty lot, the heavy metal gate kept banging and clanging. There was no wind and even if there was, there's no way it can move the heavy gate. I was looking at Chris and Chris was like saying," something's funny". Then KK barged in and shouted, " What was that?" Me and Chris was telling him to ride fast and don't say anything!

We rode into the more affluent area of Penang, Jesselton's Heights and the quiet streets there. After a loop into the slightly hilly part we rode into Youth Park. Quite some memories here. This was the place for me! I was also a member of the roller skating team here when it was a craze then. Also this is where I saw Alley Cats for the first time at the amphitheatre there. Nothing much changed here.

After a rest at the exit of Youth Park, we carried on to Botanical Gardens and then along Gottlieb Road before turning into Fettes Park. From there we went to a new place to me, " Starits Quay ". I never been here before and I was quite suprised to see luxury yachts moored here. There were life bands playing and tourist walking about. Really lively place.

After a group photo here, we rode out to Tanjong Tokong Road and forward to Gurney Drive. As usual Gurney Drive was a traffic nightmare. We passed by PG1 where I used to reside but the only memories now about that place is the address on my son's birth certificate. We rode on to Northam Road and then Larut road to Macalister Lane.

We dined at the 'mamak shop' here. Seems with all the nice hawker fare in Penang, 'mamak' culture is also thriving too. The place was full. They fried an awesome mee Maggi goreng though! The best I had so far.

After the meal, we said goodbye to the Penang riders and thank them for the nice ride. Then Larry and Kok Keong wanted to 'biru' and we then adjourned to the same spot we had supper last night. The excuse was the 'pizza' was great and we wanted it again. Cikgu was like, " Huh! eat again! ". Jimmy, Alliya, Winnie and Larry was with us.

We went there and ordered the pizza and beer while I had the 'fantabulous' 'kopi-peng' here. I skipped any 'makan' as my tummy is bloated already. It was already 1.30am when we were done and again we have to be up again at 5.30am tomorrow. Larry has arranged for a ride to Air Itam.

Penang Kayuh Kayuh Makan Day 2 Part 1

From left, Winson Gan, Chris Ng, Wai Keat, Kok Keong, Larry, Cikgu Chin and Cukgu Li.

We slept at 3.30am, after taking turns cleaning ourselves and still chattering into the morning. At the sound of the alarm, we sat upright, looking like a zombie! Hurriedly, we get ourselves cleaned up and carried the bike down to the lobby.

Larry has already parked his car and was greeting us. Cikgu Chin and Cikgu Li came down right after. Winson arrived a short while later. He purposely took a day's leave to accompany us and I liked to thank him for that. We managed to put 8 bikes and 8 riders into 2 vehicles! Thanks to Larry's ingenuity in stuffing bikes into compact spaces. Also the compactness of the 2 Brommies helped and also Cikgu's 2 16 inch wheelers.

We drove to Balik Pulau and we were passing through Jalan Tun Sardon where me Larry recalled back the ride we had here the previous visit. We arrived first and later Winson rolled in. We took our breakfast here and for me, what else? " Koay Teow Th'ng " or literally, flat rice noodle in clear broth.

Larry saw and gestured, " Koay Teow Th'ng again ". I sheepishly said, " Yes! It's hard to find this in KL ". I paid RM2.80 for a large bowl and guess I was not wrong in choosing my future retirement home. The ringgit really stretches here. Larry and Winson briefed us on what to expect today. We were to ride to Pantai Acheh coastal village and to the nutmeg farm and later on to Pulau Betong and up to Hakka village.

The ride initially was pleasant, riding through village roads, although the main arteries in the eastern part of Penang but not busy. Actually , I have driven along these roads quite often but never before have I ride it on a folding bike. The road was flat but the sun rises early and it was getting a bit stifling. We rode on and finally we came to the Pantai Acheh junction. Schooling here for 8 years and stayed here for many years, Penang I mean, I have never ventured here before.

This little village seems to be a thriving center for garlic! We can smell the garlic when we rode past. The villagers were loading and unloading bags of garlic and also passing through village houses we can see the elderly peeling garlic. We rode till there was  no road ahead but I still didn't see a beach as depicted by it's name. "Pantai" means beach, so I guess there should be a beach! Nope! there was no beach.

On the way out, we spotted a little trail on the right and we explored into it. We came to a local temple with a seafood restaurant beside. There was another smaller trail which runs into the mangrove and experience tells me, it's a fishermen trail. Riding into it confirmed my guess as we rode till the end. We saw the estuary where the local fishermen navigate their boats out to sea. we saw a huge and ugly mud skipper here! 

We rode out and on the way out, we stopped at the ' Pusat Falak Sheikh Tahir '. It's an observatory and this is one of the places in Malaysia where the official spotting of the new moon is done to determine the date of the 'Hari Raya'. Cikgu Chin went up to get permission to enter and he got it. I and Winson stayed back to look after the bikes while the rest went up and try to look at Sumatra over the telescope. The care taker there even invited them over that night as there's a star gazing session.

We rode out and the sun was already on our backs! We passed by a small town that looked familiar. It was the location where we had breakfast when I was riding during the last trip from Teluk Bahang. We rode past and went straight to Larry's favorite nutmeg farm. Just as we were riding in, the owner was driving out but he ushered us to continue.

We spent quite some time here, joking with the owner's daughter (most probably). She was envious of us, free riding all over the place and laughing and enjoying ourselves. She was explaining a lot of queries from KK and a few about nutmegs. Also cold nutmegs juice is free flow here. She even invited us to fill our water bottle with the nutmeg juice but I think that's a bit too much, don't you think so? We bought a few items and said goodbye to her.

We have also decided to cancel our trip to Hakka village and Pulau Betong as the sun is really scorching now. We were all double or triple toned now! So, we decided to head to the famous 'assam laksa' place in Balik Pulau. I really was eager to dig into that, especially the Siamese one.

I had a bowl and also a glass of cold 'Pat Poh' (a herbal concotion only found in Penang). We sat and rested, escaping the heat for the moment. We were not really tired but the heat was really catching on to us. After enjoying it, we rode back to the car park, promising ourselves that we will do the Pulau Betong and Hakka Village at another time.

Penang Kayuh Kayuh Makan Day 1

From the depths of the blue, Chris Ng put up an invitation for a ride in Penang. Although there was a plan for us to do so, this was sudden. Proposed date was just a mere 6 days away! Alas, after the posting and comments of FB, the date was brought even earlier as train tickets was sold out.

Although our Penang riders was informed, Larry called me one night and we discussed the plans pro tempore. I relayed the message later to our organizer Chris. As the days counted, I have still not decided to use which bike. Finally I decided on the Dahon Dash P18 although the Dahon Speed P8 was the more realiable one. I serviced it again, installed the front bag hanger onto the handle bar, folded it and packed it.

On the way to KL Sentral.

The day finally arrived and Lilian sent me to the railway station. I was a bit early but I was not duly worried as watching humans is my favorite pastime. It was lunch time and getting a space with luggage this size was challenging. So, I just went up to Gate A (our boarding gate) and sat there. I was reading a magazine when Cikgu Chin called. He and Cikgu Li joined me and there was still ample time. Just 45 minutes before departure, Chris, KK and Wai Keat arrived. No hurry though as the train was delayed.

After huffing and puffing, we managed to secure our bikes in the luggage compartment inside the coach. It was not as easy as it seems. If you were to ask me to lug my folding bike to work daily, I rather walk the whole distance!

Unpacking and unfolding the bikes.

After a really boo...........rrrring train journey of 6 hours, the train rolled into Butterworth station. At least they should have some music in the train. The trains are old and derelict! Butterworth train station is still the same........in shambles! Larry wand Winson Gan and wife was there to greet us. I was especially grateful to Larry as to ride a bike and board the ferry was complicating! The tickets have to be bought inside the terminal just beside the ferry berthing! 

Larry guided us to the hotel and we checked in and left our bikes and luggage there. We later went to Macalister Road for supper. Chris Ng has already started his foodie status already. We practically filled the whole table. we even had a wonderful stone baked pizza and beer apart from the usual Penang hawker fare!

It was nice to get good hawker food even after midnight.

We laughed heartily and enjoyed every morsel of the food served at the outlet. Plans was discussed and we were already enjoying every minute of it and we haven't even started riding yet! Larry planned to take us riding in Balik Pulau tomorrow morning. Larry and Winson will ferry us to Balik Pulau bus terminal tomorrow morning. Appointed time was 6.30am and it was already 2.00am already. We were still drinking and stuffing food into our tummy.

See how happy beer and food made us!

Finally, we returned to our hotel and slumbered onto the bed at 3.00am. Imagine Larry who has to drive home and take a bath and then wake up an hour earlier than us to fetch us! Thank you Larry!

Sekinchan To " Tua Kang " 

This ride was planned a month ago with Rivern and Cikgu Chin when we were doing another ride. I have done this twice and once was with Cikgu Chin and also Cikgu Liliana. It takes quite a lot to persuade other riders too but as this is a flat road ride and the duration of the ride is unlimited, it would not pose any problems even to new riders.

Photo session at the start!

With the flip flopping of the numbers of riders, finally on the day of the event, 19 riders turned up inclusive of the surprising participation Jotaro Zen and Sin Tai Lim. We met at the pre-arranged meeting point as with my other two rides before. It was again drizzling in the morning and upon checking with a local resident, it was raining the night before. I was quite eager on the laterite sea bund ride and the rain can make it too muddy to ride.

For this trip, I planned to ride to the most visited beach in Sekinchan called 'Pantai Redang'. Visit any local folks and they will bring you to this beach. Incidentally, the sea bund route starts from here as I discovered it with my wife during the last recce trip. We rode to the beach and while waiting for another few late riders, the rest had some time to check out the place which has on it's premises an old temple with a wishing tree like the one in Hong Kong's 'Wong Tai Sin Temple'. You tie a red ribbon with your name written and a stone and fling it onto a tree and try to hang it as high as possible on the tree. I don't know if the action is for wishing for a partner or any wishes.

Group photo at Pantai Redang

As soon as all the riders are accounted for, we started onto the laterite path which runs parallel to the seafront. As usual, this path is fun and the conditions was not so bad with a few patches that needs careful riding over. It does mess up your bike though. After a while we came to a sandy beach which is called 'Pantai Parit 7' locally. Maybe it is because of the 7 irrigation canals ('parit' in malay ) that flows into the sea here.

The laterite path by the sea

After a photo session by the sea, I guided them back to the tarmac road. The ride through some palm oil plantation was also pleasant as there was no sun this morning. After a distance, I saw another rider riding in the opposite direction. She was rushing to search for her spectacles which must have dropped along the way. Me and Lilian then went after her as I don't want to leave a lady rider riding along a lonely beach. We met her near the sandy beach and we rode a bit fast to catch up with the main group.

Riders regrouping by the beach

As this point, Irene was asking for food! I had planned to take her to a fishing village somewhere nearby but the place seems so far today. Feeling guilty, I rode on and keep hoping to see a main river where there's a food court and also a place to wash our bikes. Some riders are already feeling the need for 'wee weeing' already! Finally, we came to the junction and I asked Irene if she wants to take her breakfast at the first place at the junction. Before I said anything, she was already parking her ride and sitting on the table. The rest of the riders ventured further in and Rivern saw a big sign saying 'Mee Udang' at another place. I called Lilian to usher all the riders to the second place but Irene and Max was already eating! So, while the rest choose 'mee udang', I sat with Irene until she finished her meal. Then we rejoined the rest and some went with Cikgu Chin to wash the bikes.

At RM15 a pop, it's not really cheap!

Clams, clams fresh! Only RM30 for half a sack!

After some bantering and some expensive 'mee udang' meals, we proceeded on. Next destination is the Haji Dorani Resort. I tried booking this place for an overnight ride last time but was fully booked. We reached this place and ventured around the fishing village and also the resort. We met with a few clam fishermen folks who was loading their catch onto a van. A few riders was inquisitive and ask about the methods of catching them and even the price of the clams. These clams really looked delicious and off course they are 'super fresh'. Sadly, although very cheap, we cannot be carrying it all the way to Sg. Besar and back.

The scenic Haji Dorani Resort

Next destination is our final destination for this ride, Sungai Besar or 'Tua Kang' in Hokkien dialect. The first landmark is the Fire Station and after a while riding we came to that. We rode a few more kilometers on the town main street and then into the 'Bagan' area. 'Bagan' is the local word for fishing village. So, this place is Bagan Sg.Besar. After taking a group photo with the fishing village as backdrop, we proceeded to the restaurant. For the last 3 trips, I have never missed eating here. Although nothing fanciful, the food here is simple but tasty, and cheap too. Actually, another rider Norman Choy pestered a local for a good place for lunch, a place where locals patronize. This happened on the first trip. A local rode his moped and guided us here. That's how I came to know of this place.

In Sungai Besar finally

After lunch, Kookkeong Fong came to me and suggested that we ride back to Sekinchan on the other side of the trunk road. The paddy field section. I am all for it. Off course, I am interested in knowing new routes. So, off we went with a heavy stomach, across a few main roads and waiting for green light at the traffic junctions. Small town folks respect bicycle as another vehicle and for this I am appreciative. From where I stay, even my Kancil is wrong to be in front of their flashy cars!

This lunch is only RM14 per head

After passing through Sungai Besar town, we detoured into a secondary road which borders the paddy fields. The paddy here are just ripening unlike in Sekinchan, where they were all harvested. The sight of greenish yellowing paddy is beautiful. Some wanted to be nearer to the paddy fields and so we cross an old rickety bridge and rode onto a local paddy farm. Max punctured his tire and so we have time to do a few shoots here. Cikgu and Sin Tai Lim was like shooting an advertisement here, thanks to Max who is now repairing his puncture. Jotaro did asked for permission from the local farmer though. Gan CG and Jac was enjoying sitting on a swing under a tree for shade.

Relaxing under a tree

After all the 'hoo haaa', finally the tire is repaired and off we went. Then we switched back to tarmac. A while after, I discovered my GPS unit was missing. I turned back and back tracked to look for it. Much to the astonishment of Jotaro and Sin Tai Lim, I told them to proceed and explained about my GPS. I found my GPS on the ground almost near where the farm house is! After fixing it back on the handlebar, I sped off to join back the group. I was riding fast in excess of 25km/h. About half an hour of tiring ride, a small group waited for me near the canal sluice gate.

By the paddy field

We moved on and after a while we discovered that we have missed a turn and the main group was nowhere to be seen. We rode quite a distance away from the intended route and we asked some locals for some directions. A call came and it was Gan CG. I told her to continue to the parking lot while we try to make our way back there. We have splintered and no point trying to look for us. We were riding on the main road but not the trunk road while they were riding in some parallel small paths.

Something you don't see in the city

We were tired and it was really hot along the road with no trees or shades. we rode and rode and then I saw the silhouette of the tall building that was under construction in Sekinchan. At least we are on the right direction. We stopped under a shade to regroup as Jac was tired and Jotaro was sweeping. Well the mood was still jovial as Max and Jotaro was still upping their antics when taking pictures under a kapok tree (locals collect the fiber from the fruit to make pillow and mattress stuffing) . It was so far away! We still to to ride anyway and that we did. Cikgu was saying that this is a record ride as it was already 4.30pm when we stopped at a small local sundry shop for cold drink.

The 'kapok' tree

The lady shop keeper told us the main road was just at the end of the road and after drinking and resting, we rode on. Almost at the end we turn left to a smaller parallel road to avoid the busy trunk road. Some overshot and rode onto the main road and we joined them at another junction. At this point, I went across the main trunk road to ride on the other side as I knew there are trees for shade on the other side. The others followed me and after crossing, the ride was more comfortable as there are trees lining the road and more shady. After a few more kilometers, we came to the familiar sight of the fibre glass boats. We reached back to our cars. I waited for the last rider to pass before I too make my way to the car.

The sweeper and the last rider

Finally the whole group regrouped and after folding and packing it into cars, we said our 'goodbyes' and left. A check with the main group and the splintered group, the latter rode 74 kilometers while the main group rode 58 kilometers. Still, it's a happy ride!

Penang FUN FUN Ride. Episode 2.

After the hard ride on the first day, I was a bit doubtful on today's ride. After all, most rides to dam areas are uphill. Anyway, we had a good dinner last night but I didn't sleep well. Probably, I can't sleep good unless in my own bed.

Again at 5.30am the alarm sounded. Lilian was the first one up and she changed and then it was my turn. Then Lip and then Penny and last one up was Clement. I made it early because I wanted a proper breakfast but the intended spot (Hutton Lane Koay Teow Th'ng) was not opened yet. Disappointed, I drove around and then decided on Agyrll Road Roti Chanai. The shop has shifted to a shop lot. It was in a shack under a tree the last time I saw. Although opened early, the roti chanai was a disappointment. They don't make it like last time anymore.

Not as good as it used to be!

After that we drove straight to Teluk Bahang and it rained quite heavily on the way there. We were at the appointed place and it was still raining. The appointed time was 7.45am but it was still raining. I was expecting the ride to be called off and Larry called that they are on the way from the MacDonalds in Bt. Feringghi. So, we waited at a bus stop. We don't want to wait in a stuffy car.

Waiting for our guide.

Larry arrived first and gave us a hearty and joyful greetings! There's never a moment where we don't smile with him around. Slowly the other riders trickled in and by the time we start, it was already 9.00am. We were introduced to the other riders and off we went. The rain stopped at 9.00am as Larry has predicted.

Clement trying out Larry's bike.

A 5 minute ride and we saw the dam already. I thought we were riding to the dam only and I expected it to be an easy sightseeing ride. It was a short climb to the dam area and we took a group shot here. Then there was discussion of riding to '800'. I wondered what that was??? As usual me and Lilian was the last two. I took my time winding up the road, passing durian orchards and many other farms. Must be nice riding here during the durian seasons. Just like KKB dam, this dam is quite recent and a new road was built and the old road was submerged! You can see an isolated temple on top of a hill over the lake. The access was flooded and I honestly don't know if there's another access.

A mere turn, we can see the dam already!

After some climbing, I now know what '800' is about. It's a signboard located on the pinnacle of the climb. We all regrouped here and Mako cautioned us about a dangerous bend where one rider flew over the armco barrier! The road was still wet and Lilian and me decided to take the slope slow. It was a long downhill and I thought this is going to be a short ride. Later I saw Titi Kerawang Waterfalls. Then I saw Balik Pulau signboard. Dang! We are back to where we were yesterday. The downhill stopped at the foothills of the mountain, a place called Sg. Pinang. There was a few pre-war shop houses here and we all took our meal here. I felt bloated after the roti chanai and Larry was so kind to cycle somewhere to buy some 'Ban Chang Koay' or pancakes. They were nice!

We passed Titi Kerawang as well.

We were just 6 km from where we came yesterday but coming from the other side. After the meal, we visited a nutmeg factory where the owner was quite a resourceful man. You can eat as much as you want here, no obligations and he explained every details of the nutmeg industry. We bought some produce here and since Clement has a rear carrier and bag, the task of carrying it goes to him. We won't argue with him for that!

Our transport man!

I was like strolling with Lilian. We took our time and we had lots of warm up yesterday. The ride up was made to look easier compared to yesterday's ride. Luckily for us, this ride was breathtaking and also relaxing. The faster riders were already gone when we reached the '800'. From '800' onward was all downhill again. Some parts was still wet and I reminded Lilian to take it easy. There was another short climb just before the dam and it was starting to get hot after this.

Waiting for 2 turtles to arrive.

We finally reached our cars and some smiles and laughs. We then folded our bikes and rushed back to out hotel to check out and also to take a bath. We made a date with Larry and Winnie for lunch.

Later we went for lunch at a food court in Cecil St. Ghaut. The selection was wide with every kind of Penang hawkers fare available under one roof. The place was busy though. The 'Koay Teow Th'ng' was even better than the one in Hutton Lane. We went to one bike shop in Times Square and then Larry guided us to the way to the bridge after saying our goodbyes. I like to thank Larry for this fantastic ride today and he was the perfect host! My salute to Larry.

Our lunch venue!

Penang Fun Ride with Fellow Riders. Episode 1.

Feeling good at Jalan Tun Sardon highest point.

Clement suggested Penang ride out of the blue! I was OK with it as I need a holiday too, so I thought, 'a holiday'.

After much deciding, we choose 9th and 10th as the ride dates. We also planned to drive down after finding out that the sleeping berth to Penang was full on KTM. Was supposed to be in 3 cars but William had to back out due to personal reasons and this was a bane to him. Much of it later.

We then decided to go in 2 cars with Clement and Penny going in Lip's car while I and Lilian in my own. I was actually planning to drive at 2.00am and drive straight to regroup with Clement but later changed the plan again. I left earlier at 7.00pm but the horrendous jam in KL mde me reached the Damansara toll at 8.15pm. Anyway, I was still an hour earlier than the other.

Along the way, I had a call from Hotel 1926, reconfirming the room for 6 which I thought has been given away as I was supposed to check in at 3.00pm. I told them to hold on and informed Clement that the room in 1926 is still on. Much later at 12 midnight I have already parked my car at the hotel. Lilian and me then went next few doors to have a meal while waiting for them to arrive. They came, eat, chat and then we checked in. We all slept at 3.00am and our ride is at 7.00am.

Preparing the bikes in a haste as we were late!

At 5.30am the alarm sounded! I asked Clement if we can skip the ride! Hahahaha. So, we struggled up and struggled again to stay awake! Cleaned up and drove to Queensbay, had a light breakfast on the way. I was in Pantai Jerejak when Winson called and I did a wrong turn and ended up somewhere else. Anyway, we managed to get to the right spot but we were late!

NCIS Penang!  Never Come In Suspenders. Always in cycling shorts!

Here we met Winson, Francis, Tan and Larry (the yellowman) and with 5 of us, that makes 9 riders. We were taken to the cycling lane along the coast there and I was impressed that the state government did something like that. Wonder if the Federal Government is going to compel the other states to follow suit.

The cycling lane.

From there on wards, we followed Winson and rode along the coastal way and saw the collapsed part of the second bridge. It forced us do a long detour around the site and then to Batu Maung. So much has changed since I was in Penang. This used to be a pig farming area and it's now all urbanized! From Batu Maung we headed to Teluk Kumbar and we turned into Gertak Sanggul. Here we see a lot of other cyclist but mountain bikers mostly.

We were actually some fox in lamb's clothings! We were riding very slowly which made the Penang riders ride slow too. After some mountain bikers started to tease us and all hell broke loose. I started to chase after the mtbers and then the others started to fly up the slopes there. Larry was riding fast too. Then with all the formality away, we know each other's strength!

We had drinks here in Gertak Sanggul.

After a beach ride, I was dissapointed that we can't do the farmer's trail to Pulau Betong and anyway we rode on to Balik Pulau. We were near Puspakom in Teluk Kumbar when Clement and Penny was missing. Larry did an about turn and check out the problem. I was actually a bit worried though and a few frantic calls went unanswered. After a while, Penny called and explained that Clement had a flat! I was relieved after getting the news.

The ride after Gertak Sanggul.

I waited for quite sometime and by then it was just me and Lilian at the Puspakom. Winson, Tan and Francis went ahead first. Then I called Lip and informed him that I will go uphill first. Lilian and me rode to the new elevated road which replaced the old roads to Balik Pulau. I think the old roads are much better. I remembered passing under nets tied to the durian trees to catch falling durians in the old days. The view though was spectacular from the elevated road. We rode to the highest point of the road but there was no sign of the front 3 riders. I choose a shady spot and waited there.

On the elevated road.

It was a while before they arrived and it seems Clement's tires was not sitting well on the rims. He trundled down slowly to Balik Pulau and it started to rain heavily when we were at the Petronas station. We bypassed Pulau Betong for today and knowing myself, it won't be long for me to do another trip to ride there. As guided, we were at the Balik Pulau new market in a short while. We had a long rest there and had some local food. The nutmeg juice was heavenly! This is something we don't get in KL.

Nutmeg juice with Assam Laksa.

During the meal here is where 'another cari pasal thingee'  grew. Hahaha. I was talking to Larry and said we are already half way going round the island. 

Wong   : " How about taking a full round?"

Larry    : " Your car is parked in Queensbay".

Wong   : " Either way, we are going to ride another 40 km".

Larry    : " You can go another way".

Wong   : " You mean Jalan Tun Sardon".

Larry    : " You know the road, it's like this (showing an upright palm), you 

                need to push at some parts ".

Wong   : " So, we push lorr! "

So, it was decided! We used the steepest road back to Queensbay. Winson glared at Larry for instigating while Larry denied it as he said I know about the road. Hahaha. Somehow or rather the challenge came up except for Tan who resides in Balik Pulau, all decided to ride Jalan Tun Sardon.

Early onto the road, just as we were riding up, I saw Lilian did not used her lowest gear. I told her to move up and she said the gears are not in tune. I adamantly called her to shift up as she was slow! The moment she did that, her chain broke! Then she screamed at me. Slowly she pushed her bike to a shade while I picked up the chain. I rejoined her chain and continued. At least she can use her lowest gear now. Slowly but surely we grinded up, up and up! This was even steeper than Genting Perez! We finally regrouped at the lookout point and I can see happy faces of achievement. I gulped down a bottle of orange juice and I never thought that orange juice tasted thas good!

A deserving breather.

We took our time and rested and check out each other's bikes. Compliment must be given to Winson and Tan as they too managed to ride up without pushing. Needless to say for Larry, he looks athletic and he is so! Tan and Larry cautioned us about the junction in Paya Terubong. I stressed hard again on that particular junction as I know about that too. It was downhill all the way, we passed the junction and then finally I breathed a sigh of relief. " No more hills" I thought to myself. Then they took us into Bukit Jambul and then another few rounds of slopes! I thought they were going straight to Relau where there are no slopes. After the slopes in Bukit Jambul and then Lip Sin Garden and we parted with Tan who stays around here. Larry was no where in sight! Winson then guided us back to Queensbay. The sun was really hitting our backs now.

We reached our cars and I did a 'hi 5' with Winson for a great ride. I also thanked Winson for taking the trouble to organize this ride for us. Also many thanks to Larry, Francis and Tan. Larry came over and wished us goodbyes but before that, "See you tomorrow morning". Tomorrow I will be joining Larry and band of merry riders to Teluk Bahang Dam. Check that out in Episode 2!