Trans Titiwangsa Ride

The gang without the 2 pixmen.

I was doing a recce trip into Raub one day for a 'durian ride' and it seems the place was not suitable for riding bikes as the traffic in Raub was quite busy and not only that, the vehicles was fast too with road conditions also quite bad. On the way back, instead of returning back via Bentong, I took the scenic route back through Gap junction.

From there, the idea of the Trans Titiwangsa Ride was born. I was gamed on trying to ride across our main range. This road was actually the only way to the east during the colonial days with Gap as the pass or Genting as the locals called it.

The riders participation was quite encouraging in the beginning but on nearing the date, there was many withdrawals due to the clash of date with another ride in Melaka. It didn't bother me as this ride, I was prepared to ride with only Lilian, my wife in the beginning. I was actually anticipating that there will be no others joining but the final tally came to 11 riders.

I waited for Fenn and Susanna at the Damamsara toll station after picking up Wai Keat from his home in the wee hours of the morning. After the former arrived, we proceeded to Kuala Kubu Bahru which was choosen to be the base venue. We had breakfast there and later was joined by Irene, Jayl, KK, Betty and Sooi Ying with JK driving the support car. The support came about because suprisingly, it was newbies that was attracted to this ride and Betty was unsure whether she could make it so she persuaded Sooi Ying to ride along and do a relay between riding and driving. As JK hurt his backbone, he offered his service as the driver. So, both Sooi Ying and Betty was riding with JK behind the wheels.

We started slow, real slow!

Once we were ready, we started off at almost 8.00am. Time and time again , I reminded them  not to rush off at the beginning and to take the ride as slow and relaxing as possible. The slow and pleasant ride was not really taxing and we reach the Selangor Dam quite easily, even for the few newbies. There we had a photo session and bantering was also the program for the whole day.

Sun was up but it was not hot.

We moved on to Sungai Chilling entrance and took a few shots there too. After here, Wai Keat took the lead as I am a slow climber who does not really care for time. Lilian was not feeling well too, so I better take it slow. we broke into two groups with Wai Keat taking the lead with Fenn, Su, Jayl, Betty and Sooi Ying. Suprisingly, the three newbies were at the front pack. While at the rear, I was with KK, Irene and Lilian.

Photo session at the Sg. Chilling entrance.

KK was riding his newly acquired Surly for the first time going up hilly rides. Irene was an encouragement to new riders, although not a new rider, she was very phobic of hill rides before. After much persuasion and convincing, also with a slight technical modification on her Tyrell plus another trial session in Genting Peras beforehand, she was gamed. My objective here today was never how fast we can but more to finishing the ride, even with four new riders. We agreed to regroup at the waterfall at the 24th milestone. As I always maintained, I wanted all to regroup before riding on , no matter how fast or slow the riders are.

Crossing the iron bridge.

First and second group was not really very far apart though. Hunger seems to be a factor to keep watch on on this route. Carbo loading is a must too. After a while Irene seems to be dizzy and noodles at breakfast doesn't seem to last. So, we stopped and had some food and drinks as most stocked some food in their bags and since there was a support car, a whole cooling carton of 100 plus was also available. I had experienced this before when I first ride this route. After a while resting, we continued and slowly we trudged up and up and up. The first pack was waiting at a certain point and it was just a mere kilometer from the waterfall, probably they didn't know that the waterfall was just two bends away. After all 11 of us are regrouped, we moved on till the waterfall. As usual photo session is a must but more importantly, we were lining up to use the only toilet here. I was holding it since Sungai Chilling!

Some crazy camwhoring afterwards we rode on. There's another 8 kilometers to our lunch and rest. Irene was getting tired and ask me how far are we to Gap. I told to lookout for an Indian temple, on the right and not on the left! " When you see it, then you can shout, Hooray! " I told Irene. The weather was really kind on us today, it was cooling. Then after a turn we saw some buildings and Lilian shouted, " Yay! we are here already! " A few of the front riders was already at the hanging bridge just below the Gap Resthouse. we joined them and Wai Keat told us that the cafe was not open! There goes our lunch.

Some crazy camwhoring!

We were tired, hungry and thirsty! We had a group meeting on whether to ride up to Fraser's Hill or zoom down to Kg.Tras for lunch. We all decided to ride down and that we did! The ride down here was faster than the other side and certain part of the roads were not smooth until we cross an iron bridge. Lilian and Wai Keat was really fast going down while I tag at the rear. It actually took some time to actually finish rolling down. The fast snaking down the road was quite fun with Wai Keat and Lilian clocking over 50 km/h at certain stretch. Wai Keat and Lilian stopped at another waterfall to wait for the rest to regroup. After all are accounted for, there's still more downhill to go. we passed by a really big and well maintained durian orchard. Durian trees was abundant as far as the eyes can see.

Saw the nearest way to feed ourselves.

We then came down to more flatter road and then I saw the shop house at the junction that turns to the Bentong route. we were too hungry for photo session here and we rode past it. As we neared Kg. Tras we can see more residential houses. I then saw a narrow bridge and rode over it forgetting that the support car cannot pass it. " Never mind, JK will find a way to find us", I was thinking. We went around the village looking for restaurants and we saw one but it was not opened but the shop owner directed us to another one that was open. Wai Keat went to scout first while we rested and waited. I gave a call to the support car and check his location and then directed him to the eatery. Wai Keat has ordered for 2 tables of 6 and 5 pax. Anything is good now!

A temple along the route.

After filling in our stomach and satisfy our thirst, we headed out of the village and onto the main road to Raub. We stopped by a temple and was impressed with the 'thousand hand Kuan Yin Goddess' and took a few snaps there. After that we moved on and headed straight into another hill climb and long too. With our stomach full and ourselves on sleep mode, we had to dig deep into ourselves to reach the apex of the hill. After reaching we waited for another regrouping and headed downhill again and then after a few more 'dragonbacks' we finally reached the Raub town junction.

From here , I took over the lead as I know where our hotel is and as fast as we could, we hurried to the hotel. We were all in bad need of a bath and rest. after reaching the junction to our 'homestay', we baded goodbye to KK, Betty, Sooi Ying and JK and we decided to meet at 7.00pm for dinner.

Although not the main curry house, this branch's food also lives up to the expectation of Sempalit curry chicken.

After checking in and sat down, we were too relaxed to even take a bath but we had to. After a short nap after bath, we then rode out again into town where the others were putting up. we had a grand curry dinner (Sempalit curry chicken) at Ratha Curry House. We took a short ride after dinner to check out the town and all of us headed back to the homestay.

We opened a few bottles of wine and beers and have the famous Sempalit groundnuts. We were very loud laughing at every funny incidents that happen during the ride here. With a few glass, added with the full stomach and drain out body, we began to get too relaxed! This was when the idea of not wanting to ride back was hatched! I have actually planned the contingencies and I even have telephone numbers of 4WD vehicles to fetch us up back to Gap but KK suggested that we ride in Chamang, Bentong after some 'ice kacang'.

Curry Fish Head

So, it was decided that , tomorrow morning all the drivers will go to KKB and then drive back to Raub with the cars. Then we will all head for Bentong. We did just that and had a good Hainanese breakfast in KKB, e even had Hainanese chicken chop but the 'nasi lemak bungkus' here was fantastic! There was only 3 packets left and Irene took two. We then headed to the famous KKB cake shop and bought some cakes to take back.



We drove back to Raub in a convoy of 5 cars and after checking out, we headed to Bentong and KK took us to another spot for 'ice kacang'. Suprisingly, the 'ice kacang' here was even better than the more famous Kow Po. The sky was turning dark and strong winds blowing hard when we were having the meal and we decided to head home after this. After paying, we headed back to KL. 

Even though it was a tough route, it was relaxing as no one in the group was in a hurry. Sense of camaraderie was prevalent among us and more care was given because there was 4 new riders in the flock and this made the whole group closer. In fact all of us made it without coming down to push even on the uphill section from KKB.I wish every ride was marshall as such as I find it more less stressing and fun. I am very sure that I shall invite all the participants on this ride again for other rides. This bunch has my first priority invites for any rides!

The Great Rawang Challenge Ride

It is the time of the year again when CFAL (Cycling For A Lane) is held again and among us, there were many who are not riding. I was planning for a quiet and relaxing weekend, then after I mentioned to Cikgu about doing the Ijok's 'beggar chicken' ride, Cikgu immediately proposed riding from Rawang. Then after conferring with Rivern, the date was moved to Saturday and like myself, I am OK with any day, even weekdays!

So, the Rawang to Ijok ride was born ! Date CFAL weekend.

Event page was posted up in Facebook and hosted by me and Cikgu. (sheepishly, actually Cikgu did most of the work). Orders need to be confirmed at least a day earlier for the 'beggar's chicken' ( chicken wrapped in foil with herbs and covered with mud and coal fired till done, something like doing clam bake on the beach ).

Starting point

The day approaches fast and there were a few late entries and we re-ordered an extra table. The meeting point in a school in Rawang was choosen for safety of the cars. We have also pointed out very clearly on the event page that for this event we will not wait for late comers and all came punctually.

After the group photo, it started to drizzle and when we reached the first apex of the dragon's back, it started pouring. I was still arguing  with myself whether to put on the rain poncho. Then, I say, " what the heck! ". Just feel the rain. It was raining cats and dogs but the whole group cycled on. When the rain started more and more dump trucks appeared but they were careful too as they were driving on 'kampong' roads.

<music> riding in the rain.

After stopping under flyovers for regrouping a few times, I decided to put on my rain poncho. Not because of the rain but because of my thin jersey. My nippies was too obvious and Chris was really excited about it. Although still getting drenched, it was warmer. I kept my glasses in the bag as droplets are blurring my vision.

We stopped at a lakeside local eatery called Kafe Tasik Biru and the nasi lemak there was nice. So does the 'lontong' that KK ate. View from here was nice too and we all had a good rest here and had our share of filling in for breakfast. The rain although slowed down, nevertheless it was still a very wet ride. The view from the slopes behind Rawang is actually quite scenic but most were not really looking at it because of the extra attention we need to put in while riding wet.

We moved on towards Kundang, passing a golf club and through housing estates towards the Kuala Selangor main trunk road. Just after the junction into Batu Arang, the road here was beautifully lined with rows of rubber trees. The whole scene was almost extracted out of a movie scene. We did not ride into Batu Arang as we headed to Ijok first.

Big honey jackfruits

Nearing Ijok, I told Cikgu that I won't be riding to the rabbit farm and I will be waiting at Delicious Restaurant. The ride to the farm is another 5 kilometers and I was not really interested and I prefer to get dried and be more comfortable for lunch later. So, a few of us rode to the restaurant and had a hot chinese tea while waiting for the main pack to return.

Beggar chicken oven!

Apart from serving the famous 'beggar chickens' this restaurant also sells the Honey jackfruit. We were observing a worker extracting the fruit. They also produces preserved calamansi limes and there were rows of bottled preserved limes there. Yes,, they sell it too. Opposite the restaurant, amidst the oil palms, there's also a chicken breeding farm. My guess the chicken we will be having are from here too.

Happy diners

After an hour, the main pack returned and after we were all seated and refreshed, the food is served. Each table had 2 chickens, a duck, a fish, glutinous rice and a greens. I would suggest avoiding the duck as it seems bland but we didn't try the pig's trotter though. The glutinous rice had salted egg yolks inside. No wonder I see boxes of them behind. The food was consumed within 30 minutes and also there were 13 orders of take away chicken. Take-aways are still mud wrapped and it weighs 3 kgs each. I had one tucked into my rear bag, no problem.

The bike must have rejected the chicken as I got a puncture just after I loaded the chicken. So, I changed the tube while the rest waited. After huffing and puffing, we finally moved on. 500 meters on, I noticed the rear tires were going flat. So, I stopped again and redo the puncture again. Luckily Mr.Chow was still around as my other spare is a presta valve and my pump can't pump presta! I spent quite some time pumping it as the spokes were too near for a full size pump. We managed to fill in the tube and we rushed to rejoin the others.

The famous root in Batu Arang also for mosquito bites!

At the junction we regrouped and moved on. After a while riding, Wai Keat was telling me my tire were still under inflated. He asked me if I want to fill more air into it. We stopped and tried pumping it and in the process bent the valve and the tires can't hold the air. Now, this is tiring and also looking for problems when there's none. Then Chris cycled by and I had to get a spare schrader valved tube from Chris. Another round of tube changing and P-U-M-P-I-N-G  ! Golly! my hands are aching now. Finally we managed to get the air right and off we went.

The main group waited for us at a junction and we all rode together. I like this group, really! Understanding and patient! No matter who's in trouble, we are riding in a tight group. No heroes trying to show their speed prowess. We then rode into Batu Arang and Cikgu being the good guide, showed us the history of Batu Arang. After the iconic tower roundabout photo session, we rode towards Rawang again and this time we have to climb, climb and climb.

Everyone was still in jovial mood proving that the ride was not tough and we have clocked over 50 kilometers at this stage. The climb took some time for some but it was not too tiring while the faster climbers stopped at the Rawang junction to wait for the last few riders to rejoin. When the last rider arrived, there was cheering and encouragement.

The vacuum cleaner and the rider!

The final stretch was the last 13 kilometers but a great deal of it was downhill. We managed to reach the Orchid Farm quite easily and as it was quite late already, almost 5.00pm we broke up into two groups. The group that wants to visit the farm went ahead while the other group head for Rawang.

We stopped at a petrol station and replenished ourselves with 100 plus before we continued again. The last part was dangerous actually. The daily jam here made motorized vehicles lined in two rows in a single lane road and that leaves no space for us cyclist to maneuver. And that little tight lane, we had to share with motorcyclist. I was sweeping at the rear because it was quite dangerous and some with slick tires, made it even more treacherous. At some parts Fenn had to come down and push and at some parts we had to cycle in the middle between two rows of vehicles which included many lorries and buses.

Finally, we rode into the more open road and into the road leading to the school. Finally we saw the same cement factory and in the last turn, we reached the school gates. There were faces of relief when we reached there. Finally , finally!  I can take off my drenched shoes and socks and luckily I have a spare pair in my car. Some went back first and some waited for the last to return and when that happened, we thanked Cikgu and Cikgu and drove home and I got stuck in a bad traffic jam for two hours before reaching home.

You know! After all the soaking, tiredness, hunger, thirst, numbing feeling in the ass and palms, IT WAS FUN! When are we doing it again?

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!

Taman Negara Dragon Slaying! Part 1

Another major event has past and now it is time to pen or rather 'blog' it down. This blog will serve more as a post-mortem to the ride and hopefully riders will become aware of situations that arises. Organizing events are not easy but the passion for rides and especially rides that were never done before is exciting though.

In actual, the plan to Taman Negara was already in plan since I started riding foldies. Off course, me and wife can't just do it then. We need more experience and skills riding not to mention the mentality and stamina to sustain the length and conditions of the ride. A fellow rider, a good friend, Encik Zolkaplee Ahmad has already did it but he did it ala 'touring style'. He rode from Kajang to the south, Kuala Klawang, then to Karak via Kuala Pilah and then to Temerloh and finally Jerantut and Taman Negara before doubling back to KL! Something I would never do, hahahaha!

Why? First we have to look at ourselves! I am a creature of comfort, I need my sleep and also double stressing my body is not fun for me. I may need the exercise but hurting my body in the course of exercising just doesn't compute in my mind. Just like hiking where I was active in before. I enjoyed the hikes but my knees were disintegrating before me.

Carrying the bikes to the jetty.

It was Zol who told me about the condition of Jerantut to Kuala Tahan road and from his info I gather that it is going to be hazardous for bikes. So, after a check in Google 3D, I saw another secondary road running parallel to the main trunk road. For that you need to cross from it's nearest place from Jerantut which was Kuala Tembeling. I finally did a 'recce' trip with my car and determined the route and also to secure the services of a boatman who is willing to accommodate the whim and fancies of a riding group. All that done, finally the day arrives!

The first group going off!

I kept confirming with the boatman almost every 3 to 5 days, making excuses of enquiring just to make sure. On the eventful morning of 21st June, all 28 riders were there. I went round, collecting the boat fare and paid the boatman. We all carried the bikes down a few flight of stairs and made our way to the jetty.

Carrying the bikes up the sandy banks of Pasir Tambang.

It took 3 trips for the boat to ferry us all across to the banks opposite. It was misty and cooling in the morning. From this bank, we can hear the laughter and din from the first group who have landed on the other bank. A handshake with 'Boroi' my boatman and we were off! Alas! one of the riders tyre was punctured! Before we even started off. There was another rider helping to change the tube so I went around chatting with other riders and taking snaps. That's lesson one, check the bike before a ride!  It could be a 'snake bite' from the spokes, a faulty rim tape etc. From there itself, I have wondered if the inner tubes she brings will suffice? Luckily, that was the only puncture from her on that trip.

Almost raring to go!

Later, we took a group photo and this is the only group photo that we took that was complete on the whole journey! I asked Cikgu' to give a small briefing and off we went. The most important message that needs to be address was our main regrouping point is a place called 'Labu Sentral'. The initial 'kampong' road was uneventful but a very pleasant ride. We were warming up and chatting while riding and at times 3 to 4 abreast but it is OK as the road is quite deserted. By the river banks, the road is a gradual undulating ride, nothing harsh.......yet! 13 kilometers down the road, we stopped at a small convenience store to refill our water bottle and I received a call from the boatman. There was another rider who have just arrived!

A lonely rider on a long winding road!

"Just Arrived" or JA was late. The boatman asked me what do we do with him? I asked him for solutions too. He can send JA to Labu Sentral by boat but it will cost JA RM200. Nope! So, if he still insists on riding, Boroi will send him over and he will try to catch up. That was what he choose to do.

Cikgu came over to me and told me that he don't want to lead as he can't catch up with the front pack. He was a bit flustered! Neither can I catch up with them too, so I just told Cikgu to let them go ahead. Slow riders, I can accommodate and sweep but fast riders, they have to take their own risk. In fact, organizers might have to be choosy on what kind of rides to include them. It is all about teamwork and also the term 'mentality of the herd' comes about. Why don't you ride alone or with a more appropriate rider who can match up to your speed? Because you need the security of the 'herd'. Then you must conform to the speed of the herd. 

The ladies not looking the least tired!

As we rode on, I received a call from a rider. On the phone she told me someone had a bad fall and she was lying unconscious in the middle of the road. Description was blurry on the spot but here's what happened.

She felled and till now we still don't know how she felled. A local guy on a motorcycle rode to the front pack and told them we have a casualty and two of them rushed back to the spot. Before they arrive, two other riders was already on the scene and carried her to the side. She was foaming on the mouth which means she's in trauma. They got the help of the locals to send them to the Clinic in Kuala Tahan. Her companion followed too and so the bikes and two riders were out of the ride. By this time we were actually in Labu Sentral. The funny thing is, we were ALL SUPPOSED to REGROUP in Labu Sentral. Guess many were affected by the sun, huh? Only the small group were there. I called up Boroi and he told me JA was already on his way.

Hungry riders crowding around the 'jagong' stall.

We rode on, assuming everyone except the fallen one is OK. At the junction where the 'kampong' road meets the main trunk road to Kuala Tahan, we saw the front pack gathering around a corn stall. We stopped too and took a rest. From here onwards, is the second harder half, 30 kilometers of harsh midday sun and busier road with lorries and tourist buses passing by. Also the peaks of the dragonbacks will be highers here. The rest in my next blog!

Part 2 click here!

Taman Negara Dragon Slaying. ( Part 2 )

This now becomes the first full regroup point. Around food! With all riders accounted for except two who should be already in Kuala Tahan. Once everyone is satisfied resting, we rode off to the left. Almost immediately, we were greeted with big holes on the tarmac! Also the major dragon backs starts almost at the same time. The dragonbacks here are more intense, plus the sun at high noon, it was gruelling! 

Big holes on the road!

The sun was really hot now and the it gets more tiring from here onwards. we rode one dragonback one after another in many, many succession. I have to warn another fellow rider who brought his son for the ride to be extra cautious on this road as there are timber lorries plying the road. I must commend on the small kid for finishing the ride without any problems. Cikgu was at the rear sweeping and a few other experienced riders were at the back as well.

View from one of the bridges.

About 8 kilometers down, we saw a small row of shop and within there was a small sundry shop and THREE eateries! We are stopped there without any instruction to do so. The tummy now rules the actions we do. We all sat at whatever places we can find almost occupying all the seats of the 3 shops. A cold 100plus is now a bonus! We rested for quite a while here. Actually a few has shot off very far ahead already. One had been called back via handphone by her group and when she turned up, she was complaining about how much hills that she had covered.

Later, very sluggishly, we all stood up and went for our bikes and started off. We rode slowly but surely as we don't want to make the ride unpleasant as the main objective of our ride is to ENJOY nature and the sun is part of nature too, right?

It's a long long road!

Our splintered group, splintered even more. I thought we should at least group up and so I headed into the shade of the plantation. We bantered around and chatted for quite some time here. All was accounted for except two riders. We waited over an hour replenishing our body with liquid and I had a few dates. My bananas are all consumed already.

A deserving rest while waiting for the back markers.

Then we decided that we can't wait anymore we carried on over another few dragon backs and it goes on and on and on. It was hot and we were doing an average of 16 km/h only with the climbs. As we were nearing the airport, on the right side, I saw a folding bike. Then I saw a few more and then many more. The front group was resting here, waiting for regrouping. At last , I see some responsibility among riders. We are still 8 kilometers away from our final destination.

More dragonbacks!

After another hour or more, we were still waiting for the last 2 riders. One rider then borrowed a motorcycle and rode off with another riding pillion to back track, looking for the last markers. We waited for quite a while before the motorcycle showed up with the last rider riding pillion. They have traded places. We then found out that after the last rest, he suffered cramps, one leg after the other one and he was pushing his bike uphill rather than riding and rolling down the slopes. He did that for the past 8 kilometers!

The first group who made reservations with Rainbow guesthouse made off first as the guesthouse was getting desperate.  Another group called me on the phone telling me they have already checked in. The motorcycle went off again now with another fresh rider meet the other 2 riders there and eventually they all showed up. We thanked the motorcycle owner and let the 2 riders take a full rest. It was already past 3.00pm now. It doesn't hurt to be late than later anyway.

At last!

Finally the last group made off to finish the last leg of about 8 kilometers. This is the hardest of the whole journey as there are 3 major dragon backs here with the last one the hardest. Slowly inching our way, me and Lilian then reached the last peak and waited for the rest. Another rider suffered a cramp here and sat down to rest. After seeing all the riders, I zoomed down the last slope and waited at the junction to our hotel. we stayed at the Xcape Hotel which was formerly the Woodlands Hotel.

Finally, we can confirmed all are checked in and my plans for the riders to ride to the last point near the jetty to have a group photo has been scuttled! Now we won't get a shot with the bikes. After reminding them to meet at the lobby at 7.00pm for dinner, me and company then went for a deserving shower and rest!

For Part 3 of blog, click here!