Day 2 Starts from Kuala Sepetang.

Our rooms.

After the dinner and chat sessions where I slept through half way, I just plonked away and when I was conscious, the time glared 6.30am on my phone.Stealthily without waking up Chris, I went to the bathroom and switching on the lights only when the doors are almost fully closed. Cleaned up myself, brushed my teeth and ..............errrr, empty the bowels. By the time I am done, Lilian climbed down from the loft bed and it was her turn to use the bathroom. After we were done, I saw Chris was awake but I will leave the room to himself now taking all our bikes and stuffs out.

I have to carry the 2 bikes down 3 flights of stairs and I left it near the lobby while I took a seat near the balcony and ordered breakfast. Fenn was already there and we were joined later by Winson and family, Cikgu and Cikgu, Irene and a few others. When we have finished, we were instructed to set up our bikes outside and when we carried our bikes out, almost everyone was already there. We checked out and I was introduced to Mr. Ho who resides in Taiping nearby and will be our guide for the rest of the ride. I was glad that someone will take the helm today!

Our breakfast which was inclusive.

We started off and we went up the bridge that connects Sepetang to a village on the other side named Kuala Seberang. We did not cross it but just stayed at the apex of the bridge to enjoy the view of the rivermouth, watching boats sailing to and fro. En Khairul was there too, he was guiding a whole troop of students around. From there on, we rode to the mangrove forest reserve. I knew the rangers won't allow bicycles on the boardwalks which was a pity because the boardwalk was extensive. For that, I wasn't really interested in the place so I just hung around and finally after a group photo we left the place. The next stop is an interesting one, the charcoal factory and this will be my second time visiting it.

The picturesque view of the Sepetang river.

The charcoal factory's supervisor now charges RM3 per person for guided tour around which I think is fair. Since I have been here before, I strolled around the factory compound hunting for subjects to feed my camera.

The charcoal factory.

We spent quite some time at the charcoal factory and some had ice cream from a vendor there. After that Mr. Ho leaded the pack to Taiping using the former railway route. Sadly the 14 kilometers railway track was dismantled in 1987 which I felt was much better if left alone as a heritage site. It was the first railway line in Malaysia. It's kind of sad that , older generations have to learn of our history through surviving pictures. The whole route is now a paved road, going through villages and palm oil plantations. It also weaves under the North South Highway. Halfway past the NS highway, I felt the pedaling getting harder and I was swaying. I knew it was another flat tire.

Puncture break!

So, the whole group stopped and while I replaced the tube, the rest was happily chatting away and Jotaro even took photo with a local villager on a motorcycle. The puncture was caused by a tiny little sharp pebble and it was still lodged in the tires. I have to get a pin from Sherine to dislodge it out. I think the tire is a bit soft and thin already, time to change. After huffing and pumping and off we go again.

Taiping is actually very near using this route. Before we know it, we were already in Aulong, a small village on the outskirts of Taiping. It is here that we also recorded a GPS point of interest from the internet. The famous "Au-long Heong Peang". Mr. Ho was surprised that we knew about this place as he has no idea about it. Lilian and a few others rushed in and bought some while others went in just to have a "look see, look see". The only reason Lilian bought the rack and panniers was in anticipation of buying the biscuits. Then again, after tasting it at home later, she found out the Gunong Rapat ones in Ipoh was better. Hahaha. 

The An Tong coffee mill.

Aulong Biscuit Factory.

We proceeded to town and our next destination was the AnTong coffee powder mill. Reaching there, I was suprised that they were very welcoming and we were asked to taste any kinds of coffee available. There were local ones, white ones, expresso, lemon tea and even Durian Coffee ! I went to the older part of the factory to see some old machineries used in the olden days. It was quite interesting and Chris bought a whole combo of coffee making utensils. His T.bag is getting heavier by the minute.

It was then decided that we will now have some refreshing 'cendol' and where else in Taiping? Ansari in Barrack Road. Where else?

Cendol time!

When we rode, the group was split into 2 to 3 groups because of a fast changing traffic lights. When we regrouped, we were guided to the right stall by Mr. Ho as there was a few stalls under the same name. They were offshoots of the original one. When we were enjoying the 'cendol' , Irene called and they were lost! After a few direction advises and complicating directives, I decided to ride out to look for them. Mr. Ho was already moving and he came back without spotting them. I back tracked further and Chris spotted me. He rushed to call me and I guided the 3 lost sheep back into the flock. Although late, Chris was adamant on having his share of the 'cendol'. Hahaha! So, we just have to wait a little longer. So, after the last satisfied their thirst, we will now hunt for food and what else, Taiping poppiah!

Mr. Ho again lead us to the shop and he also showed us his company where he owned. A pawn shop passed down from 3 generations. The poppiah was closed as today is Sunday and was sold out. The next option was Yut Sun Hainanese Restaurant but that was also closed on Sundays. This is the second time I failed to try the Hainanese chicken chop there. We then rode to the Larut Matang food court and once there, we splintered into many groups as the palce was also busy with Sunday patrons. I had a Hainanese chicken rice and it was good too, while others had wanton noodle, local cakes,char koay teow etc.

The must take picture of Taiping Lake Gardens.

We headed to the Taiping Lake Gardens after the meal and after the customary shots of the rain trees, we were taken around the lake. Time was running out as we have scheduled the bus trip back to 3.00 pm as Kimmie and Seng Yeap needs to be in Ipoh by 6.00 pm for the earlier ETS  back to KL. 

On the bus to Ipoh.

The bus is scheduled to wait for us at the Zoo car park and while they were riding along the scenic gardens, I rushed off to meet the bus and a few riders followed me. We rode directly to the zoo car park and the bus was already parked there and was already greeting us. It was already 2.45 pm and we need to load 19 bikes onto the bus and this will take time. The larger group was still not in sight and I called Irene who was among the group to hasten up the rest. We then loaded our bikes first and after a short wait, the rest of the group appeared. We quickly loaded the rest and many bikes were sitting on the seats of the bus, hahaha. We managed to load all and off we go now to Ipoh after a big thanking was given to our gracious guide Mr.Ho. 

Ipoh also has murals.

Once in Ipoh, after unloading both bikes and passengers, we said goodbye to Kimmie and Seng Yeap. The rest of us rode slowly into town or city now, and can't decide what to eat or drink. Funny mountain soya milk is closed and I suggested 'thong sui kai' or dessert street. while some of them were busy buying some biscuits, I sped there to check if there are stalls opened. There were a few that was opened and that was good enough. I rode back and leaded them to the stalls and we all sat down and there was an ordering frenzy. We rested and took our time enjoying the sweet desserts and I must say, desserts like this, Ipoh is still the best. After satisfying ourselves we then rode past the mural back lanes. It seems every town now wants to imitate Penang. We did stop for some photos and after that we rode to the riverside and slowly strolled along the river. We stopped at a majestically looking rain tree and took pictures there. 

The group photo with me standing at the highest point. Pic. taken by Siew Yung.

The grandfather raintree on the Ipoh riverside.

We headed for dinner and KK guided us to an old part of town to a place called 'Sun Yoon Wah'. We choose a table at the rear of the shop where there was a big car park. We sat on 2 tables and ordered the food. The food was not really good but we were famished so, we still finished it. The service was a bit haywire with the restaurant operating 4 outlets in the same area and with the number of tables served, you really need a battalion of workers which the restaurant sorely lacked! When we were almost finishing, it started to rain and the workers were hastily carrying sheds over our table. We were finishing anyway and the rain slowed down a bit and this was our window to rush to the railway station. We managed to get to the railway station, still DRY!

Packing to leave.

Here we found out that there was a major rail derailment in KKB and our train will be delayed. We are still able to board the train and we might have to scramble for buses again for the shuttle back to KL Sentral in Tanjong Malim. Later, we were told that we won't need to take the bus and the biggest surprised was yet to come. We did board the train, we did managed to load our bikes, and the train did leave on schedule. Once we were on the way, we were hoping that the derailment will be cleared. We finally reached Tanjong Malim and the train stopped! Will it proceed? Hopefully we were crossing our fingers.

Alas! the train did not move and we were not allowed to disembark. Then Fenn and Jotaro called a taxi and headed out of the train telling the conductor that their tickets are to Tanjong Malim. The rest of us, we were left guessing when the train will be able to continue. Passing one hour, two hour then came news that the station master has mistakenly called all the buses to leave. Now they refused to come back.  So, we will have to wait till the track is cleared and news was, the track was OK but the electricity supply to the train was still not ready.

Finally, at 2.30 am or somewhere there, the train started rolling and we rolled into KL Sentral at 3.30 am.

And the stinker!

I said my goodbyes and went straight to the car park. I paid a whopping RM116 for the parking fee and a part of it was KTM's fault. Anyway, I was just glad that we arrived safely and headed back for a good rest. The wait in the train was more tiring than the whole ride from Parit Buntar to Taiping.

Well, that's the end of another exciting ride and it going to be hard to plan another ride that can cram so much into 2 days! We actually had train rides, boat rides and bus rides. Visited, Parit Buntar, Bagan Tiang, Tanjong Piandang, Kuala Kurau , Kuala Gula, Kuala Sangga, Kuala Sepetang, Taiping and Ipoh. We also ate many kind of food and probably drank too much! And when added up, we were not tired as the route is flat and spread over many hours with hot showers comfortable beds to rest. We were also never in a rush and that helps. Till another ride................Ciao!

A 5 Fishing Village Ride + another 1

The picturesque view of the river in Bagan Tiang.

The plan to ride this far north was mooted a long time ago, in fact even before the Taman Negara Ride. The response was fast and within 2 days, the group was already hatched and to avoid further queries , I moved the event page to a closed group. As this is an expense intensive ride, I asked Siew Yung to be in charge of collection and payment for tickets, hotels, dinner etc.

On the night of departure which was in Sentral KL, a total of 21 riders turned up and there was two who can't make it. Sebastian from Germany who was supposed to be in another coach can now join us in the same coach. Most of us know the coach is cold for night services and so does Sebastian. Sebastian was using Xinme's folding bike and it was not actually his size but it have to do for now.

Journey starts this moment!

The train may be wide but having 21 passengers with 21 folding bikes in the same coach is a bit tough but I have planned to have 4 in every end of each coach but our KTM only has one , yes ONE! coach for the whole night service. The train was punctual though and we arrived in Parit Buntar a little over 4.00am. We disembarked and set up our bikes in no time. I went scouted for a place to have breakfast  and as guided by an attendant there, I found it in no time. When I was returning the security guard asked me about our group and I explained.

We had a simple roti meal and according to my plans, we were to hang around till daylight but most have finished and were on their bikes eagerly waiting for the ride to commence. It was still dark but all of us had lights so, we started off anyway. The route was already mapped onto my GPS and KK's too. So, we all started off in the dark and just about 5 kilometers later, I felt a cold rush of wind hitting my face and I knew we were going to face a heavy shower! At this moment my yes were fixing on the side for shelter. I passed by a few but not really suitable and just when it started raining, I saw a twin detached house with a large varendah like space in front and it was possible to ride straight in. I zoomed in just in the nick of time and everyone followed and I hushed them up so as to not awaken the occupants. It started to rain cats and dogs just as we were getting comfortable. The local did woke up and opened his door to check out. We asked for permission and was granted . He even passed out all his chairs from inside his house to gave us seats.

Sheltering from the rain in a stranger's home.

As we were sheltering here, another splintered group was also sheltering under another village home a few hundred meters back. Just as the rain was reduced to a drizzle, we can see the other pack riding on and we quickly wished the kind village folks goodbye and thanked them and joined the other group. We were all riding in rain attires and I leaded them straight onto the coastal route to Bagan Tiang. The tarmac became smaller and smaller and after a while we can see the coast.

We stopped at a fishing village where colorful fishing boats were moored and had a cam whoring session there. As we were doing that, I noticed Irene's rear tire was deflated. Quickly, we spotted a fishermen shed and we all went under just as the rain was starting to get a bit heavy again. We asked for permission from a fisherman there and started to repair the puncture.

First puncture of the ride!

We moved on after the inner tube was replaced and we rode on a sandy but firm trail. According to the route mapped onto Google map, it was the right route. We passed by many cow sheds and we can see the sea intermittently. Then dwellings became more concentrated and we know we are near Tanjong Piandang already. We rode into the main dwellings of the local fisher folks and rode past their front gates and after a while into the small town. I saw a coffee shop on the way but I was heading to a dim sum place that was mentioned in the internet. It was not hard to locate as it was just beside the bank and we quickly parked our bikes and divided ourselves into two tables. The food here was simple but tasty and it was cheap too! Most famous here was their dumplings and we had lots of them. After settling the bill we rode on and I was still riding on coastal road which as actually a bund beside the sea.

Making a U-turn

Initially, the trail from Tg. Piandang to Kuala Kurau was a sandy trail like before and it was easy to ride. Then we saw a crane lifting a car that swerved into the ditch. The workmen there told the front riders that the trail was impassable as it will be muddy and all of us turned back. We back tracked to the junction and followed the only other route and turn the first right that we meet and that route took us to the famed 'bun pecah' literally traslated as the broken bund. Locals used to stroll here in the evenings to catch the view of the sea. It was in the midst of development as I can see the local municipality was paving the seafront into a real esplanade. It was muddy and many braved the mud not caring about the bikes or shoes. The aim was to get past the hurdle. It was not really that hard actually, just getting dirty but another group splintered and refuse to use the dirty route. I was trapped in the middle as the front pack was too far a head and another pack refusing to get their bikes dirty!

The muddy bund!

I had to proceed and since the trail was not a hard one, I had to leave the rear pack to find their own way to Kuala Kurau leaded by Jotaro. I rushed to catch up with the front pack where many had already crossed the muddy patch. A local fisher folk told us to wash our bikes at the local 'surau' and that we did. One by one, we hosed off the mud from our bikes and shoes. We then carried on and easily, we found the main road to Kuala Kurau which was just a mere 8 km away. We rode leisurely hoping that the rear pack will catch up but we have reach the fringes of Kuala Kurau and they were still not in sight. Kimmie gave them a call and they were another 5 km away. I told the rest to stay put until we regroup again.

Bike washing session!

When we regrouped, I leaded them into the fishing village and Irene needs her 100plus break. Why she never carries a few can really puzzles me. So, we stopped at the first waterhole we see and again the group broke into two groups. I on the other hand was looking for other type of watering hole and seeing that I did not patronize the shop, I went looking for a public toilet. When I returned I saw Lilian chatting with a local and I joined in the conversation. Seems the local was also a cyclist and I forego my meal and chatted up. The locals were actually part of the Kuala Kurau Cycling Club and insistently offered to take us around. They told us not to eat there and will take us to better food eatery but too late! Most of them were already digging in.

Group photo at the salted egg factory with the lady boss.

Later, we went to the salted egg factory as planned but with 2 locals bringing us there, it was different. The lady boss was more eager to show us around and even had a group photo together. After that we pass the famous pedestrian bridge and to the other side where locals dwell. The good food is about to come. Yan, the local cyclist boast of the best coffee and that I want to try. He took us deep into the village and sat us at a coffeeshop  beside the river. 

Suprisingly good coffee and even
 better prawn fritters.

The "HOKASAI " as he called it was served and the coffee was really GOOD! It had a hint of mocha in it and it was less than RM2 a pop. Many had doubles and we also tried the famed prawn fritters of Kuala Kurau. The GPS location from the internet pointed to the other side of the river and I thought it was closed. Only then I realized that it was on this side. The prawn fritters lived up to it's reputation and Yan showed us the local way of eating it. They wrapped the fritter with yellow noodles and dip it into the chilly sauce. It was really good but rolling the fritter with noodles using a gloved hand is a bit tedious. It was good enough without the noodle anyway. By this time, we were all mingling with the locals here and laughter was heard here and there. More suprisingly, the meal was insistently paid for although we adamantly insisted that we pay ourselves. After an exchange of phone number and FB contacts, they leaded us out to the road to Kuala Gula, our next destination.

Full speed ahead to Kuala Gula boat jetty.

I called the boat man to inform of our time and we rode quite feverishly to Kuala Gula as we have spent more time that we have allocated in Kuala Kurau. I decided to skip Kuala Gula fishing village and leaded them straight to the boat jetty which was on the outskirts of Kuala Gula. Making sure none of them were left out and keeping them in a  tight group, I guided them to the jetty where 4 boats were waiting for us. Many made a 'pee stop' and also to get cold drinks before the boat journey starts. Next, will be the Kuala Sangga fishing village which got prominence from an article in a local daily recently when a group of youths were sponsored by the daily to visit there. The place is not a frequently visited place and it's charm is still untouched! The place don't even have electricity and water suppply which is quite suprising in this era of time. The only access to this village is by boat.

We were actually supposed to follow the riverine waterways to our next destination, K. Sangga. Lying beside the Melaka Straits on an island isolated without road system leading to it, it is only aaccessible by boat. The boatman requested permission to use the open sea and I allowed it as the seas are usually calm after a heavy shower.

Riding the waves for about 40 minutes, we reached Kuala Sangga. We hop ashore and I was a bit sad that nothing was done to maintain the charm here. The local fisherfolks were living in poverty to actually maintain it and my guess is, they don't get much help either from the local municipality or the local MP. Many charming houses were left dilapidated and were almost falling into the sea. We strolled from one end to the other and En. Khairul was here already. He was the man that arranged our boat and bus rides. A quick intoduction and we were chatting like buddies. On the way to Kuala Sepetang, he gave me some nature info about the mangroves and birds. He is quite a naturalist for this part of the eco system.

4 boats were chartered to ferry us to Kuala Sangga and then to Kuala Sepetang.

The Happy 8 Resort which also house the
Riverside Restaurant.

We arrived in Kuala Sepetang jetty and while this boats were from Kuala Gula, a local boat seems reluctant to move away so that we can get ashore. Still, he did move away and all 4 boats unloaded the passengers and bikes , one by one. My pad for the night is just next door but me and Siew Yung have to arrange some other lodgings and first, we have to hunt where the place is! En. Khairul gave us a landmark and me and Siew Yung leaded a few to the homestay and hotel while those staying In Happy 8 Resort next to the jettychecked in. Once eveyone is settled in, me and Siew Yung rode back to our hotel to get a good rest after the day's ride.

Dinner is booked for 8.00pm. I make sure everyone was informed. I went to the room, took a long shower and changed a new set of  clothes. Feeling refreshed already, Gan and Fenn invited me for a beer session before dinner. We sat at the balcony of the hotel overlooking the river and with mangroves as the view and had beer, never had beer tasted so nice! We even carried the rest of the beer to the restaurant to continue while having dinner. Here, My favourite was the prawn curry wrapped in bread and I ordered 2 for each table along with many other dishes. We were noisy at dinner time, as usual but it's common for drinkers here, BUT we were not really drinking either, just plain noisy with laughter.

After dinner, we adjourned to our rooms and chatted till we slept..............till the next day where the ride to Taiping begins!

Day 2 of ride., click here.

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?