Kayuhan Kesihatan Putrajaya 2010

Ken invited me to join in as a sweeper for the ride, as one of the perks, the sweepers were given jerseys and bib shorts. The ride was organized by Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. The last time I ride as a marshall was 2006 for Kementerian Belia Dan Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan, a two day ride across all KL's Parliamentary constitutes.

The ride was to promote a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians. Held in Putrajaya, I decided to ride my Look bike. Most of the riders were riding Road Bike, so my ride has been converted to a hybrid bike. Before the event, Ken organized a rehearsal ride for sweepers in order for them to familiarize with the route. It was a good idea as the route is quite a turn a round Putrajaya, and as sweepers it is important to familiarize with the route.

Sure enough, at the event day the sweepers had to improvise as almost half of the participants had to escorted to a shorter route, as they were separated from the main platoon. Towards the end, there were three groups were escorted to a "chicken loop".

Bernam Jaya Jamboree 2010

Jamboree.... its been a while since I ride in a bike jamboree. Its really not my cup of tea. Since my fellow riders from MPAJ invited me to join in, I decided to go along. Most of the riders from MPAJ have not ride in a jamboree before, so they were pretty much excited. Most of them, except Annuar and Rizal, considered as beginners, so the trail would be a challenge for them. 
saturday, after my ride at Putrajaya meet up with the gang at MPAJ's building at 1400hrs. The Jamboree was on Sunday, we decided to go one day early, since we had a place to stay at Tanjung Malim. All of the bikes were transported by MPAJ' lorry, while others decided to ride with the van, I decided to take the lorry instead. For me its much more comfortable as I can sleep on the long bench of the lorry. Having not sleeping yesterday, I consider it to be a good rest for tomorrow's ride. Reached Tanjung Malim around 1800hrs, Annuar and Linda went to the event location for registration, and others are preparing for a barbeque for tonight. Its good to see most of my ex-collegue from MPAJ started an interest with cycling. After the barbeque feast, Annuar held a brief talk on the program for tommorow and a short goodies give away by Johari Atli, the Legal Advisor, whom previously was my boss. Hit the hay early as we have wake up early tommorow as we also had to ride to the event location. Which is 6km from our stay. Reached at the event location early, we had breakfast that was prepared by the organisor.

second checkpoint.

At 0830hrs sharp, the riders were flag off. we started with a 10km tarmac run. I pushed all the way as I was preparing myself for next year. 2011 will be the year when I intended to attend as many bike competition as possible. I was quite reluctant to register for bike competition because I thought it would be pointless, as I rather enjoy riding than pushing my physical limits.

Did not get the 100th medal, just the finishing medal.

I must confess, this is by far the best bike jamboree that I ever attended. The trail was great, well oraganised and well executed. Dont hear much of complaints from riders, like most bike events. Therefore congratulations to the organisors, job well done.

Train Trip To Taiping.

Row 15, seat A

Extra RM10 for the bike, and always ask for receipt.

This time I try to make an effrort to ride. Following Irfan with his perfume business deprived me of my riding. Well because I could not bring along my bike, as Irfan only drives his Honda. When Ismadi, the organisor of Karnival Belia intends to drive back to Kuala Lumpur, I asked whether I can hicth a ride. As Ismadi will be heading to Kajang, so I asked Teck if he can give me a ride to my home at Kesuma Lake. Teck, being a good friend offer to help me. I reached Kajang at 0400hrs and 10 minutes later Teck arrives riding his motobike. Had a quick early breakfast and a quick chat with Teck, and Teck drop me off at my house. Pack my camping gear and a few ride clothes, and I ride to KL. The plan was to get train ticket to Taiping. I was at MRR2 around kampung Pandan when heavy rain spoil my ride, had to take refuge at Ayong's bike shop. The rain continued untill night time. It was then I decided to take the trip to Taiping the next day.Slept at my friend's house at Pandan Indah for the night and continue my ride to KL sentral train station at 1800hrs. Got the 2200hrs train to Taiping ETA at 0600hrs the next day. Since I had to take the second class coach, so I had to dismantle my bike and properly tied it up. My Marin bike took a bit longer compared to my other bike to dismantled. Maybe it had mud guard and a carrier, so I had to carefully dismantled the mud guard as it is made of plastic. Thats why I always make it a point to arrive at the train station two or three hours early. It always attract curious spectators when I dismantling my bike at the train station. I guess most travelers, especially my fellow Malaysians, rarely travel carrying their bicycle with them on a train ride. 

Reached Taiping train station at 0400hrs. The station is undergoing rail upgrading, maybe to accommodate the dual rail project. The station itself still remains 1960's design.  Lucky me there's a mamak stall open during the wee hours. Had breakfast of roti canai and nescafe before I assemble my bike. I waited until 0700hrs, then I started my ride. It's still early in the morning so I decided to head to Giant hypermarket where my friend, Irfan at. After a brief chat, I head to Taiping town. Of course when you are in Taiping, the Taiping Lake is a must visit. The last time I was here was in 1998, where I attended the Taiping Challenge, organize by Persatuan Rekreasi Nasional. Taiping lake was unique as it is home for our most oldest tree. Its quite amazing how they upkeep the trees from any vandalism.

Nothing beats a cool ride under the shades.

Self photo.

I must confess, its quite a nice experience riding along Tasik Taiping, not that I riding along a lake is my cup of tea, but its quite relax and satisfying. Maybe such activities could be done as a tourist attraction. Bring along your bike on a train ride to Taiping, spend a few days and head back also by train. It definitely be a new experience.

With a view like this, its worth the effort.

Bukit Larut at the background.

Enjoy.....

My actual plan was to ride from Taiping - Lumut - Kuala Lumpur, since I encountered a lot of problems while there, had to head back to KL as soonest. Thats the beauty about tour ride alone. You can always change your travel plan as you seem fits. Like I always say.. There's always next time, and I'll be back.

The Long Awaited climb to Mount Tahan

Its been ages since my last mountain climbing, and that was in 2003 Gunung senyum. I did not have any serious plan to climb, when a new friend from Facebook invited me to climb Mount Tahan, I decided to join in. Khairul from Bangi, who administer a Facebook page call "Kami Pencinta Alam", suggested to climb Tahan for the 10.10.10 date celebration. As for me, to celebrate my 43rd birthday on the 8th October. The climbers meet up at KL Central for the first time. Most of them I considered as new to climbing activities. maybe becuase I'm much older than them. The oldest among our group of climbers was CK, aged 45. The train depart from KL Central at 2130hrs to Gua Musang. The rest of the members had bought their tickets. As for me had to buy the ticket day of the departure. Had to que for four hours, this is because KTM is upgrading their ticketing system. Had to get the second class ticket. 

As the train did not stop at Merapoh, we had to alight at Gua Musang train station at 0730hrs. Saw another group of climbers from Singapore. As we wait for our transport to Merapoh, we had breakfast. Had nasi Kerabu, the official breakfast for Kelantan. After breakfast, went shopping for any last minute groceries. Got myself an new hiking shoe, an "Adidas Kampung" a common name around here. The shoe is normally used by rubber tappers. For RM6, I dont hesitate. At least I dont have to wear my Columbia shoe. From Gua Musang to Merapoh is a 20 minutes  drive. Our transport is a 4 wheel drive. Arriving at Taman Negara, we had to unload our bags for inspection and count. The Taman Negara Rules states that every climbers must register whatever clothes and plastic that they bring along.

Khairul and Wing at Sg. Luis

So that when you came back, the stuff that you bring in must be accounted for. Finish repacking, jump into the 4 wheel drive again to Kuala Juram.  Encountered an obstacle along the way, a fallen tree. It only takes a few minutes to clear the road as our guide bring along a chainsaw. This time a group from VirtualMalaysia.com joined us. Reached Kuala Juram and have a short lunch before we start. The first day was more hiking rather than clmbing to Kem Kor, our first nitght campsite. had to cross few river though. During the dry season, it was quite easy to cross, as the water level did not reached your knee, so the only thing difficult is wet shoe. Everyone was quite happy on the first day. As not much climbing. We reached Kem Kor around 1730hrs. Considered early. We were the first to reached Kem Kor, as the group from virtualmalaysia.com and the singaporean maybe a bit slower just simply enjoying the jungle scenery. 
The second day, we were quite late to start. so a very quite breakfast of nasi goreng and pack for lunch on the run. As we had a lot of ground to cover to Bukit Botak, we had to push a little. CK was physically tuned for the next day trekking. Its a good thing cause its going to be much difficult and demanding compared to the first day.  There will be a lot of climbing and ropework. 
Lim from JB suffer a minor knee injury which proves to slow us down. While others rush to Bukit Botak, I had to trek along Lim. I did not bring a torch light, as I did not planned to do  night trekking, yet a seasoned hiker like me can also make a stupid mistake.  We were not even near the Bonsai camp area when it started to get dark. 

Bukit Botak.

I had to share a torch light with Lim. Half way to the Bonsai camp, our guide Atan backtrack and found us, blundering in the dark with a very dim torch light. Rest for a while at camp Bonsai, heats up some water and make milo. Had to rest for a while, as Bukit Botak is only 1 hour trek from Bonsai camp. We could see the rest of the climbers already reached Bukit Botak. Khairul signalled us and back track. Because I was carrying most of the food, so they had to wait for me to cook dinner.  So we had a late dinner tonight at Bukit Botak. 

Cancer break at 2137m high... YEH BEBEH

For most of us this the first time to climb Mount Tahan.

Had to wake up early at 0530hrs, if we are to see the sun sets. From Bukit Botak to the peak, is only one hour climb, so we should get there by sun sets. Lim and others decided to climb early as they afraid that they miss the sun sets. Khairul had to give me his spare torch light, as I did not bring my own. 

The official certificate.

Reaching the peak, I remembered the days of my climbing days. its been a long time since I enjoyed the view from a mountain peak. With new found friends, hope to do more climbing after this. 
As we descend to Bukit Botak, the group from Singapore started their climb to the peak. They will continue their journey to Kuala Tahan. Its gonna take another 4 days for them. As for us, we will be back tracking to Merapoh. 
As usual, the climb  down will be much faster to reach to Kem Kor. As for me, reaching Kem Kor around 1830hrs would be just nice to set up camp.
As for tommorow, it would be an easy trek to Kuala Juram. Hani who was the first to reached Kem Kor said that he saw a black bear tearing a rubbish plasctic bag which the group virtualmalaysia.com has hanged. He was so excited that he forgot to snap a photo. Having that info, I decided to set up my tent as close as possible with other tent. 

fish feeding..

Morning on the last day, after breakfast, the others decided to trek early, while me and Khairul will be the last men behind. Its ok because Khairul and me can catch up with them later. Reaching Kuala Juram around 1500hrs, we had time to goof around with ikan kelah. Its amazing how tamed the kelah is. Its like feeding fish in an aquarium. Definitely must bring my family to enjoy the experience.

PURE IN POCKET PERFUMES.

During the month of Ramadhan, me and my Friend, Irfan ventured into a small perfume business. New to the market, Pure In Pocket (PP) has already hit the market within the southern region, mainly Johor. PP is the essence of major names of branded perfumes such as Dunhill, Channel, Ralph Lauren and lots more. With the price mainly RM10 it is considered as a hot item in the market.

Got ourselves a spot at Pasar Juadah at Flat UDA, Ampangan, Seremban Negeri Sembilan for 2 weeks. The responds was beyond expected as the targeted market was quite happy and satisfied with our product. With after sales re-fill order, customers felt confidence with the next order. Customers are also encouraged to add to our facebook link so that they can keep track of our location. Their interest are also not as a consumer, but goes further to become a dealer for our product. The small capital business seems appealing as it is quite easy to manage even for a housewife.

The top most seller names were Dunhill Desire Red, Paris Hilton and Dunhill Edition. Irfan and his loyal wife stayed at my house in Bandar Tasik Kesuma, Semenyih as it save a lot of travel time compared to their house at Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. Normal business hour started at 1600hrs. But we started late as sometimes we also open business at Pasar Juadah at my house at Bandar Tasik Kesuma. Only after break fast, then we travelled to Ampangan, Seremban to continue our business there. And it ended at 0200hrs. At the eve of Raya we finished business at 0400hrs. Then took the Raya holiday for 4 days. As for me, not much to celebrate as I was down with fever for three days. So, its rest time at home for me.

After Hari Raya, we started our business at MAEPS, Serdang. The event was Expo Carnival Malaysia. Not so many crowd this time, especially among the Malays. Maybe due to Hari Raya and most of them are still busy with visiting open houses held by friends and relatives. Most of the sales came from the exhibitor, and some Malays who came. Most of the exhibitor were not satisfied with the organisor and asked for refunds. As expected, we were not refunded. Lack of publicity especially to the Malays news media was blamed. As for us, the sales was bad we did not even achieved our rental payback. So had to try make better sales after this.

Universiti sains Islam Malaysia, (USIM), 22- 25 October 2010

The day after the end of Expo Carnival Malaysia, we head to University Islam Malaysia, (USIM) in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. They were organizing a convocation and one of the event was an expo for the students. We had to share our booth with another member which promotes

Avail products. The first day was not too many students were there as most of them still attending classes. Not until the late evening that we get better response from the students.

According to other vendors, the last year event had much better crowd and sales were pretty good, compared to this year. Maybe because this year the Convocation ceremony is held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). And to make things worst, another site for booth is also being held at Fakulti Pimpinan, apart from the site where we are at. So this causes the crowd to dispersed, not focused at a center of festivities. Thats the problem when the organisor, when planning an event, did not consider the crowd centralization. As for Pure In Pocket, it looks like this will not go well for business. For the rest of the booth operators, business is also bad, most of them have decided to go elsewhere. As for our product at USIM, the responds was good. Most customers were satisfied with our perfumes and had suggested to their friends, thus bringing more business. We still had another two days to go hopefully the business will catch up from here.

Today (25th September 2010) we decided to end the business. Tomorrow suppose to be the last day of the Convocation carnival, as there are no crowd, business is slow. Another reason being, tomorrow we had to set up at UITM, Shah Alam for another event, that is "Ekspo Kesuhawanan Pelajar".  

DATARAN CENDEKIA,  UiTM, Shah Alam, Selangor

Responds from the students was good.



Aahhh.. UITM, formerly known as ITM. The expo was held at Dataran Cendekia. The expo was held for five days. During my days in ITM, Dataran Cendekia did not exist. The area was a Ladang Kelapa Sawit. Much has changed now. But still recognisable. New area was better, more relaxed atmosphere and student friendly. I must say ITM has planned well for this new area.

Yati and Shima.

As for Pure In Pocket, sales was farily good. Not as expected, but still we were quite satisfied with the responds from the students. Most were from Faculty of Civil Engineering. As their college were situated right behind the Dataran Cendekia, so the carnival was their walk along to their hostel. This is our first time sharing booth with our new found friend, Shima and Yati. Met them when we did the MAEPS Expo at Serdang, we were neighbours there. Both were avid small enterprising women. Selling women clothing and accessories. Since the location was in Shah Alam, we had to travel back and forth from Kepong. Staying at my house at PPR Taman Beringin. Oh yes did I mentioned that Irfan rented the house from me? yes, The house was a relocation programmed by DBKL for Sentul squatters. It was a development project, making way for DUKE Hiway. Irfan has been staying there since 2005.





 Dataran Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson, 3rd - 4th October 2010



Hot sun, burnt face, sale was good. YEH BEBEH

Next carnival, we headed to Port Dickson, Negeri sembilan. A well known spot for weekend holiday goers, especially people from Kuala Lumpur.  Our Booth was nicely located facing the main stage, so it was quite a crowd puller. The only set back we had was the hot sun. But it did not stop the crowd from browsing around. There were not too many booth, so it was properly laid. As for sales record, we had better sales durinng late evening and night time. Had a few surprises when our customers from Ampangan, Seremban also drop by and gave their feedback about our perfumes and further family member also bought perfumes while visiting us at Port Dickson. This a good feedback, especially when the good word of Pure In Pocket were spreading. A bright future for Pure In Pocket, I hpoe.





Duty Calls, Karaoke Session. RM2 per  song.

UPSI, Tanjung Malim, 12-17 October 20100.

Just came back from climbing Mount Tahan, head back to Gombak. Irfan and Ayu are already at Tanjung Malim. So had to buy train ticket to Tanjung Malim. Took the KTM Komuter at  1930hrs. My brother Hadi, send me off at Batu Caves Commuter Station. From Batu Caves, had to change koc  to Rawang. What a sweet misfortune that I accidentally took the koc for the ladies. While I'm not the only male in the koc, but still most of the ladies looked at me funny. From Rawang Took another koc to Tanjung Malim.  Reached Tanjung Malim at 2230hrs and Irfan came to take me to UPSI (Universiti Perguruan Sultan Idris). 

From my experience during Pure In Pocket, the crowd at UPSI was the best so far. Friendly people, the students were nice, not to mention cute. Made a few friends also. to mention a few.. Nur Farisha, Iera, Ayu, Lia did I forget anybody? Anyway On the last day at UPSI they joined in to help us. It really helps especially at the peak hours.

We tried to camp out at Teratak Riverview, a famous camping site at the area, but could not get a suitable place to camp, so had to camp at Kem Desa Selesa. As I was just came back from Gunung Tahan, so I had my campingn equipment with me. At least we dont have to stay in a cheap hotel in Tanjung Malim. Woke up at 1030hrs, considered as late, so a quick dip in the river and we are off to UPSI. hence we decided to camp at UPSI the next day, so that we wont woke up late again.

Zarina Yakub,an old collegue from ITM Shah Alam drop by to say hello. She is currently working at UPSI as one of the administrator. Having busy with the convocation, she manage to drop by during lunch brake. Haven't seen her for the last 20 years, but still recognizable, she doesn't aged much though.

brief reunion after 20 years.

Overall the sales at UPSI was quite good. Looking forward for any events at UPSI. So the next project we were supposed to open a booth a PWTC for the Annual UMNO General Meeting. Somehow we were swindled and that the booth were fully occupied. Nevertheless, an advice from a fellow vendor suggested we open a booth at in front of Hotel Vistana, Jalan Ipoh. As some of the UMNO members will be staying there, and furthermore, there are booths opened organised by the Blind Society. The rental is based on daily basis, not more than RM20. It seems like a good oppurtunity, as we had no plans for this week untill Monday for we will be heading to Politeknik Port Dickson.

UPSI girls rocks.. YEH BEBEH.

Kangar - Butterworth Part 2 :Revenge of the Rider Poyo

After the Langkawi Mountain Bike Challenge, I decided to ride from Perlis to Penang. My fellow riders continue their journey back to KL by cars, and I took the oppurtunity to continue my first failed attempt to ride from Perlis to Butterworth. It was March 2010 when I first attempt the ride, but I had to canceled due to broken spoke and it ruptured my tire. As it was Friday and it was a holiday at Kedah, my good friend from Perlis had to pick me up and head back to Perlis. And I took the train from Arau, Perlis back to KL. As my fellow riders heads back to KL, I ride to my friend's house in Kangar.

Stayed there for the night and start to ride the day after at 1000hrs. The weather was fine, not too bright. So it was a pleasant ride. From Kangar to Alor Setar, the distance is 50km, so I reached Alor Setar around 1300hrs.

had chicken rice for lunch at a stall near Masjid Aman. it wass almost 1400hrs, yet it was still shady, so tried to get on the road as soonest. As I was ready to leave, receive a call from my friend, Teck who is coincidentally in Alor Setar. Told him that I'm at Alor Setar right now and wanted to meet up for a chat. After waiting for 20 minutes, Teck arrived and we chat way up to 1500hrs, only then I started to continue my ride. Had to change plan and stayed the night at Sungai Petani. The chat with Teck had cost me my travel time, it doesn't matter though, the fact that I ride alone, makes it easier to change plan. I thought I could ride all the way up to Buterworth and stayed the night there. Since I've decided to stay at Sungai Petani, I rode slow trying to find my Surya 16 and a cyber cafe to upload my photo. The problem with my ciggarates is that I only smoke the one that is illegally brought to Malaysia. Its just a matter of taste, and not many shops sells that particular brand, as it is illegal. Stop for the evening at Gunung Jerai around 1800hrs. Saw a few local riders heading up to Gunung Jerai, as for me, I have no intention of riding up to Gunung Jerai. Just relaxing while having nescafe tarik and updating my ride log. Freshened up a little bit at the public toilet then continue my ride.

Reached Sungai Petani at 2200hrs. As it was night time, so not much to do sight seeing around town. just a quick photo at the Dataran Sungai Petani and after my cancer break, continue my ride. Just outside the town of Sungai Petani, 5km southward. had dinner at a local restaurant. Lucky me, just around the corner there was a hotel. Timely enough for me to check in.

yup.. the meter reset.

As usual the check out time is at 1200hrs, well enough rest for the day. Butterworth is just 35km so I had no rush. As today is the first day of fasting,  I try to avoid any serious paddling, just enjoying the kampung scenery.  Decided to detour and check out Pantai Merdeka. Only 19km from the main road and will be back tracking for just 10km, so its a fair detour I guess. My speedometer clock at 9999.9km at TUDM Butterworth. Didn't really know whether it will reset or not, just in case, I take it off.  Besides, nearing Butterworth, guess it does not make much difference though. Head to the jetty and got myself crossing to Pulau Pinang via ferry. well, this the second time when me and my bike went on a ferry ride to Penang.

Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge 2010

Mercury Team asked me to join in on their team as the team mechanic for the Langkawai International Challenge in Langkawi. As I have no previous plan, it would be great...

The team will be driving to Perlis and board ferry to Langkawi. At first I did not intend to bring along my bike, as I'll be just as a mechanic during the race. Since one of the team members could not join us, leaves me with an open roof rack. The team met at Tiara Ampang at 9pm. As usual, I ride from my father's house in Gombak. While waiting for other team members, had dinner at the club house and Ismanor our team captain, load the bikes on the car roof. Everythin is settled at 2230hrs and we started our journey to Perlis. Stopped at R&R Jambatan Sultan Azlan Shah for a short rest and drinks. Reached Perlis around 6am, we stopped by at Sham's house for 2 hours, to give Sham the oppurtunity to visit his mother. Continue our journey to my friends house at Kampung Pondok. My friend, Jatt, was from the days of ITM Shah Alam. Being a succesful lawyer, I would say she's living the dream. Good to have frineds from out of town though.

Here we were allowed to park our car at her house, despite that she is working today, she managed to drop us off at the jetty Kuala Perlis.

At the jetty many riders are also waiting for the ferry. Quite a few familiar faces too. As the ferry operator was quite aware of such International events, they allow riders and their bikes to have special lanes. This is also for other passenger's convinience.

Reached Langkawi Island around noon. For me, this is the first time I arrived at Langkawi Island with my bike. So from the jetty Pekan Kuah, most of us ride to our designated hotels. Situated at Pekan Kuah, the hotel is only 8km from Kampung Tok senik, the location of the competition. It would be great as it allows us to ride to the race location, and we dont have to warm for the race. After checking in and settling down, we went out for lunch. Decided to walk around a bit to familiarise with the Pekan Kuah.

At 5pm, we ride to Kampung Tok senik for registration and goodie bags. On the way, I had a puncture. Had a quick repair while other team Mercury ride to Kampung Tok senik. Again, at the registration I had a surprised. One of the team member could make it to the race. Ismanor asked me to fill in the spot.

 Relunctantly I agreed. I did not have any intention to enterthe race. My involvement was supposed to be as a mechanic for the team. Thus I ride to Langkawi Island with slick tyres. To make things worse, I entered the Men's Elite Category, Imagine that. Therefore winning will be out of the questioned. 
I only managed to finish one loop only, and was disqualified to give way to other stronger riders. The trail was technically hard. last night's heavy rain makes the trail even harder, and for slick tyres like me, the trail is unforgiven.

At least I was renown within my friends as the most craziest rider at the race, because of my slick tyres. To even finish one loop with slick tyres without any incidents, is a miracale the say. As for me, I enjoyed it. I have no intention to push my physical limits as I sees it as a waste of my energy. So I ride to enjoy the trail. Maybe if I had the right tyre, things might have been different. After finishing my loop, helped other team member as feeder at the designated checkpoint.