Lastly our little Brother, Specialized M4

This is not actually my bike. The real owner is a friend name Congo. Yup, that what we call him. The bike was entrusted to me since he did not ride it anymore. Well, the story with this bike goes all the way from Pontian Johor. Yup, thats where the bike was rescued by Congo from being neglected by the originnal owner which I understand  was Congo's nephew. The bike was in a bad condition and was left under a banana tree. And as one fine day, I found myself at Pontian, Congo ask me if I can transport back the bike to KL. My car can still manage the load, so I took the bike to KL. 

Congo did ride the bike for a while, then been busy with his workshop, so the bike rested for quite a long time. Then only he asked me to look after the bike. The bike has accomodate a few riders after that, mostly beginners who do not have bike to ride, I offered this bike just to start them off. It has been a while and need some maintenance tough. but all and all, its in good condition and in good hand. It will serve my wife after this. Hopefully it will serve her well.

Next Route for my JB Short Tour Ride

View JB Short Tour Ride in a larger map

Just wondering, where else in Malaysia have I not ride my bike? well, since I/m in JB, I would definately like to cycle to the end of the straits. Looking at Google map, the end of the straits would be Tanjung Pengelih. Roughly the distance would be 130km just nice for a day ride. Then maybe the second day take a day off to explore Tanjung Pengelih and get the local color, and on the third day start riding back track to JB. 

Since my Marin is here in JB, it would be a good route to try out Marin in JB. its time to give my Specialized some rest.

Mr. Marin is at Johor Bahru.

Had the opportunity to went to KL, and bring back my Marin to JB. It has been put to rest for quite some time now, nearly 9 months. There were few times that I went to KL, but did not had the opportunity to bring back the bike to JB. Anyway, since I had more space, so bring along my Fre Flex.The only problem now is finding free time to ride either Tour Ride or even off Road. I always have the untention to ride to the end of the straits. Since now in JB, will find time to ride to Pengerang. Its the last stretch of straits. I'm guessing maybe two or three days ride, and another two or three days more return ride. The route may make me to ride back track. Anyway its just a thought, not really put my mind to it though. fyrther planning is needed.  Got a few destination in my mind, from Jb, for insance ride to Desaru, Mersing and ending at Kluang. 

S for tour partners, I really havent thought about it yet. Maybe I'll ride solo again,  

UDA - Gunung Pulai 2.

Being not satisfied with last week ride to Legoland which only roughly 30km, this week I decided to cycle up further to Pontian. This will be my first ride in JB which I ride long distance.
 After a brief breakfast with my wife, as she went off to work, I started my ride. Carrying a bit of load, as I decided to bring along my Top Peak rear pannier. The Nusajaya Hieghway does not offer much challenge. The highest climd would be the bridge at the beginning of the highway near Tune Hotel. The rest of the fly over I would not even consider it as a climb. And just as just about to leave the business area, into a real serious ride, there you can see the Legoland exit. What a dissappointment. Well I dont know about JB riders, but for me the route to Legoland need to reconsidered. Well, maybe suitable for a beginner or just weekend ride with the wife maybe. 
Past trhough Legoland Malaysia, it only takes me 18km from my house, still not breaking any sweats.Afte a quick stop at Anjung Nusa, I proceed to the town of Gelang Patah. Looking around in Gelang Patah for a place where there's a wifi, but none avail, so just a quick nescafe tarik and one cancer stick, continue my journey. 

From Gelang Patah to Pekan Nanas, traffic is still low. So its a good ride. only rolling hills encountered. 

Came across a group of Roddies, as usual wave at them, just a sign of fellow riders. Reaching to Pekan Nanas, decided to cool down for a while, especially when I noticed a signboard which says "Asam Pedas Madu Tiga", catchy name, so stopped for teh o ais. Uniqueness in marketing like this always makes me smile. According to the owner, he only set up the establishment and still doing finishing touches here and there. Its only 2km off Pekan Nanas, southbound. 

Stopped for 100 Plus.

Entering Pekan Nanas, stopped for a photo at the "Big Nanas", he hee. Then go and checked out the bicyle shop. Seeing most of the mechanics are busy, I decided to make a short stop. As usual after my cancer stick, continue riding. Came across to me, Gunung Pulai.. ah yes, I have never before been there, so once again, decided to cancel to Pontian and change my route to Gunung Pulai. which is a well known route for local riders and Johoreans Riders. From Pekan Nanas to Gunung is roughly 7 to 8km only, maybe I took the wrong route, as I pass by a quarry, which is very unpleasant ride, as a lot of lorries and trunk roads. Entering Kampung Bakar Arang, now thats a ride, a kampung road. lots of shades around, no traffic, and the best part is, friendly people. kampung Gunung Pulai 2, is my last point. After this I wil head back to JB. According to the locals, The Majlis Perbandaran Kulai is now developing a second tourist site. The previous is Gunung Pulai 1, had encountered a few landslides and not advisable especially for those who brings their families for a dip. As usual, a few shcoked locals, when I said that I cycled from JB and alone that is. But then again, that is how I prefer.

Solo Ride. You are your own planner and executioner. Whatever changes that to be made, you only have to argue with yourself. On my way back, have to decide either to take the UTM-Skudai or back track pass Gelang Patah and Legoland. As its getting a bit dark, still traffic is quite heavy with lorries are still active. And finally  decided to back track. 
Started to feel a bit dehydrated, so I ride slow and casual to Gelang Patah. My decision was wise as there were less traffic with much shades. Except the Setia Eco Park, where there are no shades around. Entering Gelang Patah, stopped for a nescafe tarik. Still no wifi at the Mamak. so could not upload any photo yet. Its ok. I just needed to rest a while. Mentally I knew how long it would take me to reached Legoland, so a bit of rest is well deserve. 

Ride Back-Track to UDA. at Legoland around 1830hrs.

Reaching Legoland again, to me, mentally I consider that I have reached home. Now is is the second time for the same route, so it would not be much taxing after passing Legoland, its only 15km away from UDA. Its not even dark yet, but I consider it a night ride though, so turn on my blinkers and off I ride home. So far, the route was not very enticing. Need to find a better route, less traffic with more scenic experience.  Overall the distance of 100km for a day ride is considered as a GOOD RIDE. now thats wothr the effort of getting up from bed early in the morning .... 

AND JUST RIDE BEBEH..

JB Arts Festival - The Ride

The first ride event for me since I moved to JB. its a fun ride, in conjunction with the Johor Bahru Arts festival. The ride was organised by "Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Selatan" or the name of their group, Ronda Riadah. Most members are police personnel, which reminds me during my time when I was at Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya. But that was then. This is now. Back on point. I registered for the event via online, and my name was listed under number 634. as the day when I went to collect my goodies, the list has changed and my number was shifted to 639. Accordingly I was listed at number 639, but bad news, someone else have collected the goodies. The police personnel tries to remedy the mistake and got me my new number, 0897. Ok then. as for me, its not an issue. As long as I can ride, fine by me. The lucky draw is something that I'm not normally looking forward to. 

As early as 0530hrs, my wife wake me up for my morning ride. Since I have prepared and pre-arranged everything last night, so it was a smooth morning for me. Start my ride from UDA around 0600hrs. I took the coastal route to Buit Timbalan. Did not see any riders except me on route. Arriving at Bukit Timbalan around 0630hrs,still nobody's around so decided to go for breakfast. As usual, half boiled eggs, roti bakar and nescafe tarik. Other riders, mainly from Ronda Riadah group joning in the table, had small chats with them.

The flag off was at 0845hrs. I would estimate around 2000 riders present. Quite a big crowd, but not to worry as the organisor was well experienced and with full logistic strength.It is a fun ride, so everybody had fun. the route was changed, but I like the new route. The organisor had in mind that the planned route had too many hills as this would cause the platoon to break. well, the idea was good and it worked.   

Dataran Merdeka JB was the pit stop. Riders was supplied with mineral water and banana, the essential food for riders. After a quick briefing, the riders was flag off again. Its good to see that the riding community in JB has grown big, hopefully the trend stays.
Reaching back at Bukit Timbalan, took my luch pack and enjoy a quite meal. Did not stayed for the lucky draw, as I had to cycle back to UDA. Lucky draws is always not my cup of tea. A good ride is normally what I'll be looking forward. Cycling back to UDA, I decided to take a different route. The Straits View, a bit hilly, but again, I want to enjoy the coastal view from uphill. Arriving at UDA, relaxed for a while and rest for the day. In conclusion, It Was FUN. YEH BEBEH

.

And finally, the actual route on event day. According to Bahri, my old friend from school who is now an avid rider said that the organisor changed the route because they do not want the main group to get separated. The previous route was a but hilly and may cause the group to split up. A wise decision which proven effecttive. The group remain unseparated throughout the route. a bif applause to the organisor.

UDA - Legoland Malaysia Solo Ride

Finally, one of the holidays, where I have no programes whatsoever, so decided to ride to Legoland. The new favourite destination for JB riders. Started early in the morning around 0700hrs. Morning weather was fine. came across a few riders, having breakfast, decided not to join, as I'm not hungry and I rather ride solo this morning so to analyse my fitness level. As normal, Sunday morning ride, I would enjoy a less traffic volume. So I can concentrate with my fitness level. After 30 minutes of riding with the only hills is the flyover, still did not break any sweats yet. decided to push harder. just when I started to feel the rush, reach the 500m signboard to Legoland. What a disappointment..!! it takes me only 14km from UDA to Legoland. After a short breather and few photo's I decided to further cycle to Pontian. Exiting Legoland, and with 10 minutes of cycle, reached Anjung Nusa, so decided to stop for breakfast. had two boil egss and Roti Bakar. And a must, Nescafe Tarik. 

As enjoying my breakfast, another solo rider joined me for breakfast. Rusli. Making new friends always makes me lost track of time, and obviously led me to cancelled my ride further to Pontian. 

Riding back to UDA, still the weather was still fine and just as I reached Skudai, the bright light frim the sky begins to shine. As usual, time for Nescafe ice. rest around 20 minutes and head back home. Well, total distance is roughly around 30km. For me not worth the effort of waking up early morning to ride. Still I consider it a good ride as I still maintain my average speed of 23. Tommorow, if Allah izin, I will joined the "JB Arts Festival" Ride. its a fun ride though. hmmmmm... 

JB Ride Around - Part 1

At the end of Semenanjung Malaysia.

Well, the difference between KL and JB is that, in KL, I have more destination to move around. Whereas while in JB, since I had few fellow riders which I rarely met, so had to ride solo. Re-exploring JB town, what can I say is that, it only takes half an hour ride, you already covered the entire JB town. Still there choices of destinations and routes if serious ride is to be taken. But then again it would take a bit of commitment to ride. And nowadays, time is a bit constraint. So I grasp any opportunity that I have to ride around JB.

So, my whenever I'm not riding, my bike will have to put to rest.

Ride at My Hometown, Johor Bahru.

Waiting to be boarded at KTMB,
Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru

Ever since I return to my hometown, Johor Bahru, did not really get a serious ride. I grasp at any opportunity that I get to ride. Tried to ride from home in Setanggi to work at Menara TJB, but then distance is only 5.5km. Well at least my ride is not abandoned. Nowadays, my main transport is my bike. Sold my Kanchil car to a friend's of Irfan. Yup sold it for RM1000 only with all of the encumbrances, and there's a few.. therefore, its official.. I am car less... Settling down in Johor Bahru (JB) my hometown, with the woman that I love so much, finally a peace of heart and mind.

OK, back to my cycle stories. From KL I transported my Specialized via Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB) by train that is, cost me about RM13. and it take 5 days for my bike to reach JB. Since its arrival, it has been my main mode of transportation to move around in JB. 

My Specialized Arrived at Setanggi, Johor Bahru.

my application for chambering was accepted by a legal firm named as G.K Srtharan & Co. so every now and then I tried to cycle to work. though  the distance is only 5.5km from my house at Setanggi, still I enjoyed the morning rush. So far I come across two riders who ride to work. 

Dont have many fellow riders in JB, my only known old school friend who rides is Bahri. Works at MBJB. He now has a riding group of his own ever since he took up cycling. But I could not join him and his group to ride as I have a very tight schedule. So I tried to steal any opportunity to ride as possible, exploring around JB. Much has changed though, a lot of new highways and routes. Hope to cover them all within this possible year.  

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

What a disappointment, ending the year with a fun ride. Joining the Putrajaya Interparks Ride 2011, is just only 25km ride. Supposedly I was to be joined by my fellow riders from JMC@Ampang, but as I arrived late, finding them in the crowd could be chaotic. so decided to ride own my own. As the riders were flag off at 9pm, I still took the opportunity to capture my photo. I really do not find appealing riding along the lake, during night time with more than 200 riders. You simply cannot enjoy the scenery, as you are to busy trying to avoid not hit any of the other riders. And the pavement does not helping at all, a few riders hit a small dividers as some of the pavement was not well lighted. Most of the riders only had front and back blinkers, and no front head light. After riding for one hour, we arrived at the first check point. Riders were given mineral water and banana, the basic food for cyclists.

After all the riders arrived at the checkpoint, we continue the ride. Arriving at Pct.2 at 11pm, the ride is finished, and I even did not break any sweat. Well, that's really  disappoints me. After resting for 15 minutes, I decided not to wait for the new year countdown. Since I ride from my house at Semenyih, so I have to ride back too. Well, not back to Semenyih, I ride to Sg. Besi, to my in-laws. At exactly 12 o'clock, I was at plaza tol highway BESRAYA. So, stop for a while and enjoy the fireworks. From Putrajaya to Sg. Besi is only 18km, normally I dont need to stop along this route. After my cigarette break, I continue to ride to Sg. Besi. And that's it, my 2011 closing and 2012 opening ride. No epic ride.