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.

Its official, JMC@Ampang Cylcle Club.

My fellow riders from MPAJ is now JMC@Ampang. A very good development which I see a newlly found interest among my friends who are previously quite skeptical and reluctant to ride. with plans to register the club under the Society Act, will promote even more platform for the club to be more proactive. The encouraging move has led to several new and beginner rider. while emphasis was mainly on the staff of MPAJ, membership is open to public.

As for me, I am very proud to see my fellow MPAJ has taken up keen interest in riding. I really hope that there are more officers take up the challenge. As for the moment the only high ranking officer is En. Johari B. Atli, the legal officer of MPAJ. Though I have missed several riding activities with the JMC, I still updated my self with their performance. Still much more skills and discipline to be learned.   

Hulu Tembeling Part 2 Jun 2011. Day One.

At last after refusing  few fishing trips, we finally managed to organise a trip to Hulu Tembeling. With new member to the trip, Ayie, Pak Din and Ijal. we had to drive to Taman Negara. This is the first time that we drive cars to any of our adventure trips. Normally we prefer the lorry, which we can comfortably sleeps along the way.

Since the incident where the lorry broke down at Karak Hiway on our cycle tour trip to Kelantan, its been a bit difficult to convince the management of MPAJ to allow us to use the lorry. Zabidi had to drive his Naza and Ayie his Naza Citra.To most people it would be more comfortable to travel with these vehicles, but not for us. We prefer the lorry.

7th June 2011, I was relaxing at home, in bed that is, when a call disturb my rest. It was Sar, asking my whereabouts. I calmly replied I am at home, Sar said that the trip was tonight and everybody else is already at the meeting point. I was so shocked as I thought the trip was not until tommorow. The problem is most of my gear is at Bandar Tasik Kesuma.. so had to rush to Semenyih and get my gear. Had to tell the guys that I'll be late so they have to wait for me. Arriving at MPAJ all of them were waiting for me. The convoy starts to roll at 2300hrs. Our first stop would be at Tol Bentong, for a quick ciggarate break.
After two and a half hour, we arrived at Jerantut. Had a quick teh tarik and we had to Idan's house for a rest until the morning.
We head to Taman Negara at 0800hrs. a bit late though because we had a long boat trip to Jeram Perahu.

It will take us 4 hours to Kampung Mat Daling, then we had to transit to another smaller boat upstream to Jeram Perahu, and that will take another 3 to 4 hours depending on the stream. If the water level is high, it will be less pushing of the boats, and this will save journey time. But having a high water level, also means most of the fish will also travel up river. The boat trip will take four and a half hour to Kampung Bukit Mat Daling. Nothing else to do on the boat but to get a little shut eye.
Arriving at Kampung Mat Daling, we had to change to a smaller boats. as further up riveer we go, the water becomes more shallow and need to change the boats. This gives us an oppurnity to have a late lunch. Meals was prepared by our guides, it was great as most of the dish was local delicaies. After Lunch, continue the journey from Kampung Mat Daling to our first camp site, Jeram Perahu. It will take another 3-4 hours to get there. The ideal planning was we sett up camp site at our second camp site on the first day.

damage engine.

Arriving late at Jeram Perahu, we had to make do. One broke down engine also contributes to the change of plan. Our local guides, experiece with the matter, had to leave one boat behind and rearranged or bags and gears. Arrived at Jeram Perahu at 1630hrs, considered as late. As our fishing location would take up another 2-3 hours of trekking along the river side. So had to break camp at Jeram Perahu on the first day.
Some of us had a few luck with Sebarau while waiting for dinner, casting in front of the camp site. The weather was fine in the evening. Most of us just killing time by fishing Baung during the night. The best bait to fish baung is by using "Tapa" I really do not like to use tapa as it has a very offensive smell.

Casting... thats the way I like to fish. Early morings and the evening is the best time to cast. the thrill of finding fish with casting is much more challengging rather than to sink your bait.
The general idea was that a Kelah woud never strike a rapala while casting. Well, in this trip, we prove them wrong. Zabidi caought his Kelah with casting a Rapala
Kelah usualy can be found at fast moving current. Thus making it a vey efficient and strong swimmer. hooking one would be a great challenge and requires skills to land one. So far I had never land one, caught once with my Rapala at Rompin but it manage to snage off my Rapala.

Not bad huh..

The trip was great, but we still have not explored the entire lubok Jeram. There's still virgin lubok up stream that requires another 2 hours boat ride. Maybe next trip then. But one thing is sure.. We will be back to explore the entire lubok of Jeram Perahu. YEH BEBEH.

Nothing beats a day of casting at a lubok like this... YEH BEBEH.

No training, No tour ride...YEH BEBEH.

My felllow rider, Jinggo call me up and and asked to join his ride to Cameron Highland. Eventhough I have ride up to Cameron Highland, I decided to join in. The last ride to Cameron Highland I did not ride from KL, had to take the train to Tapah as I was late to rendevous with my fellow riders. Thinking this might be an oppurtunity to remedy my mistake, and start my ride from KL.

From the month of February to May, I did not do any serious riding, except ride around the vincinity of my house. Thinking that it would be sufficient to be regarded as training, I did not prepared any serious training for the ride to Cameron Highland. Clearly I was wrong and I had to pay the price for it.

Among the riders along this trip was me, Jinggo, Zol Keramat, Man Langat. Zol and Man was riding a road bike. Another unexpected turn of event. Except me, other riders were strong and fit. Man Langat is a national rider for Paralimpic. That leaves me the weakest rider in the group. With heavy load, compared to them, Man Langat and Zol were carrying a daypack, and Jinggo was just carrying a 25litre touring bag, which much suitable for commuting.

I started my ride from my inlaws house at Sg. Besi at 5am. As planned  the night before, I suggested that we started the ride as early as 4am. Thinking I was late to meet up at Zol's house in Keramat, I did pushed a bit hard. Arriving at Zol's house, I was the only rider there. Not after half an hour later Jinggo and Man Langat arrives. Zol is still not out yet, so I decided to ride ahead and meet them up at Gombak, as I had forgotten my front bag bracket.

We had breakfast at Greenwood food court at 9am. I had nasi lemak with sambal kerang. The day was hot and shinny, for most tour riders, it was a great day to ride, as for me, I prefer to ride during rainy season, as it would be much cooler. Rainy season is over, and it has'nt rain for the past two days.

Continuing the ride after breakfast, we head to Rawang. The only challenge is the hill before reaching Templer's Park. Entering Pekan Rawang, the traffic was hectic, jammed up all the way to the pekan. Jinggo had to stop and buy a sock. From hereon, there'll be less traffic. With wide side road, its quite safe especially if you are riding in a group. Reaching Serendah, I started to feel my calf started to cramp up. To remedy it, I had to ride slow so not to worsen it. After a while, it came up to my knee and right thigh. But I still bear with the pain as I ride as slow as possible. Refusing to stop, as it may lead up to total cramp. As the ride became more hilly, I had no choice but to take a long rest. It took me half an hour just to relieve the pain.

Three months without any riding can be seen at my belly. Had to reconsider the next tour ride if I were to ride, it is very important to be physically ready. Otherwise I'll end up doing half the trip and had to go back by train. Cause thats what happened to me in this tour ride. Had to take tje train back to KL at Tanjung Malim. And my wife had to pick me up at KL Sentral. What a drag..

My 2011 dissappointment.

April 2011 is here, yet I still cannot fulfill my "azam" for this year. That is to enter competition. It's really sad because this year, for the past four months, almost every weekend there's a jamborees and races. Seeing most of my friends especially my team mates, Team Mercury entering races, makes me sad that I cannot join them. Due to family crisis, I would have to postpone my intention for the moment until I have settle the crisis.

Now I have to start a time period until this June to settle my problem and contiunue my passion.

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.