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.

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.