Royal Belum Exploration (Day 2)

Woke up early morning to perform Subuh prayer then sat at the Sg. Kejar jetty while watching people fishing by the shore..inhaling the morning fresh air in Belum gave a wonderful feeling and satisfaction..last night, one of the soldiers who joining us camping there has caught a medium sized 'Toman' just using plastic bottle and fish fry as the bait..some of us who brought rods were excited and tried their luck hoping that they could land one too..2nd day's activities were solely water based and some trekking..we did kayaking to the waterfall and started trekking inside the woods to learn and explore some of the Belum's specialties..we've found elephant dungs along their track or so called 'highway'..we were told about 'tongkat ali' (Eurycoma longifolia) and 'kacip fatimah' (Labisa pumila) with their nutritional facts..actually, the main objective of the trekking session is reaching the salt lake or 'sira'..salt lake or saline water is a landlocked body of water which significantly has higher concentration of salts and other minerals than most lakes..it is believed that herbivorous animals will come to this place to lick the salty water as digester agent..however different types of animals have their own salt lake which is barely unknown..unfortunately, the route to the salt lake that we headed to was steep and slippery..thus, our ranger decided to postpone the trip and we returned back to the waterfall..so, we just enjoying our time at the fall then back to the camp for lunch..

After lunch, we prepared for Orang Asli visit at Perkampungan Orang Asli Sg. Kejar, about 5 minutes boat ride from the camp..we were given a lively welcoming ceremony by the villagers with their very own music using bamboo sticks played by a few young ladies..the visit is part of our exploration program cooperated with Taman Negeri Perak Corporation dan Perak State Government..we were giving the Orang Asli food buckets containing rice, sugar and groceries for their daily consumption..after the ceremony we were shown about their survival and culture..we were taught how to use 'sumpit', setting up traps and cooking using bamboo sticks..its an interesting experience to know about their culture and how they survive in the woods..

The ceremony took about two an half hours time then we returned to camp to prepare for another waterfall spot..the rangers took us to another spot which nearby the camp but still have to be accessed by boat..3 minutes walked from the shore then arrived at a very beautiful waterfall spot..having our time while eating steamed corns and teh tarik is unforgettable..after playing with cold water and everyone started shivering when went back to campsite around 7pm..

We were having a great bbq with roasted venison and almost 50 grilled Jelawat prepared by the park staffs..after dinner we had a night walk..we walked along the track behind the campsite..nothing much sighted since there had been raining a few days before our visit..so those glow in the dark plants/fungi didnt bloom..hmm not our lucky night..much of us were attacked by the leeches..hahhaa war between human and bloodsucking creature..brace yourself!!! the trip ended at 12am and everybody had a sleepless night itches here and there..

Royal Belum Exploration (Day 1)

I was excited when a friend of mine had invited me to join their Royal Belum Exploration program from 6 to 8 April 2012..i have been informed the day before the travel day to Perak..originally, i thought the group would travel on the friday night but actually on thursday night which is i have to take a leave for friday!!since i have given the commitment to join the program, its my part to ask for a permission from my immediate boss and granted..i rushed from parliament and pack for 3D2N needs..we assembled at the Ministry of Health building and off to Gerik..

Royal Belum Rainforest is located in the nothernmost corner of Perak, a large, undiscovered and claimed as older than Amazon rainforest (about 130 million years)..there are many entrance points to Belum Rainforest but famously from Tasik Banding, Gerik..There is a Belum Rainforest Resort which operates the activities and acts as permit issuer..

We arrived at Belum Rainforest Resort around 5am and waited for another group from Perak Secretary Office..we had our lovely breakfast by the verandah viewing the beauty of Belum Rainforest in the morning..gosh, like no other!

We hopped on the boat to our very first destination - Kelah Sanctuary at Sungai Ruok..a 20 minutes ride from 'jeti awam' at Belum Rainforest Resort..upon the arrival, we could hear the waterfall splash at the upper side of the jetty..5 minutes walk to the upper stream and we saw groups of Kelah and Tengas are waiting for us to be fed..the trekker threw some fish bran and they scrambled while snatching d food..

We had our rest there and swim around with the fishes..its been a while im not swimming at the waterfall..now i had the opportunity never let it go..hahaha puas!! Then, we continue our ride to Sungai Tiang for lunch..another 10 minutes away from Sungai Ruok..Sungai Tiang has accommodations and chalets for tourists..viewing the crystal blue Tasik Banding and greeny scenery is perfect for nature lovers..we had local meal such as 'kerabu umbut bayas' which ive never experience it before..review: the taste quite good..

Sg. Tiang jetty

After lunch, we headed to our campsite at Sungai Kejar, another 30 minutes ride from Sungai Tiang..Along the ride to Sungai Kejar we passed by a few 'Orang Asli' villages by the river..they used bamboo raft to commute from one place to another..happy and simple life indeed..

Sungai Kejar is purposely set for camping and facilities were sufficient and could cater up to 60 person..there was a hall and dining place, separated toilets for mens and ladies, for me its like we were in forest hotel..dinner was served with local food as well and the we were having 'ice-breaking' session as to know all the participants..the night ended with briefing about Royal Belum histories by Mr. Fatkhy, our honorable ranger..

2XU Compression Run

Yeah, another event a week after Kuantan160 in hope that i have fully recovered from the sweet ride..2XU run was held at the Nicoll Highway, Singapore on 1st April 2012..and yet, Team Parkons had sent representatives to compete in this year's event..Most of us reached by air and always with last minute ticket purchased..Hamin and Erni arrived earlier to pick up the race kit for us and checked in at G4 Station, Mackenzie Road.. Nice and cozy hostel meant for backpackers with affordable price..Chapx, Nyamok and I arrived late at night since we departed from Kuala Lumpur at 8pm by AirAsia and arrived Singapore around 10pm..we have registered for 15km with 2XU singlet and short category so we were provided with the apparels each..

at the starting point
(from left: Hamim, Erni, Nyamok, Me, Chapx)

Since Nicoll Highway can be reached by train, we needed to find the easiest and closest way to be at the starting point as soon as possible..with very limited internet access but full of information about Singapore and its public transport system, we managed to plan our journey there..we arrived at Nicoll Highway at 6.45am on Sunday morning and able to warmed up perfectly..Unfortunately, the flag off was dragged to 15 minutes beyond the schedule which is supposedly started at 7 o'clock..very flat route with few inclines..thankfully, the organizer provided many water stations along the route to keep us hydrated and i was happy with that..the 1st 10km was good and i was enjoying the scenery and glad with my performance..with arid sunlight and drained energy, my last 5km was a bit horrible and full of force in order to maintain my pace to 6:00 min/km..water stations along the last 5km were really helpful and i could keep the pace..finally i crossed the finishing line in 1:30:17..super duper hot day but i managed to complete within my estimated time..overall, im satisfied with my performance but the heat just slowed me down..the medal is nice with 2XU written on the strap..Parkon runners managed to complete run within 2 hours mark except for Hamim..he was caught with numbness and muscle cramp at the last 6km to the finishing line..

We enjoyed travel and run as a team and wish to look for new challenge at another country which is most probably Thailand!!here we come!!

Parkons post run caption
(1st tier from left: Hamim, Erni, Comot)
(sitting on the ground from left: Chapx, Me, Apit, Nyamok

the medal

the 15km route

my perfomance during the race
(http://www.trainingpeaks.com/sw/GSHOSDGCA64I7ZCBHPIVN2CHXA)

Building Fitness

Everyone of us always wonder how some people could have good fitness to participate in those long distance and beyond our reach events..these kind of people are dedicated and know what to expect in whatever they are doing..it is not an easy job to complete such long distance route with such a good fitness..in building the muscle endurance whilst preparing very strong physical and mental, we must know our capability and learn about our own body..in order to train our body to reach the limit and become stronger, me must apply the best approach during the transition..here are some tips that i have applied to myself and somehow it works..just to share some of the ideas and u can choose either it suits u or not..

1. Clear your mindset that u can overcome any challenge..prepare for big changes in your life and try to expect a little development from time to time..

2. In managing your training, i advise u to have a monthly log book to monitor your progress and achievement..this is vital since u are trying to break the daily habit and move forward..by having training log, u can plan your training session and resting time. when u see the improvement in timing and mileage it will boost your spirit to do better..u can include any type of sport/drill u like in the book such as running, cycling, swimming, skipping, steps training and many more..depends on your interest..try to alternate the session with one another in training your muscles to react in different situations..it will make your muscles become flexible and stronger..

3. Try to set certain target in every session..for example, plan a running session for an hour and bother the distance..later u will find that the distance become farther in time with an hour time setup..

4. Reward yourself when u successfully achieve certain target u had set in the beginning..reward can be anything from treating yourself with good meal or buying new sport apparels to having a quality rest..

5. Find training buddy(s) to train together and exchange ideas on how to improve your strength and fitness..having training buddies somehow can measure your capability and become catalyst if your performance is not in average level..u will try to get better and better..

6. Enjoy your activities..u will find the freedom and tranquility through your sessions..to the extend that your feel incomplete if your body does not sweat..if u know what i mean..hehe

These are a few of my methods during my early stage of building fitness..sometimes i felt inferior to my training buddies because i could not level their fitness and i did many secret trainings before i join them back and satisfied with my improvement..so u can make a different to your lifestyle if u want to..lets live a healthy life

Kuantan Century Ride 160

As every year's event, Century Ride is common to all cyclists in Malaysia..the awaited event that challenge the riders' endurance and strength in 160km route..me, Kepet and Panglima participated in this event as one of our main agenda for this year besides triathlon and running..since Ipin and Kicuk just came back from alpine technical course in New Zealand, they couldn't join us there..

The fee was RM100 including event cycling jersey and medal for finishers..this was the first time to Kuantan as the host of the ride and organizing team is also a fresh one..before this century ride is held in Ipoh annually and Kuantan just want to become another spot for this kind of cycling event..we took off from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan on Saturday morning and reached there by 6pm..we stayed in D'Sireh Homestay somewhere in Kg. Isap Perdana 3, three kilometers away from starting point at Padang Kemunting (Padang MPK1). 

the route

official event jersey sponsored by KotaSAS

The night before the race, we enjoyed eating seafood at Ana Ikan Bakar Petai at Tanjung Lumpur as other riders were carbo-loading at welcoming dinner held by the organizers near the MB house..the food are awesome and went back to the house to prepare for tomorrow race..race started at 7.30am and we arrived at the starting point 10 minutes before the flag off..we were at the back since we were late and rode easy to KM5..when the intensity became higher we tried to chase the crowd and manage to be in the middle group..King of Mountain (KOM) stage is at KM32 and the climb was not easy but in one shot attack..

Starting point - muka happy je...

We reached our very first water station and had bananas+red bulls..then we continued the ride till we met a group called Arza Team from Singapore..they rode in very intensive pace and i decided to follow the group..most of them are British but stayed in Singapore..very organized and strong somehow..they allowed me to join them and we tried to work together..i couldn't imagine how i could follow them with 40kph speed for about 20 to 30 kms..following their back is like riding the roller coaster..enjoyed but not tiring..their main target was to chase the peloton and lead the way to finish line..but because we started a bit too late, peloton was out of reach..so they just want to maintain the speed and finish as fast as we can..we stopped at a few water station to refresh the energy..with the cute and beauty volunteers were waiting for us at the station it boosted the energy even higher..

somewhere at KM40
(picture by Shahrul Azman)

first water station at KM50
(picture by Shahrul Azman)

After pulling the group alternately, i was shocked that we've reached 110km mark and another 50km to go..we passed by Pekan and the suffer started at KM130..since many riders have pulled out from the group, only 7 of us left to do the pull..the energy was drained out along with hot weather made the pace became slower and slower..during the ride at Tanjung Sepat, 20km from finishing line, the wind was strong we had to pull harder in order to maintain 30kph pace..but it wouldn't last so long and the team stopped at the last water station, at KM145..since the day was so hot, so i decided to continue paddling on my own..cycling along was a lot harder than in group..when i saw the Tanjung Lumpur's bridge then i was highly motivated because i knew it was not far away..i paddled faster till my calf got cramped but i just ignored it..it was too close to line..finally i reached the line and clocked 5 hours 27 minutes for 160km..very happy with my performance but not enough..Alhamdulillah

Panglima arrived an hour later and Kepet few minutes later..overall, the route was harder than Ipoh and when u ask about wind at Tanjung Sepat, everybody will tell, HELL..hehehe indeed Kuantan gave us a good memory to be remembered and congratulation to the organizers for KCR160 even this is the their first time organizing such a big event..looking forward for next year and Ipoh Century Ride 2012 will be our next destination..

the finisher medal

Before heading back to KL, we stopped at Gerai Pak Soh somewhere in Tanjung Lumpur to have the delicious 'sata' and Murtabak Mengkasar nearby UiTM Kuantan campus..KCR160, till we meet again!!

Sata Pak Soh

Murtabak Mengkasar

P/S: pictures can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/2121studio/7023555275/in/pool-1884107@N24/ - i'm crossing the finishing line

BIG THANX to KCR160 photography team for the best shots!!

Very Unfortunate Event

On 18 March 2012, Malaysia has been shocked with a lethal accident involving a Le Tua Cycling Team, Rafizi Hamdan at MRR2..i was on my way to meet Panglima for our leisure ride to Genting Sempah and i just passing the accident spot and had a glance at the body and the crumpled bicycle..i did not stop since it was a heavy traffic and behind the schedule to meet Panglima at Hospital Orang Asli.

Rafizi, 37 was cycling along the MRR2 to meet other riders who planned to climb Genting Sempah too..accidentally he was hit by a Proton Saga near the Shell station and died on d spot..the driver ran away and never showed up during scene..unfortunately, he the plate number teared off and fell beside the body..the number has been spread out over the social site..

Dear motorist, cyclists are road user too..please give some respect and keep in mind that we are sharing the same facilities..why must we've been so selfish and show no respect..?u not losing anything even your time..hopefully this will a a great stepping stone and paradigm to change to culture by respecting other road users..people always say Malaysian drivers are reckless and selfish..why not we prove to them that we can change and make a different?

U can visit this site for some news and pictures about the tragedy
http://www.bom321.com/2012/03/penunggang-basikal-maut-dirempuh-kereta.html

AL-FATIHAH

Tempo Ride

Last night, I, Ipin and Kepet have been riding in quite intensive tempo..it should be a good training as preparing for Kuantan Century Ride..60km ride using Putrjaya outer ring road is a perfect route for this kind of training..we managed to sustain 30kph in average..somehow it was going to improve our cadence and muscle strength..Btw, Kicuk and Panglima were having their time climbing Genting Highlands in conjunction of Le Tour de Langkawi stage 6 - mountain finish at Awana Resort, Genting Highlands. Poor me could not join them since it is held on Wednesday and i wasn't apply a leave in advanced..quite envy when they post the footage and the supporting situation along the climb section..hope i can be there next year's LTdL edition..as predicted, Jose Serpa from team Androni Giocattoli won the stage and seized the yellow jersey in GC..well done and wishing all riders the best en route to Kuala Terengganu..