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..

Epic Route

I have heard once that Genting Peres is among the most popular climbing route for cyclists and runners..and i have ever thought of testing the route to understand and validate the claim..last Sunday, i followed a group of Bandar Tun Hussein Onn (BTHO) cyclists to do BTHO - Kuala Klawang - BTHO 150km trip..this trip is suggested to me by Kepet since he has been knowing the group and would join the trip as well..i barely knew few of them coz we've ever met during running events and in a few training sessions..one of the objectives they came out with this idea was to earn mileage for coming 160km Kuantan Century Ride as i and Kepet participated too.. we started pedaling at 7.30am from exit junction off Cheras-Kajang Highway..the weather was nice and breezy..we cycled smoothly and turned into Bt 18 road..we stopped by at Bt 14 town as another 2 cyclists were waiting to join the group..if im not mistaken, there were 11 of us dare to challenge the Genting Peres hill..we got to know each other while heading to Genting Peres junction..we reached at the junction and waited for a few cyclists who were left behind due to some technical problems..

bigger challenge is waiting

happy feet (before the climb)

We climbed the hill in a very easy pace and everybody could still talk each other..the route was considered moderate because have a few flat sections that we could recover after a hard pedaling..the peak was just 6 km away from the junction so we did not waste much energy upon reaching the summit..from 11, only 9 proceeded to Kuala Klawang..this time evreybody quite happy descending the hill and enjoying panoramic view atop of Genting Peres..we continued riding after finishing the hilly section and began the training..everybody was given 2 minutes to pull the team according to moderate speed..in average, i can say we travelled around 30km per hour till reaching Kuala Klawang town at 10.15am which 22km in distance..we stopped at a restaurant and having our meals..most of us ate 'maggi sup' and were advised to drink a lot of plain water since the day turned to be very hot..

at Titi after downhill

after a half and hour rest, we cycled back using the same route..i could see some of us were already tired  but had no choice to return home except for cycle..the day was hot and the heat did not give us a chance..we were demotivated by the weather and had to keep hydrated to avoid cramp and tiredness..the return trip seemed like farther than expected..we had to climb back the hill and here is the biggest challenge came..since everybody was already exhausted and demotivated with the current weather, the pace turned slower..everyone took their own time climbing and reached the summit once again but in a very hard way..i also suffered from the climb but the intention of searching for a shelter at the summit  was greater than the pain..so i managed to reached the summit earlier than others..we continued descending the hill and headed to Bt 14 as fast as we could since it was 3pm already..after a few stops refueling the water and energy we reached BTHO at 3.45pm..the heavy traffic along the way delayed us from reaching our destination early..

It was the hardest climb and trip i've ever done before..but joining this big pack lessen my suffer and i did enjoyed the ride more..actually, this route is doable and good for mental and physical strength training because it consists of many types of terrains..but we suggested to start the ride from Bt 14 instead of BTHO..never give up and push yourself harder till the limit..then u'll become stronger..MIND OVER BODY..chill!!

epic route is epic

Selamat Hari Wilayah Persekutuan 2012

Wishing you Selamat Hari Wilayah Persekutuan for those live and work (especially) in Federal Territory (Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan). Just another relaxing day for me..no training session..just rewarding myself with Caramel Frap and jazz music..awesome! 

"Rakyat Bersatu, Wilayah Persekutuan Maju"

Are We Safe Enough?

On Sunday 29th January 2012, we were shocked by a tragedy happened to our national cyclists during their training session at Putrajaya..few of the cyclists were broken down by a car at a junction near the Ministry of Sports and Youth building..the victims were among the top cyclists who will be competed in Asian Cycling Championship (ACC) this February. One of them is the national woman time-trialist, Mariana Mohamad who suffered a broken arm and fractured ribs..another three suffered broken fingers and another minor injuries and bruises..

one of the victim receiving treatment

Mariana, the potential prospect to shine at ACC

This is the latest crash involving cyclists in recent years..the question is, how on earth the driver could easily hit the cyclists while they are in a big group and escorted by policemen?for me, all safety measurement had been taken by the training organizers but somehow lack of awareness by other motorists just gave an unpleasant feelings to cyclists like us..i'm wondering whether the driver aware of her surrounding or not..from the video footage taken during the crash, it seemed like the driver was not even hit the brake and banged them intentionally..i feel terribly sorry to the victims and hope they will recover as soon as possible..however, Mariana had to forget about her dream to compete in ACC this year..

Me, as a regular cyclist who commuted by bicycle to work daily is definitely aware of this issue..whether the roads are wide or narrow,  a long or short journey, there is a possibility to involve in a crash..in avoiding the disaster or being a potential victim in crash, we have to aware of the traffic condition..we have to know when to slow down and which section we can pedal fast..big injuries are expected even if we involve in a minor crash because of minimal protection on our body..slowing down and checking for the vehicles at junctions and intersections are extremely advised.. 

To motorists, please respect cyclists and other road users since we are sharing the same road and paying big amount of taxes too..while to fellow cyclists, please take extra care when hitting the road especially to those who loved night riding..make sure front and rear blinkers are installed and obey the road regulation..also always wear your helmets..small deed leads to big effect..together we live in healthy and respectful society..

RESPECT CYCLISTS, THE ROAD IS THERE TO SHARE

Open Water Swimming

Ipin had asked me whether i wanted to join him training an open water swimming session at Port Dickson and i just said "I'm in"..guess what, we are joining Azran Osman Rani, the CEO of AirAsia X..he's gonna participate in Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon in 18 March 2012..so he needed a proper training to familiarize himself with the condition and distance..we arrived at Bayu Beach Resort, PD around 8.30am and started swimming very soon upon arrival..its just to make sure that we could finish before the sunlight burns our skin..we did a loop from Bayu Resort shore to the Avillion Admiral Cove's guard house..one way course is estimated to be 1km in length..

Swimming in an open water is totally different with pool..fighting with current and salty water is unpleasant and could not simply finish it..your throat can easily dried out and sore because of the saltiness..i just made up my mind to finish the route no matter what..even it was just a training session, i needed to take this opportunity to challenge myself..experiencing the difficulty during last year PD International Triathlon, i took my own sweet time swimming back and forth to the shorelines..the only problem, my open water swimming navigation is failed..i can simply swim away out of the course route and not clocking good time because of it..hmm lesson learnt and i need to improve it from time to time..perhaps training in pool guided by the line underneath the surface did not help at all when it comes to open water swim..

Even feeling unwell with my throat after a long back to back salt water swim, i did enjoy the session and meeting new friends who enjoy doing this thingy especially Azran, man behind the scene of successful airlines sharing same interest with me..at least got something to be proud of..wishing u a best of luck competing Aviva 70.3 Ironman..hope we can compete each other in a triathlon race but in different age category..hehehe

me after swim

he's a good swimmer, man!

swim course map

Broga Hill trip

The day after Janda Baik trip, i decided to make a short climb at Broga Hill, Semenyih..it's been a while since the last trip back in May 2011..this time i've been accompanied by Gope and Usop and we reached Broga as early as 6.15am on the Tuesday morning..the weather is good and we took almost 45 minutes to reach the first peak..the peak was crowded with people who arrived earlier than us..i was not happy at all since so many goers did not take a good care of the hill anymore..they threw away rubbish everywhere and the climbing slope become dangerous and slippery because of heavy usage..

but, taking a deep breath of fresh air just could wash away my anger and frustration..this hill never fail to mesmerized anybody reaching there..the scenery and landscape generate thousands senses and feelings..that's why Broga never lose the crowd..people came here to enjoy the scenic view of Semenyih town, some of them use the trail for fitness training regime..while other group chose Broga Hill as photography session background..a land with purposes..

But still im aware of the future of this hill..without sense of belongings and awareness from the visitor,it will  worn the beauty out..i really hope everybody plays their own role in keeping Broga Hill clean and safe for young generation..

Courtesy from travel.701panduan.com

View from Broga Hill
Courtesy from euniceta.blogspot.com

CNY - Janda Baik Easy Ride

After the memorable trip to Fraser's Hill two days before, me and Panglima were planned to make another hit..but this time would be more relax and enjoyable one..a return trip to Janda Baik from Greenwood Park, Gombak..at first only both of us would go for the ride but then Abe just confirmed that he would join us..we started from Shell Greenwood and headed to the Hospital Orang Asli and climbed up the hill of Genting Sempah..for me, i could feel the different when climbing this hill after a grueling climbing experience in Fraser's Hill two days back..it's like a getting fitter and stronger..i managed to ascend the hill faster than any trip i have done before reached Genting Sempah 45 minutes later..there were just a few cyclists stopped at the checkpoint which was not a usual situation..my thought was everybody were happy resting at their hometown for the festive break..after a long rest, I and Panglima continued cruising down the hill to Janda Baik while Abe decided to return early because of family matters..

There was a rare feeling when I crossed the main entrance of Janda Baik..feeling of tranquility and i loved it so much..a few sections of up and down the hill made the trip merrier..we stopped at a restaurant called Andak's Place Jungle Cafe, 6km from Janda Baik main entrance and had my nasi kerabu while Panglima went for nasi dagang..great breakfast after a great ride and the food is a good reward..somehow i was wondering how to cycle back after that heavy food intake..we started to cycle back at 11.30am and this time more ascending route to be faced..uphill section after R&R Genting Sempah was the most cruelest climb to be through..almost 15% climbing just could not made our feet moved easily..one could stop and tow the bike till the end section..descending the hill was the best thing to be done but unfortunately heavy downpour after few kilometers downhill..need to be extra careful because of uneven tarmac and slippery road..we finished the ride around 1pm and prepare to attend Yahya's wedding ceremony somewhere in Taman Melati.

After all, i enjoyed these two rides as more climb sections were hit and could improve my strength massively..its a good training and experience to be told and i wish to do it again next time..

Screen shot from my Timex TrainingPeaks record. Unfortunately the watch's battery was flat along the way down. Just managed to record uphill section

refueling the energy

Chinese New Year Ride

When Malaysians were busy heading back to their hometown during the festive break, I, panglima and few new friends planned a day ride to Fraser's Hill on Saturday 24th January 2012. Its been a while not doing a climbing trip to Fraser's Hill which was done during my first introduction to road bike riding. This time five of us planned to hit the hill from Bentong..we gathered at Shell, Greenwood and used old road to Bentong since the highway was reported having a massive traffic congestion due to a broken down lorry near the Genting Sempah tunnel..morning ride to Bentong using the old road was awesome and had very few cars passed by..we reached Bentong around 8.30am and parked the cars in front of legendary Kow Po ice cream shop and prepared for the ride..i was introduced to Doc Azim and King whom i met for the first time and Doc Taufik - have been training with him before..

We started the trip and headed to Tranum (30km from Bentong) before start the climb..the ride was quite fast since we reached Tranum in an hour which was 30mins earlier than i expected..from Tranum, there is another 30km to be climbed to reach the clock tower..the weather was great and i could not maintain the pace to follow Doc Azim who leading the peloton..everybody was taking their own time to reached the 'Gap'..it was tougher than my last ride because the intensity and pace set by Doc Azim were beyond my capability..we arrived at the Gap an hour later from Tranum checkpoint..it was too fast!!we stopped by the stall and had a sip of hot drinks before proceeded to the last 8km climb..along the way to the clock tower, i could not push myself anymore coz had no more energy (out of gas)....i needed to stop twice before continued the push..4km to go, the rain started to pour down heavily..after struggling with the body and ascending road, i reached the clock tower almost 15mins later than Doc Azim..Damn, it was a very hard climb and felt my body degraded and going to collapse..We took a few pictures the tower and met few cyclists that successfully reached the summit..

With an empty stomach, we searched for the best restaurant and had our lunch in big amount to replace the energy lost..after refueling the energy, we did not waste time at the top and began descending..this was not a best part because we need to be carefully and aware of potholes..any misjudge can lead to crash or puncture..downhill ride was superb and we reached Tranum around 4 o'clock..here was raining some more at last 5km, and we reached Kow Po at 5.15pm..total mileage - almost 120km..

Most rewarding moment, we had ice cream special at Kow Po and headed back to KL..its a pleasure for me to ride and meet new friends during this Fraser's Hill trip..very strong team and its was good for me to improve my riding skills and pace..i did enjoy the long trip and hope can do it again..

Reach the summit

the fellow riders
(from left: Panglima, Doc Azim, Doc Taufik, Me, King, errr)

Best team - Me and Cik Kiah

the reward - legendary Kow Po's ice cream special

screen shot from my Timex TrainingPeaks record

2012 First Challenge

New Year Challenge 1.1.2012

While most Malaysians are sleeping soundly after celebrated new year night, some avid runners were preparing for their very first 2012 running event as early as 4am..it was Newton Challenge 12km and 25km  which taken place at Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, Selangor..The organisers has chosen same route as 2010 edition, but slightly changed it at some part of the hilly section for both 12k and 25k category..meaning both categories did not use the same route after U-turn section..for me, compromising new year celebration for competing in an event like this was not a big deal since im not so eager in taking part counting down during the new year eve..that should be an advantage for me..

Departing for Putrajaya to Bandar Kinrara did not take a long time..its about 20 minutes journey and even can be shorten by increasing the car speed (not recommended)..we arrive just before the flag off and had enough time for warming up and saying hello to fellow runners..the event was flagged off exactly at 5.30am for 25km category and it took almost 5 minutes to clear the starting point..as expected, my strategy was to run in slightly slow pace (7min/km) to loosen my muscle before entering the hilly section..the first 5km was good and my body was giving a good respond and successfully completed the first 10km climb..i stopped at the Puncak Jalil Petronas to perform Subuh prayer and proceeded the run..comparing to 2010 experience, i was already 'sayur' (hit the wall) when entering last 15km section and walked all the way after final checkpoint (16th km) whilst this time i finished the run non stop and clocked 2.55hours!!(last year was 3.45hours)..unfortunately, i did not manage to register for this event, but i was running using my friend's bib (not recommended) since he encountered a hamstring injury and could not compete in the race..

Felt great can finish the run within 3 hours with this type of route..to all finishers, u must be proud of yourself!!its not an ordinary route with so many deadly (was it appropriate??) hills to be climbed..in addition, this time Syafiq and I were running for a cause..our secondary schoolmate was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma cancer last few weeks..since he was in critical situation and wanted him to fight the pain, we tried to show our great support through this..hopefully, it would give him hope that he was not alone in fighting it..so we decided to put a shout out at our back and received good luck wishes from runners passed by (it did not mean i was slow...hehehe)

Back to the running story, the medal design was frustrating because it does not stated finishers' category..by the way, for overall review the event was a success and hopefully will be continued by the organiser..one thing that i loved about this event is its epic route..i enjoyed challenging myself with the route and satisfied with my performance (even the time was not good)..NOT BAD lorhh..congratulation to all runners for showing up and finished the race no matter how hard..

This will become a remark to start year 2012..next event?? (will be updated soon)

p/s: dear Haikal, please be strong and our prayers always be with you

with my unused Powergel..few kms to go
(picture by Runner Footprints)

Sprint to the finishing line
(picture by Tey EngTiong)

Post run pic

The shout out carried

Finisher medal

Happy 2012

Happy New Year guys!!wish u the best of happiness and prosperity for the whole year..just try to be the best in whatever thing u do..for me, this year will open a new chapter of my life with more determination and success..2012, please be nice ya....