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