MTB - Nuang

Last Sunday I went to Nuang for another attempt to enhance my fitness level, robustness and controllability skills (especially during the downhill ride) by cycling up to the Lolo camp site. As the majority of you would be aware, Gunung Nuang is the highest mountain in Selangor at 1493m and located at Hulu Langat. It is a good training place for trekkers and also claimed as one of the difficult mountain to trek. Hmm. Okay. Some people still finds it fascinating. Obviously, I am part of it. Together with my fellow colleagues, Musaddad and Kamarul.

I woke up in the morning feeling a little bit like sorrow after I start thinking of my missus whom wants me to have a good rest on Sunday after packed agenda within the weekend - I have been to Putrajaya Critical Mass (I will upload the pictures sooner) on last Friday night and reached home at late Saturday night after attending a glamorous Masquerade Rendezvous dinner at One Utama Hotel, Damansara. As I could remember, I reached home around 1am and started a move heading to Nuang around 7am this morning. But things happen, okay? I guess the spirit of the mountain had softened my missus' heart and she finally agreed to let me join the ride. Hehe =P

Initially, we planned to meet at the Dewan Dato’ Nazir at Hulu Langat. Seriously, never heard about it. Musaddad told me there is a Masjid nearby. No further details. That time I presumed there will be only one remarkable Masjid along the way. But, to my counts, there are more than three Masjids! I made a call to Musaddad directly. He knows the vicinity area perfectly. For me, it’s been ages never been there. After two phone calls were made, we confirmed our position for tracking purpose and finally we reached at the Gunung Nuang base almost at the same time.

We arrived at the base around 8.30am and we could see numbers of cars parked along the road side. The weather was excellent. After getting the bikes ready, we started a move around 8.50am. Upon reaching the trailhead, we were supposed to register with RM1 entry fee per person. There, we could see a group with most of them with backpacks. None with bikes. Hmm. Got one Chinese guy told me that they will try to reach the summit. A normal walking pace will take about 8 to 9 hours to reach the summit. It depends, really. Normally, people will camp near Lolo or Tanah Pacat before proceeding to the summit. For us, we made it up to the Lolo within 1h 30m. A great completion by mountain biking!

The trail itself is a mixed of double tracks through diverse terrain including rocks, hills and clay based hard pack with mud holes. Luckily, it was not raining last night. So, the red clay is fine when dry. The trails getting harder as it’s almost reaches the Lolo camp site. Actually, the trail is really mental-torturing and it can often break one's will with its non-stop uphills. However, our mental anguish has been paid off with the aqua therapy sessions and the cooling effect offered by the waterfall. That’s actually our main target. At least, there is something good waiting for us.

Prior pampering ourselves in the pool, without further delay, we attacked the food we (Musaddad and Kamarul) brought. Hehe. You would never be able to guess what our main course was - nasi lemak, telur goreng, karipap, creamy bun and masalodeh (Indian’s cuisine). What a sumptuous feast right in the heart of nature. Thanks guys!After spending 2 hours by the waterfall, we headed back downhill. Within 30-45 minutes, we arrived at the base. Overall, great ride, great foods and great refreshment!

Lessons Learnt:
1. Make sure that you sleep well the night before.
2. Use correct tyre pressure for a better ride.
3. Bring additional attire.

MTB - P*C*M

Last Friday night, I have been to Putrajaya Critical Mass (PCM) bike ride. Arrived there around 9pm. Parked my car right in front of Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya, later gets off my bike from my rear carrier. At the moment, there were few riders already set their bikes up and cycling around the vicinity area. Most of them with road bikes. After I got myself ready, I joined a group of riders. They used to ride on PCM for a year already and thus my presence was acknowledged by them for supporting the event especially it was the 1st anniversary of PCM. As the time constantly flies, the number of riders has increased. Pa text me to confirm his late arrival. Around 9.45pm, Pa turned up with his shiny orange T-bolt. When the time approaching 10pm, we were all asked to gather in front of the Palace of Justice for a short briefing mainly for highlighting the 1st anniversary of the PCM and some safety instructions especially riding on road during night time. Few riders have been assigned with a flag to guide the mass. The lead of the ride has mounted a Malaysia’s Jalur Gemilang on his road bike for indicative purpose and to spread the patriotism among the riders. Around 10.15pm, the mass started rolling. Seriously, I have never been riding in such a big group. It was really a great feeling to see small kids and old folks riding on their bikes. We were all reminded that the ride will be an easy and leisure ride. No rush. No speeding. Just cycling in a mass. Not a mess! Hmm. I couldn’t remember the details but the ride took us about 1 hour to complete the 25km loop. I must say the PCM has met a great success and well organized. Two thumbs up for the committee. After the ride, the peak celebration took place with a “happy birthday” song which broke the silence of the night along with a cake cutting session. Later, we were all served with good foods – dunkin donuts, cakes, cupcakes, pizza, etc. FOC! (Except for the cupcakes, it costs RM2 each in the name of charity). After that, I manage to meet the organizer, Daoh for congratulating him for this successful event and before I went off, I have met Toyol Pemalu to get my PCM t-shirt. Around 12am, I and Pa were straightaway heading to my residence area to have a light supper.

*credit to Toyol Pemalu for the picture

MTB - Kemensah

I went out from my house at 6.45 am this morning and then headed to 7E nearby to buy a creamy corn bun and a small size orange juice for fueling my body. I also brought a banana just in case I need it along my ride to boost my energy level. The traffic at the time was smooth. I think everyone enjoyed the coldness and took a longer nap as it was pouring down at late last night. It is Sunday anyway.

I reached Zoo Negara around 7.40 am. It’s been years never been there. To my rusty memory, the main entrance still looks the same. I made a first round heading up to the Kampung Kemensah just right behind the zoo to see if there any riders to chat with. The single lane winding country road with some small chalets along the riverside lead me to an ideal camping site at Hulu Kemensah. At the moment, no one is around. Minutes later, I returned back to the main entrance as the time approaching 8.00 am.

Later, Zul appeared. He text me to confirm his presence. I replied back. Actually, he parked just right in front of me and I didn’t recognized him as he kept his bike inside his car. Later, Mus shown up. As per planned, there will be almost 10 riders for this ride. However, only half could make it due to some personal reasons. While waiting for Kamarul who pedaled from his house at AU4, I made a call to Wan Muzz. Early this morning, he told me that he lost his house’s keys which mean he trapped in his own house! Poor Wan Muzz. Few minutes later, after Kamarul shown up, Wan Muzz finally found the keys. It just happened at the right time. Since it was still early, we decided to wait for him.

Around 8.30 am, everyone was on the track. We started rolling leisurely on-road for the first kilometer before the off-road trail greeting us. Off-road cycling has much to offer - from quiet riverside or waterfront trails, to back country bush and mountain tracks. At first, I was thinking the trail will be relaxed with few uphills and slope slightly but for the hardened enthusiasts, Kemensah trail is the challenging off-road sites that count especially for those with lack of stamina. Just like me. Huhu.

The trail itself is a mixed of rough forest paths and singletrack (also referred to as doubletrack depending on width) with undulating hilly terrain. When my Cateye turned 4.5 km, I felt extremely exhausted. My head is spinning around. My stomach feels uneasy and I am totally wiped out! Maybe I ate too much last night. I don’t know, really. At the moment, we already reached at the first stop with another group which looked more physically fit with their high-ends downhill bikes. Our attempt to join the group to the Hash (or Harsh?) trail seems to be a dream. Later, we decided to go to another trail led by Mus.

The ride continued. Uphills all the way for another kilometer. In the name of fitness, I am totally out. The thing is, I pushed a little more than usual earlier. Anyway, two thumbs up to my riding buds for their supportive curse to help me out to be in the group. For whatever outdoor activities you are dealing with, fitness and stamina is mandatory. That’s a fact! Okay, I am working for it right now. I need some time.

At 6.5 km, we almost reached the top and gained the reward of downhilling right after. We all feel pretty excited at the time. Back to the rules, bear in mind that we should always use both rear and front brakes almost equally during downhill ride. But, it was too bad because somehow I overlook the rule resulting loss of balance, no control over my bike and finally 2nd Newton’s Law has given me a good lesson. I fall off and my bike got into the ravine. Alhamdulillah, everything was fine. I landed safely on a bush. Luckily, no stubble was around. I went down to pick up my bike and checked a little bit for the major parts, then we continued the ride.

20 minutes later when I got back my momentum, I just realized that I have lost my Cateye wireless sensor! Damn it! Hmm. Anyway, I feel very happy because I am still capable to ride again on my bike. No major injury and wound. Alhamdulillah. The downhill rides continued and took us almost 30 minutes after we finally came out from the woods. I didn’t know the detail stats after my gadget lost in the woods but I believe the trail took us 15 km.

Personally, spending time in the Kemensah trail regularly will soon make me practically fit to explore another challenging trail like Lubok Tedung. The trail offers range of difficulties which is good to enhance controllability skills, using gear efficiently and most importantly, to develop stamina. Overall, I must say the ride has given me a lesson to keep and always practice safety above all.

MTB - Sungai Buloh

Last Sunday, I went off-road riding with my officemates. The initial plan of riding up FRIM trail and later heading to Selangor MTB Challenge track was scrapped. Instead, we went directly into the track started from Hospital Sungai Buloh to feel the real challenge. All my life, I have never been there. It has been quite a while since I last breathe fresh air in the woods. It was really a great feeling to get back to the nature again.

The weather was excellent in the morning but it was raining earlier in the morning made the trail dampen down. By the time we reached Hospital Sungai Buloh around 8 am, everything was on the right schedule. There were few groups of riders getting ready with their bikes. Everyone looked great with their MTB apparels with some playing with their digital gizmos on their bike’s handlebar. Cool!

Around 8.15 am, we started rolling. The trail was not to my expectation. I wasn’t expecting it to be crazy, maybe just some paths through the woods, steep downhills and a bit of climbing but I was totally wrong. It was some pretty serious off-road stuffs, the woods were full of roots and fallen trees, mega climbs, crazy mud, steep drops and crazy fast downhill sections with rock gardens galore!We took the challenge of riding up a hill. The initial riding was last just for 5 minutes when the hill getting steeper and made us climbing up for 30 minutes! Later, we finally came off safely and reached the top. There, we could see a nice view of the North-South Highway and the Chinese cemetery. Great landscape.

Soon after, came the reward: downhill riding. For this, brakes and poise need to be balanced. My rear tire skidded many times, but still in control. I really enjoyed the adrenaline rush. Riding off-road in the muddy and wet trail is really tricky and mental-torturing. I’ve never experienced it so far. But the adrenaline rush (and sweat) that you'll get is awesome. Some of the best bits were the downhill sections and few take-five stops for capturing some great moments. The ride turned out 9 km within 45 minutes. A good start indeed.

Overall, I must say the ride was full of fun and enjoyable and also a good introduction for off-road riding.

Lessons Learnt:

- Use the front and rear brakes almost equally downhill for the most effectiveness, and at the right times. All of the stopping power is in the front brake. If you use the rear brake only, you will skid.

- Try to stay in a lower gear. It will be easier to keep control of the bike on really steep hills.

- Eat something light before riding preferably cereal drinks or fruits (i.e. banana, etc) to fuel the body.

- Bring additional isotonic sport drink to provide fluid, energy and electrolyte replenishment.

My New Gadget!

Yeah, finally I got my bike computer. Sounds too high-tech but it is actually just a cyclometer. Some might call it odometer. Whatever. OK, my first impression when I look at this gadget is "Wow, what's that?...it looks very cool on the bike". OK, that is my first impression. But when I browse thru the net, I have found numbers of them with different size, design, brand and of course the features. When I look into a little bit closer, I said to myself that I really need it. I must need it. For some strong reasons to invest a big bucks for the small coin-a like size. Crazy. If my wife knew about it, hundreds of questions are ready for me. Hehe. Anyway, from fitness and self-motivation point of view, I would say, the gadget is mandatory for all riders. We really need it. The gadget itself will be a gauge or indicator of some specific measurements. Fundamentally, it measures current speed, maximum speed, average speed, total distance, time, etc. Some also offers calorie meter which determines how much you burn your calories. I cannot imagine what other measurements the technology can offer in the future. Fuhh. OK, after few readings, comparing, and asking, finally I have made my decision to buy a Cateye Strada Wireless for my bike. Here I listed out the features which I get it from the net.

Cateye Strada Wireless Cycle Computer

The super slim 8 function Cateye Strada is now available in a wireless format. Using a new compact sensor, it is ideal for those riders wanting the simplest set up and neatest, most discreet appearance.

Top Features of the Cateye Strada Wireless Cycle Computer

Functions:

Current speed
Maximum speed
Average speed
Total distance (odometer)
Trip distance
Auto start/stop
Trip time (elapsed time)
12/24 hour clock

Features:
Cordless transmission (70cm)
Pacer arrow (+/- AV speed)
Dual tyre size
Total distance (Odometer) set
Auto power saving mode
Menu screen
Data converter (MPH>KPH, KPH>MPH)
Universal fitting
Stem and handlebar mount

Jakarta - Bandung - Punchak

Well, I went to Indonesia last month for almost a week with my wife and her parents. The trip itself was fully organised and arranged by the tour package. All-in inclusive of daily meals (three times per day), accomodations (hotel, resort), transportation, tickets, etc. Just to name it a few. It means, we just have to boros the money for shopping! Hehe.

Our tour group comprised of mainly older folks aged 50-60. I couldn't believe that they all were really physically fit especially during shopping marathon. Some of them even using a wooden stick to assist their walk. Anyway, they all were really2 happening, full of "older jokes" and most importantly we were like a big family, having a family day over there. Hehe.

Some of the places that really made my day were a visit to Tangkuban Perahu, Indonesian Safari Park and Masjid Istiqlal which claimed to has the biggest beduk in the world. Anyway, I will not describing the details to all places that I have visited in Indonesia. A lot of sweet memories have been captured thru my gadget and I will upload it sooner.

In the middle of the tour, my father in-law has received an emergency call from my brother in-law in Penang, named Azwan. Actually, an anonymous has called my father in-law up using his hand phone to inform that Azwan was admitted to ICU! At the moment, we were all in the bus just after having a light breakfast at the hotel. After loading up the baggage in the bus and waiting for the journey begun, we have been informed calmly from my father in-law about that shocking news. Everyone turned silence to get the news more clearer as my father in-law still on the phone. Few seconds later, I, myself and my wife going out from the bus to catch up with the news when my father in-law seems heading to the below compartment of the bus to unload the baggage. I said to myself, we need to go back now! Yes, after that, assisted by the co-tour agent, we went off to the Bandung Airport instantly to get the latest ticket to Penang. We were lucky. 4 tickets back to LCCT KL at 11am. 2 hours later, we touchdown. I and my wife will take care of the bagagges. While, my father/mother in-law took another flight to Penang right after. Alhamdulilllah, everything was on the right time. I and my wife later took a taxi to go back to my mom's house. Reached home, take shower and refreshments, eat a little, that evening I and my wife drove back to Penang. Reached Penang at 5 hours later. We straight away heading to the ortopedic ward at Hospital Seberang Jaya. Alhamdulillah, Azwan was stable. He broke his leg and shoulder. Urggh!

OK, back to the trip. Overall, I must say that the trip was well-organised, packed with outings, great foods offered, excellent accomodations provided and two thumbs up for our talkative tour chief for his efforts to make the trip more enjoyable and fun.

I am still here =)

Fuhh. It's been a while I left my blog untouched. Nothing special to share with especially when you are closed to your families and loved ones. Actually, this blog is dedicated for my beloved wife during the time when we were apart. Distanced thousand miles away has made myself love to write and share some feelings with her. Hey, but now, I am still blogging but not so often. For the past few weeks, a lot of things happened. A lot of things to share with you all but I will update it later.