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.

My New Carrier!

Allen 1030 Deluxe Trunk-Mounted 3-Bike Carrier:

During lunch hour today, I went out to the bike shop (the one where I bought my bike) to find out a bike carrier. Initially, I just wanted to look around for some accessories but finally I make a decision to buy a rear bike rack (Allen 1030 in particular) for some reasons. For me, the carrier can easily to get on and off. So, I don't have to dismantled my bike's tyre and try to "squeeze" in the bike inside my car everytime I have a ride somewhere. I am really tired of doing that. Hmm. Besides, the rack material is moderately light and allows up to 3 bikes to be carried per trip. I have also browse thru the forums and most of the users claimed, the said carrier is excellent, good value for money and has been rated 4.5/5.0. Not that bad huh?

Below are some features that I manage to get from the internet:

• Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk-Mount Carrier makes carrying a trio of cycles easy and safe
• Mounts to most any sedan, hatchback, van, SUV or other vehicle quickly
• Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk Carrier holster your cycles in soft and securing cradles with secure over-straps
• Single configuration design for easy setup and installation
• Patented individual tie-down system secures and protects bicycles
• 15" long arms with a 100 lb. total capacity make it safe and easy to carry a variety of bike styles and sizes
• Fully assembled: sets-up and installs in seconds
• Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk-Mount Carrier is covered by a lifetime guarantee from Allen

Desaru 2009

OK. Today I am going to write something after a long silence. This evening I went off quite early as Monday syndrome won’t allow me to be in the office till night. Still have a lot of works to be issued but my immediate superior was not around today, so I spent most of the time leisurely in the office today. For the past few days, I went out from the office around 5pm as I need to pick up my sister who’s in the middle of internship, somewhere at Jalan Semarak. Today, she was waiting for me a little bit early. Good for me. Reason being, I need to reach home, atleast, at 6.30pm for my scheduled riding. But, it was too bad, when I reached home, the sky turns darker with a light rain falling constantly without a sign to stop. Hmmm.

Actually, last weekend I went back to JB to meet my wife as there was a family day organized unofficially by my wife’s officemates. The event took place at the Desaru beach for 2D1N. On the Saturday morning, I and my wife went out and directly headed to Al-Kauzar restaurant. Had a light breakfast before we moved to the Shell petrol station next to the JJ Tebrau – The gathering point. We supposed to be there at 8.30am before started the journey. Reached there nearly 8.30am. There were few people waiting at the corner eagerly waiting for the others to arrive. My eyes started looking around when I came out from the car. They all looked very energetic in reds! Frankly, the color was not to my taste. Nothing really wrong with it except I don’t really fancy red. Anyway, I need to wear it though. Then, after few minutes, everyone has arrived. A few photography sessions took place and finally around 9am, the journey begun.

The journey took about 2 hours. The traffic was really smooth with some over-takes to keep the journey in the group. Upon reaching the Desaru, everyone lowered down the speed and enjoyed the nature beauty along the road with coconut trees within the area seems welcoming us there. Also, my view was caught by a group of wild monkeys playing on the tree and the street showing their naughty faces ignoring the cars passed thru them.

There was some confusion in finding the right junction to the chalet and after two turn-backs, finally at 10am we reached there. After parked the cars along the chalets, we headed to the assembly area, I would say a medium size hall with a stage, few round tables and chairs. We have been served with a light snack (cucur udang) and a hot drink. Then, a short briefing took place to outlines the itinerary, meeting points, rooms availability, and self-introduction session especially to those who bring their spouses and families. Before we went off to the chalet, we have been given a souvenir (a cup and a mineral water) and a group photo shot took place later. Well done to the organizers!

After washing up for refreshment and changed to my sport apparel (red color, of course), we later gathered at the spacious area adorned with multi-colored flags along the border which dedicated for our activity. It was only few meters away from my chalet. OK, two thumbs up for the chalet (some claim that theirs are not good). The chalet, in my point of view has applied a tropical contemporary theme. Reason being, most of the parts were made off by wood with some modern arrangements been applied moderately. The room is big and gives high comfort for two persons with an air-conditioned and isolated with a wooden sliding door from the hall area. The toilet is located in the room with a shower and a water heater facility. The sofa and TV are nicely placed in the hall area equipped with a ceiling fan. As far as I remembered, there are a water kettle, a microwave and a refrigerator in the kitchen as well as a small table like a bar with two long chairs. Above all, the most excellent part is the chalet located next to the beach!

The first activity was around 12pm - Volleyball. The weather was really good at the time. Hmm. The game that I know and play best. For the game, no strict rules been applied. It means, the teams were not balanced in number, the net was loosen down till I can hold the top, the line was not in place and the ball was over-pumped!

At first, I want to ask the organizer to change the ball, or to reduce the pressure of the ball, but, when I looked around, everyone was really happy with the ball, so I just forget about it. I can’t remember all the details, but what I was really sure, when my wife played the game while I was standing outside of the so-called court snapping some great moments, suddenly I heard a big bang. A sound that really familiar with a tyre break. The sound was followed with a big laugh and everyone staring at my wife. She broke the ball with her hand! Huhu. Luckily, she was fine. Then, I heard some make jokes to me for being a good husband and be careful with her. Hehe.

The activity continued at the beach. At first, all the guys planned to play beach soccer but after few minutes later, the sun burning activity which dominated only by the guys earlier on the beach changed over. The girls also wanted to join after the long wait of hidden and sheltered under the coconut tree. Then, the organizer planned to create a new game – sort of netball played with a rugby ball and there was no net to aim, but a human-target that can move around to capture the ball! Trust me, it’s true yet fun!

After the activity, the lunch was served and the activity will be resumed back at 3pm. OK. After the break, the next activity was in charged by the chalet representative - a big friendly and funny guy. We have been grouped equally to four teams namely – Afiga, Bravo, No Name and Ahmad Albab. I was in Bravo team while my wife was in No Name.

Here I list out the games involved:
Jalan King Kong, Lari Kaki 3 (backwards!), Fish Ball Games, Pelari Mabuk (damn funny!), mummy (we were given three rolls of toilet tissue to wrap up a team mate all over his body!), Pancing Lada, Kerusi Irama, and Sambut Telur. The games finished almost 5.30pm and the winner goes to Afiga followed by Bravo, No Name and Ahmad Albab. Well done guys!

The activity continued with volleyball game and spent a relaxing time at the beach till sunset. Around 8.30pm, we had a BBQ dinner followed by a game specially dedicated to the married couple – a husband has to make-up his wife cosmetically and the points will be given based on the style and well order. The 5 minutes given were used imaginatively with full of fun. Everyone was really enjoyed. After that, a game called, win, lose or draw took place played by the four groups mentioned earlier. The scope of subject has been narrowed down to the name of Malay movie or simpulan bahasa. Good game but too time consuming. Finally, the closing ceremony was a guitar and song performance.

I am too lazy to remember and write in detail about what happened after that, all I could remember was that night I slept very tight after long hours of activities. The following day, we grouped all together to record some memories at the chalet vicinity area. Well done for the photographers for their continuous effort and attempt in capturing the sweet moments between us. Looking back, it was a very enjoyable family trip. Nice and friendly people that I got to know during the trip. Well organized except for some complaints concerning the water supply cut for few minutes.

Overall – Exciting, enjoyable and most importantly FULL OF FUN!

The Revolving Restaurant, KL Tower