Melaka Heritage Mountain Bike Jamboree 2008

" Survive the Sahara "
aka ECC Environmental Ride

Ring…Ring…Ring… Halo, huh! I am still sleeping ler. No shit, its 5.22am and I am still in bed. Choy had just called from the Sg Besi toll informing that they are meeting the rest of the PCC Mud & Dirt crew at Seremban rest area for breakfast.

Mozzies had disturbed my beauty sleep and thus had me missing my wake up call. It was 23 minutes before LimYM arrives at my house. Luckily I had packed and prepared the night before, I just need to take a shower and a dump, have the Hornet juice which Bernard had sold me and be ready for drive to A Formosa. Thanks for the wake up call Choy.

Lim was 5 minutes late and off we left for Melaka. Once we were on our way, Tycoon had messaged that he was leaving home and we to have his fried beehoon at the Nilai rest area instead. No problem, both Lim and myself planned to have powerbar for breakfast anyway.

6.20am. we were almost to Seremban rest area and Shang had called that he had just left TTDI and would be speeding to convoy with us. Soon after, Cheng too called and informed that he would be joining the ride too. It was going to be his first ride and he had not registered before this. Damn. The organizers better accept his last minute registration.

Just as we entered the rest area, I had remembered that I have left my hydration bag in the fridge. Early preparation had me prepare the special concoction in advance, thus me forgetting the entire bag. Fuck, how am I to survive 60km without my Camelbak? And without recovery drinks? How? Fortunately, Tycoon and Lim had spare bottles which I could use and it was 100Plus which I would carry with me this time. Having met both Kenny and Debbie here, we were on our way again and were joined on the highway by both Shang and Cheng.

We had arrived at Cowboy Town, A Formosa at 7.20am and the entire car park was already bustling with riders and organizers. Zafrul had ridden up to our cars and I borrowed his bottle cage. OK, with 2 bottles I had decided to ride without the bag. Removed my spare tube and the mozzie repellant from my saddlebag and replaced it with 1 powergel, some salts and a packet of raisins. In my pockets, I had a bottle, wallet, handpump and another pack of raisins. Ready to go, I thought.

Start of event

The YB, or whoever the VIP was flagged off the event. There were a few hundred bikers there easily. Oh-oh! That familiar feeling again…don’t tell me that I needed to go now, I thought. Yes, I needed to take a dump and I needed to go urgently. What a timing this was. Riders were rolling out, Tycoon, Kenny, Cheng and the rest were rolling out. And me? I was busy looking for the freaking gents! And I needed someone to look after my bike. Ya, Lim, Lim was to be the chosen one to look after my bike. He’s quick mah, super quick. Surely he is able to catch up and overtake everyone even if he started late. Haha.

Found the toilet and 15-20 minutes later, we were on our way finally. I am drafting you, I told Lim. There was 10km of road before offroad, so drafting Lim would help me make up some lost grounds. Pedal, pedal we would and we had passed the first familiar face, it was Mike P. Apparently he was late too.

We pulled the pack in once we entered offoad, the first was Choy with a mechanical and Lim had stopped to help so I carried on. Pete and Rob came soon after but my target was to catch up with the other Tofus.

The one with the Lefty

More pedal and passing and I had caught up with Shang and Debbie. It was here that we began riding together we were to finish this ride together. We were middle pack and had come up to the first crawl. It was the first uphill and quickly Mike P caught up. Long queue and we had to push. Suddenly, came Lim and he kept calling “rider coming, rider coming, give way”, the 3 of us took opportunity to climb on our bike and follow suit. Tough but tahan la. No chance also, Lim slowly pulled away climbing and we were soon stuck in the uphill push again.

100 meters ahead, we had the first view of the very interesting course ECC had set for us. It was bike n hike, it was a steep slope totally non rideable, we had to carry our bike and climb the 2 story high slope with the help of a rope. With the torn tendon not fully healed, it left me wondering if I should carry my bike with my left shoulder or right shoulder?

After making it up and panting heavily, the marshals were there with the CP 1 stickers. We had arrived finally at the first checkpoint, it seemed like a long time. Well, just eight more to go I told myself. The first downhill was a little sketchy, loose gravel and pretty steep so a lot and I mean a LOT of front braking with very little back brakes. Phew, I made it without stopping or putting my foot down.

Short while later, another moderate hill another checkpoint; CP 2. Hmmm, simple I thought. Filling up with 100 Plus was a big mistake; every gulp I took, it felt like I needed 2 more gulps to quench my thirst! Damn drink makers, it was just too sweet. The first water stop is at CP 3 and by the way it is going, there’s 1 more hill climb.

Rolling hills it was and CP 3 came fast but not before a makeshift bridge over a 5’ drain. It was 4 trunks put together and it was quite elastic as it wobbled with every step. Memories of MUDD flashed. Huh, while this was easy meat compared to MUDD but I was very cautious and slow across.

At CP 3, I had 2 bananas and a full 1.5 litres of water. Boy, was I full. Really felt like puking. 5 minutes rest and Shang was pressing to ride again when Mike P was busy filling up. ‘No prob. Ride on first’ Mike said to us. So we left him and he never caught up.

We had left the rubber plantations and into oil palm estate, fire roads it was still and suddenly we came across Kenny and Tycoon at the side. Kenny had a puncture, how unfortunate. Or was it fortunate? If not, we wouldn’t have caught up with Kenny. With Tycoon maybe but not Kenny. He was fast and he had great skills. ‘Go first’ both said so Shang and I didn’t stop. On the next climb, we had caught up with Cheng. Not bad for a first timer; a person who probably can count the number of rides he had done with fingers on both his hands. Respect, I always had for Cheng.

CP 4 was on tarmac in a kampong, bananas again but no water this time. Just as I reach this stop, the rider in front slammed on his brakes and I nearly hit him. Screamed I did and there was an apology from him. While I was having my banana, he came along and apologized again. Apparently his shades had dropped off thus causing him to jam up his brakes. No problem.

Botak Hill; The Sahara awaits

Before CP 5 it was a slightly harder climb with a short hike-a-bike; we had to carry our bikes across a trench. Smart thinking ECC had put a couple of pellets which we could use as steps, really handy I must say. But it was all rideable; both up and down. Down into an open area, a very vast area and we were riding into the sun.

It was a slow climb which turned steeper; the sun was also getting hotter. It went on and on, after every corner, there was another steeper climb. Just as it felt as if it was never ending, a marshal under an umbrella came into view. Is this CP 6? I thought to myself. Nevermind, water and rest was more important. It was powergel time and I only had 1 packet. Eat now or save it? There’s another 50 meters of pushing, I thought. ‘Eat’

‘How come the checkpoint is not at the top of the hill? You guys should put it there’ I said to the marshal while pointing 100 meters in front. ‘It is on top’ he replied. Shit, this is not CP 6, it was just a water stop but why here? The top is only 50 meters ahead, I thought to myself. OK, time to go.

Now I know why they needed a water stop earlier; after 50 meters of pushing, the trail turned right and there was another 50 meters and after that another 50 meters. Totally unrideable. Damn, I thought I was going to get cramps while pushing. It must have felt like eternity under the scorching sun. Sahara…very befitting. Finally, we were at the top and there was another marshal there. ‘Highest point here, come get your stickers’ he said.

Out came the state of art Nokia from Shang’s bag for some pictures but alas, the freaking thing hung on us. So no pictures, no shade meant we had to go without much rest. Downhill awaits, hooray.

We reached the edge before descending and to our dismay, it was steep and the terrain was loose. Way too risky to ride even if we could manage to. Damn, push up and push down? I said to Shang. No other choice, it was not a very nice place to crash and hurt oneself.

Meanwhile, a gung-ho rider on a Merida HT coupled with an adjustable fork actually rode the entire way down. Damn, that bugga’s got both skill and guts. Mid-way down, it was rideable and both of us got on our bikes and carried on. At the based of the hill, we turned back and was amazed of the size of the hill. The riders pushing down seemed like ants!

At the end of the downhill, we had to pass a stream and then some single track. Soon after it was CP 7, refill time again. While refilling, Kenny had caught up and we were told by the marshals there that there were no more hills and we were on our way home. No way, I said. There’s supposed to be 2 more check points and maybe close to 20km to go.

True enough, it was rolling hills and we were riding in familiar territory; rubber estate fireroads then a broken bridge came into view and yes, we did pass this on our way in. we are riding the trail in reverse, it was CP 2 in reverse and we are heading to CP 8. Knowing this, the rolling hills were somehow easier to ride and CP 8 was a breeze and we were back to the trunk roads in no time. Another 10km of road and we are home, what an easy 60km, I thought.

CP 9?

Riding on the tarmac seemed tougher this time as the sun was directly over our heads but we knew we were going home so it was OK. Where’s CP 9? I thought. I had remembered in the write up that after CP 9, we will be making it home. Usually it meant that there’s more riding after the last checkpoint. But they way we are riding makes us believe that CP 9 is right at the end; at A Formosa. Hmmm….

Well, just ride la. We will be home in a few clicks, I thought to myself while maintaining cadence. Then we had arrived at the traffic lights and I knew we were very near so I used up the remaining water to douse myself and to my horror, the traffic police started to signal for me to turn left instead of heading straight. The roadsigns clearly stated that A Formosa is straight ahead! Damn, there’s more to go? The heat is killing and I had just finished my bottle on my head!

Well, another 2 km or so was CP 9; the final checkpoint and the girls there mentioned that there was another 7 km of mixed tar and offroad before the end. Shang and I took another 5 before making our way back.

12.30pm we had arrived at the start/end point and another ride done. Signed out and collected our stuffs, I proceeded to look for Lim as he had the keys to the car.

Kenny the reluctant rescuer

As Lim was asking if we’ve seen Tycoon, his cell rang. It was Tycoon calling for help. He had smashed his RD and he needed to be ferried back. He was at CP 9. As Kenny had a roof rack, he was sent to the rescue. Wait a minute, what a coincidence. Kenny the rescuer again, as in MUDD!

After washing up, we decided to travel to Malacca for the famed chicken rice balls but due to the very bad traffic, we had to turn back and have our chicken rice in KFC instead. Just as tasty I would say in such conditions.

Tycoon had to turn back without eating, Kenny and Debbie drove home after KFC and both Lim and I returned to A Formosa to try our luck at the lucky draws at the dinner. But no chance la and it was a long drive home. The only consolation was we did not have to drive home in the heat.

Overall, it was a good ride, easy though (compared to MUDD at least, haha) but a well organized ride in a nice area indeed. Well done, ECC and I will definitely be back next year.

Now, for BM Mountain Cross at Bukit Mertajam in 2 weeks time. Ciao.

Other MUDD pictures

received the pictures from Fey today and here's some selections. hope you'll enjoy it.

when we gathered at MNS, before the start.

at Habu waiting for the transport to batu 49 (trailhead)

arrived at the first river crossing but the water level was too high and flowing too swift. too risky.

found a bamboo crossing 100m ahead and off we went. wonder which was riskier?

the second river crossing, there used to be a metal bridge here. due to incessant rain the day before, it was totally submerged with some parts washed away.

So we created a human chain as an answer with the help of 6 orang aslis there.

'we did it'...lim and tycoon

Keong (Ipoh Mali) & me at Pos Telenuk. This is the final regroup point before heading home to MNS. But nobody stopped for the regroup.

Orang Asli Kids at Pos Telenuk. Most were asking for sweets.

On the way home.

this was caught on stan's camera on the way to the canteen.

Happy feet - waiting for maggi noodles

View from MNS (Malaysia Nature Society) - before going home.

PCC MUDD Camerons Oct 18, 2008

Mountainbike continUously from Dawn to Dusk - 2008
my recollection from the adventure.
- photographs courtesy of Bernard Tan

It was to be my very first overnight outing with PCC and Cameron Highlands it was. This was one of the many biking locations found on the KLMBH’ website and it was the Jim Thompson loop which I promised myself I would ride when I picked up the sport.

I couldn’t hide the excitement when I had read on the earlier newsletters that MUDD was slotted into the ride calendar. Sometime last month and a confirmation with Alvin-a on the ride, I began to gather some friends or some “kakis” as most may refer to for the ride.

The Tofu Riders

'Tofu Rifers' we would call ourselves as within the MTB fraternity, we are THE softies almost tofu-like. The usual suspects confirmed for the trip were Lim “mean-machine” YM, Tan “tycoon” Seng Kiat, Jose “donchknowhatyourespeaking” Salazar and “foul-mouthed” yours truly.

Coincidently, Camerons too was the ride Jose was looking forward to since he arrived from Beijing a year ago and that was when we had met when I started riding. But it was not to be this time around for Jose, two days before the ride an urgent family matter had him grounded for the next few days at least, he had to withdraw.

One night before the trip, 1 tofu down! One tofu’s loss is another tofu’s gain. Rang up another friend at 12am on Friday morning and viola, we had a replacement tofu. Chang “fey” YF will ride for 1 last time before his wedding this early Nov.

The journey there

The plan was to meet and leave Bikepro by 5pm Friday, have a quick dinner at Tapah, meet up with Kenny and Debbie and convoy to MNS. Target was to arrive there by 8.30pm.

Heavy rain and a very congested LDP meant we only got to leave Bikepro at 6.50pm. Once on the NSE, a quick check with Kenny on his status brought dismay as Kenny was already at Tanjung Malim. 1 hour in front of us. Gluttony traits made us change plans and stop at the recommended (by Jeff Liew) Big 3 Restaurant at Bukit Beruntung for carbo-loading.

4 persons, 5 dishes, 1 pot of Chinese tea, many-many bowls of rice and an hour later, we were on our way again. It began to rain again, and cats & dogs it rained. A quick coffee break at Tapah rest area and continued we went.

Being the “biggest” among the rest assured me the seat in the front passenger. Haha, biggest…the circumference of our waists at least. Well, this time being fat probably kept me from puking as the roads leading to Camerons from Tapah were really narrow and winding. It was raining, foggy, dark,…..and it was quiet. It was so bad that quietness had a new meaning; everyone was trying our best to hold up and not throwing-up in the car.

After 40 minutes, a police roadblock at Ringlet provided some relief as we had to disembark our van and Tycoon had his credentials checked. Recovery time! Even for tycoon, the driver himself claimed that he was about to puke if we had not stopped!

10 minutes later and another 15 minutes of driving uphill, we arrive at MNS Chalets around 12.30am. That’s 4 hours behind schedule and poor Tycoon had gone way past his bedtime. And they say a growing child needs the most rest. After cramming into our bunk beds, the final group arrives from KL; Alvin, Adrian, Tun, Choy and some others.

The day begins

Buzz, buzz, its 5.40am and the dormitory floor was already buzzing with activity. Some 30 people were busy preparing themselves for THE Camerons ride of the 2008. Dragged myself out of bed and noticed that both Fey and Tycoon was still nicely tucked under their blankets.

“Assemble and be ready with your bikes at 6.30am” said James Yap. Got down by 6.30am and found that there were some folks trying to re-organize the cars at the parking lot. Man, we were treated with a view of a lifetime right there. Great scenery of the tea valley and the range as the backdrop, on top was light breaking through the mist.

Started the downhill roll towards the pick up point at Habu, which was probably around 10km away. Mostly downhill except a short climb in between before the Boh Café. Stopped periodically to enjoy the scenery, boy, this is what mtb is all about; cool weather, nice hills downhill of course, great company, blah blah…

Short wait at the main road for a regroup before the buses brought us to Tanah Rata for breakfast and later to batu 49.

Get rolling

Here is where we hooked up with other riders who had arranged their own accommodations; there were 7 from Thunderclans, 1 from Singapore, 2 from PCC and Mo (who had bought my Scott MC-50 last year). As per normal, James briefed the riders and there were a lot of excitement. Off we were to roll again, 7km until Sekolah Pos Terisu where the first regroup will be.

First kilometer into the ride, a light drizzle started. Along this tarmac, we had a river with huge boulders on the left and farms on the right. It was all downhill with occasional houses and orang asli kids along the road.

Nearing the school, I came across Corbin who was washing his wounds in the drains by the road. First casualty I reckon. Stopped and helped with some basic first aid stuffs and off we went again. 500m ahead and this was the first rest.

“Next part will be on cement pavement and has the steepest descent. Be careful and try not to tail each other too closely. It leads to a single track and we will regroup at the big river” briefed James.

Off we went again and the descent was nice. Wet tarmac, little traction but manageable….came across Rob doing his business and the track took a left and turned really steep. Corbin came in sight again and whoosh, he had washed out across my path. No where to go but only one way, into him and CRASHHHH, I was dragged along by both bikes until I stopped 10 meters further and next to a drain. I had become part of the stats. Immediately came a running Corbin, blood over his hands and legs extending his hand to help me up. Man, this guy is consistent. Why? He probably fell the same way and just extended the size of his wounds. He had hurt himself in exactly the same places! First aid kit out of the bag again, just that I have to treat myself first this time. Some scratches on the left leg, some blood, fell lucky this time. Came Rob and shouted “hey, someone left a piece of skin here!” That made me double check myself again. Nothing found, good. Must be Corbin’s. Checked my bike, everything’s fine.

50 meters further, the trail leveled out and mud tracks overtook. No more cemented trails, “good” I said to myself. Came across a tree fall and there was Pat standing and pointing while saying “go far right”. Smart ass me went in on the left and got crap stuck to my shoes. That’s for not heeding advice. Another big tree fall, where I climbed over like a bear and single track downhill it was. Nice, overtook some fellas. Then the rumbling noise came about, as we rode, it got louder. Up came a fork and standing there was Lim and some others. Apparently, that was it. The river crossing was in front and there was no way through as the water level was too high.

The adventure begins

I waited there, while most people were checking out the river and other options. While waiting, there came Don in his Scale Limited carbon. More came and went down. Then came Rob and he was going to check out the bamboo bridge found at the end of the other fork. “Bernard’s gone thru” he said. Off we went and Dan was already crossing the bridge while LeeNya was trying to bring her Giant down when we got there.

Wait a minute, what BRIDGE? It was 4 pieces of bamboo placed together with another 2 loosely tied as railings. Midway through the crossing was another 4 pieces and we had to scale a 2 feet high bamboo piece to get across to the other section.

Man, the river was more of a rapids and I cannot imagine what would be the outcome should anyone fall in.

Diligently I was observing Dan crossing with 1 hand on his bike and the other on the left rails. Meanwhile, Rob had removed his shoes and had gotten ready to move to the center section of the “BRIDGE”. When Dan got to the middle, James was back to help bring his bike over to the 2nd half. “We are going to create a chain and move along, ok?” said Rob. “YUP” I replied. “You sure, Winston?” I thought.

OK, turn’s up. Removed my shoes and socks and stuffed it into HYH’s Deuter pack. I had borrowed HYH’s pack as it could hold much more things to support this ride. “What the heck?” I thought, I’ll get it washed and dried before he knows anything about it.

GO. Left hand on the rails, right hand on my bike, stay low, concentrate on my balance, the first step went fine. As I took the second step, the left railing gave way, “No shit” I thought, my knees went jelly and my heart sank. Frozen for a while and thoughts of my daughter ran through my mind. No joke, I was scared shit then. Came Rob the savior. “Do you need me to bring your bike?” he said. My mind was running full capacity then and could not garner an answer for him. Again he asked while gesturing “Do you need….your bike?”. “YES please” while I nodded to him. He came over and pushed my bike over to the center section. I follow suit. Sounds nice ya? I had to do a DUCK CRAWL to the center. Every single step, it felt as if there was creaking beneath me. It must have felt like minutes, the distance was only 10meters!

Once at the center, I got my composure back. Crossed over to the 2nd section and next up was Kenny Kwan and his bike. Got hold of his bike and finished the 2nd part of the bamboo crossing. Man that was really long for me, I am not going to do it again. Said my prayers and took my place to assist the bikes up. It was not the end, another 15 feet of almost vertical climbing after some rock behind before safe grounds. But this was chicken feet compared to the river crossings, only expended energy.

Some 20 bikes later and more people having crossed the river, they took over the task. And rest time, more so lunch time. Grabbed the last sausage bun and what was supposed to be my breakfast, a powerbar before exploring a nice picnic area about 50m away.

Some time later and almost all across, James decided that some of us should start making our way to the metal bridge crossing in front. And off I went with some others. Single track, downhill, rock gardens and uphill later. Nice.

Trouble strikes

“Psst! Psst!” Sounds like my rear tires were losing air. Stopped and checked, yes, it was and it was only when I hit sharp edges. It was leaking from my valve again. This is the 2nd time in a month. Came down, and pumped it up. Off I went again but this time, it kept leaking whenever I hit a depression. The 3rd time, came LeeNya and not only she offered her pump, she was pumping my tire! Malu-lah. “Ok, done” she said. Okay lets get going.

A few hundred meters, leak again la, fed-up. Choy came and suggested that I should insert a tube. I thought NO. I will pump it again while cursing, and then came Lim. Ha! Here’s my chance to grumble since he’s my techie and he set-up these tubeless conversions. Out came my little teeny weeny road pump and what seems like a thousand strokes. Rob passed by and said “your birthday present” and passed me the rain jacket for the Deuter bag which I had over the pack. Must have dropped it along the way. According to Rob, the jacket appeared out of nowhere and came onto his handlebar! ‘Must be my lucky day’ I thought to myself and came LeeNya again. Goddess la, she passed us her pump and we were on our way again in no time.

It never happened again even though some small leaks were evident while we were at the “Metal Bridge” crossing later.

The Metal Bridge

What bridge? It must have been submerged under the gushing river and god knows how deep it is. Okay I heard wrongly, it is the Big River crossing and the plan was supposed to be at the Metal Bridge so we are running late.

This river is BIG; it is about 30-35 meters wide with strong currents. How now, million dollar question? Go back where we came from and go across the bamboo crossing? Or explore the remaining trails here hoping that it leads to civilization? Or swim across?

Everyone had regrouped, some were having their lunch, some were busy washing the dirt off their bikes, some taking photos and other chatting. How now? No answers from the lead.

Suddenly, Joseph picked up a branch and started prodding the river testing the depths of it. No luck.

God sent orang aslis

Just as all seemed hopeless, out came “Xixo”. He removed his slippers, started prodding with his foot, step by step, then jumped over some smaller boulders and viola, he had crossed the BIG river much to the amazement and cheering from us city slickers.

Immediately, James got up and tried to communicate with the orang asli. After some convincing, other orang asli had arrived at the river and a deal was struck within minutes.

Xixo and gang created a human chain, with the help of a bamboo to guide us across. Word got out that they were happy to bring our bikes across too and one by one, we happily prodded across. Safely and surely, everybody got across. It was almost 4pm (I think, I didn’t have a watch, nor a phone, nor a meter!) by then and James briefed us for 1 last time “Regroup at Pos Telanuk” he said and off we went.

Crash again

It happened fast, this time it was painful and I really mean PAINFUL. I was angry, angry at myself for putting myself at unnecessary risks. “This is a self supported ride, I must ride conservatively” but I didn’t. With all the excitement that we were getting home and no more rivers or bridges to deal with had my adrenaline pumping. I wanted to be in front with some other Tofus, I was overtaking riders. Then came one, I had to cross to the other trail and totally missed a deep depression which was hidden by lalang. Down I went and it was hard, direct impact on my right shoulder at the top of my arm and slammed my face on the ground. Thanks to my head bucket and oakleys (which was smashed on impact), my face was safe from any scratches.

Immediately, the chap whom I was trying to overtake stopped to check on me and within seconds, Stan and Danny + wifey had arrived. “Nothing broken” I said and thanked god nothing’s broken. Anything would have happened and if I just extended my hand to stop the fall? I wonder….

Pos Telanuk

The trail started to point upwards slightly and we had arrived at Pos Telanuk, the last regroup. Hey, nobody’s here! Everybody carried on. I got down and got Fey to snap a couple of pictures of ourselves with Ah Keong (Ipoh Mali). Without sweets, we were not too welcomed by the village kids so we started making our way.

Uphill starts here

The trail heads upwards and it’s climbing, climbing and climbing. About 2km into it, came a very beautiful waterfall. Most stopped and I noticed Rob, LeeNya, Fey, Keong and some others there too but I couldn’t stop as if I has stopped, it would be difficult to ride on as the climb seems never ending.

Climb I would continue and climb it is. Then Tycoon came into sight, he was pushing, then it was Mo, I just soldiered on, oblivious to their calls. I could see the bottom of some highway from the bottom and wondered if this trail merges into it. I dare not think, I was too tired to think.

Soon after, yes, it merges with the highway and at the junction were Dan, Joseph and Fey. Fey had overtook me up the climb, he’s quite a climber. Which way? I was too tired to think and followed their choice. It was the correct choice. There was a sign of relief on all our faces as we had believe that the highway would lead us directly to Habu, so we had hoped that it would be downhill to Habu and all we had left was to climb 10km back to MNS. This was it, the final downhill on the highway before the grueling uphill. We had come down that way in the morning before boarding the buses. Whew! And the highway pointed downwards, what a view….Along the way, we passed another Ipoh Mali (Ah Meng I think) filling up by the hillside. I still have some in my hydration, I thought.

Heartbreak

Suddenly, the highway ends into some construction site and apparently this is a highway under construction, this is not the beginning of the end yet. “How long more?” I asked myself. I started to hold back whatever energies I have left and take things slower as I do not know how much longer we have to ride. I must have felt worst than when I broke up with my puppy love.

The evening sun is right into our eyes, I was riding with Dan and both Joseph and Fey had pulled away. No signboards, no directions, are we heading the correct way?

“The trail that we were riding was West of the towns and we have been riding for the past 2 hours with the Sun in our eyes, so this directions must be correct” quipped Dan. Boy, he must have been an eagle scout when he was young and how reassuring to hear such logics when we were dead tired? I was glad I had him with a riding buddy.

Every house and person we came across, I had to ask the golden question “How long more to Habu?” and the answer was always “Jauh lagi! Jalan situ”

Best fried rice in da world

Finally we had arrive at the Canteen, how glad we were when we saw not only Lim, Shang, Bernard, Kenny, Fey, Joseph and 2 others but they were happily eating fried rice and having cold 100 plus. “It is not a mirage” “it is real”

“Chow Fan Gar Tan, 100 plus dua” thank you auntie. “ Can I wash my face?” I asked, “You may shower if you want to!” she answered. Haha, funny.

While I was eating, Mo, Debbie, Rob, Tycoon, LeeNya, Terrence came along. And to Lim, Kenny, Bernard went along. Rob, LeeNya, Debbie followed suit without eating.

6pm; full stomach and having heard from the Auntie that the climb here to Boh plantations is monstrous and would take 40 minutes at least. The would probably meant 1.5hrs at least, “I better be going” I said. “Wait la, we are still eating” quipped both Fey and Tycoon.

10 minutes later, it was bye-bye canteen and hello hills and Hills it was. The immediate hill was tough. With a full stomach, cursing for eating the extra egg, it was extra tough “hang on and complete it” I thought to myself.

Well Calculated Move: Last bus

Managed to catch up with Dan on the climb and when we had reach the top, there was sound of a motorcycle coming from the back. To our amazement, it was Tycoon riding pillon with his right hand on his bike by the side, laughing as the motorbike zoomed pass us. “Cheater” said Dan.

Tycoon had mentioned that he was running on empty and quick thinking had him stop a motorcyclist while offering the cyclist RM30 for the 20 odd km lift back to MNS. Smart fella. At this stage of the ride, it was more important to bring one self safely back than to compare who had done more or better.

As for the rest, ride on we would and soon it was quite again, and it was rolling hills until Kg Kuala Boh. Then the climb got steep again. This was where Dan stopped to rest but I forced myself to ride on. On the next climb, 1 of the riders had misplaced his GPS and had turned back. In his hurry, he had me knocked to the ground. Not hurt this time. Soldier on, buddy.

Drizzle it started again and slowly, pedal by pedal I began to rope in Shang, Terrence, Debbie, and Mo. It was almost dark then, we probably have 10 minutes max before darkness fall. Dark in the jungle? Any nocturnal animals? Any spooks? Too tired to think but to push on. Legs beginning to fail, everything seems so heavy. But hey, I had friend rice topped with an egg, how glad was I then. Guess that’s why I still managed to find the extra cranks up those hills. These slow cranks were interrupted with periods of pushing when traction was lost. And this seemed like eternity in failing light.

Then Rob and Joseph came into view, both have night lights with them. Wow, no way am I going to lose them. Good time to take a break, take a leak and have the 100 plus which I had packed from the canteen. Soon after, Terrence, Shang, Mo and Debbie caught up and we left as a group. It was pitch dark and according to the last orang asli, it would be another 1-2km before BOH plantations. Climb on we would, climb into the darkness. Suddenly I realized that we had lost both Debbie and Mo while climbing but I just could not take my mind off pedaling. I have to continue and not lose focus. Sorry.

Civilization

In the darkness, a silhouette in the shape of a truck emerged. We have arrived at the plantations, what a relief. Suddenly the cramps were gone as adrenalin kicks in, I want to get back to MNS. The thoughts of a warm shower, hot meals and the most comfortable bunk beds in the world….

But to our horror, we are just at the base of the plantation. More uphill to climb and a motorbike came into view. “Berapa jauh MNS?” I asked, “30 minit” the reply. 30 minutes of climb, gosh! And we still can’t see where we were, or where’s MNS? Up in the distance there were some lights, are those from MNS?

“Ride On lor” we told ourselves. After a couple of km, we came to a junction and Rob asked us if it was okay if we stopped so he can have his apple. “Sure” we replied. I meant ‘Do we have a choice? He’s the one with the lights!’ Anyway, a welcomed break even though I was eager to finish the ride. While waiting, Mo and Debbie caught up. Mo had lights with him. Now there were 6 of us and 2 sets of headlights. Okay, we should be fine and be at MNS in no time.

Now the question about the rest arises; Are they at the canteen? Are they in Kg Boh? Will they push in the dark? Do they have lights? Can the 4x4s get into the trail? The list goes on…

“Can’t worry too much, let’s get back first” said Rob. As we were chatting, two 4x4s pull up at in the front one was Bernard and Ah Meng. “Get up, get up” called Bernard.

Rob turned to me and said “let’s finish it” and I agreed. So Rob turned to the rest who were busy loading up and said “Ladies, both of us are finishing the ride. See you guys up there” Wow hearing that would have given me the extra boost for another 100m of climbing!

And off we went, a few hundred meters into it, the 4x4 stops by again and Bernard goes “Hey guys, get up la. There’s still a long way to go” We looked at each other, what the heck and promptly loaded our bikes in it. This was the last train to MNS. HaHa, so much for being a MAN. At least it lasted 5 minutes!

The other 4x4 ferried Shang, Terrence, Mo and another rider back to Tanah Rata.

Back in the truck and noticing the distance that we had to cover should we have carried on, both of us we continued to justify to each other on our decision to get on the truck! Along the way, we passed Joseph, LeeNya and Fey and offer them to get up.”NO!” they were adamant, so near so they are not giving up.

10 minutes later, we were at the base on MNS and were trying to convince the driver to go pick the rest. But to our dismay, he won’t continue.

Now that we are back, hot showers and food awaits. But no, waiting for us was Lim, Tycoon and Kenny. The Tofus were the first ones out! First back by MTB, and first back by Kapchai! It was here that we found out that Tycoon had to sacrifice his remaining ride in order to send reinforcement 4x4 to our rescue. Wow what a man. At least, this was part of his story. We were bloody thankful. Really, really and I mean it.

Soon after LeeNya, Fey and Joseph arrived too. Somehow, they didn’t look tired at all. “How was the last climb?” I asked Fey and got this reply “Tahan la, almost there mah. When’s Steamboat?”

Full Monty

Time to shower and due probably to fatigue, I had totally forgot that I am not in the privacy of my hotel room. I pulled my dirty shorts down and Bernard suddenly turned up at the door. Full posterior view of my fat ass. “You F&*K! Why you show me your dirty ass?...” I can’t remember the full details but I think I must have brought the best of his curses. But hey, WTF, I was just too tired and I want my shower.

After the nice hot shower, all of us congregated at the suites (aka couple dorm) for some hot drinks and snacks. It was here the Rob was busy coordinating rescue vehicles. Christina was somewhere near the base of the plantations on the look out for riders.

News came in that the riders are safe and are slowing rolling out of the trail. That was about 10pm then. Rob arranged for the last vehicle to roll out and Kenny volunteered (more of kena assigned according to him) to take Tycoon’s Nissan van down to assist the riders.

After finishing the very delicious maggi noodles prepared by Fey, popped 2 panadols, 2 vitamin Cs, it was SNORE time. Think it was around 11pm. Man, what a day we had. Wait a minute, the day has ended? The rest is not even back yet! But it was beyond us. ZzzzZzzzzZzzzZZZzzz (notice the inconsistent snoring?)

Sunday 7.30am MNS

The floor was again abuzz with activities but this time, it was not about people getting ready to bike or to leave, everyone was sharing their experiences and there were laughter. There was a lot of laughter. What a happy bunch. These people is what I call mountain bikers, wait they are more than mountain bikers, they are PCC M&D.

The Tofus left quietly around 9am and it was rather quiet during the journey and at both breakfast and lunch. Maybe we were still tired but deep inside we knew this MUDD is an outing which was incomparable. We were thankful all riders were safe, we are thankful we are safe, we were thankful we were on our way home.

As check on my bruised shoulder showed a torn tendon, 2 weeks and I would have fully recovered. No problemo.

To call this an EPIC would be an understatement. I have no words for it. Those who rode it knows.

To James Yap; for your leadership, the many difficult decisions you had to make, excellent job.

To Rob, Pete, Alvin for organizing, other non riding support crew, the PCC and the 50 other riders, THANK YOU for being part of the adventure. I doubt there will be many rides which would surpass this. ‘Those Who Rode IT Knows’.

my blog

Oct 21, 2008 3.38pm

finally decided to set up my own blog. never had good writing skills so never in my wildest dreams that i would have my own blog until....

until last weekend. last weekend was PCC MUDD weekend at Cameron Highlands.

what an outing. since i penned some stuffs for PCC newsletter so i might as well have my own blog for memories.