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