Imperial Century Ride (Preview) – 29/6/08

With the Ipoh Century Ride coming in 2 weeks time, this ride was just right for us to have a taste of what it meant for the "century ride", at least for me.

The turnout for last Sunday was very encouraging. About 60 riders (inclusive of the TBB animals and the Kepong groups) joined in this challenge. Again, this proved our theory of "the longer the ride distance, the better the response will be". We pushed off at about 7 am with quite high pace after Sungai Buloh. The peloton moved smoothly like a train and soon we reached our first R&R i.e., Ijok Petronas at around 9am.

Few riders lead by Ariff turned back and the rest continued our journey to Pekan Sg Tengi. The weather was extremely kind to us and we were able to keep the pace around 30-33km/hr until Pekan Sg Tengi. After a short break in Pekan Sg. Tengi, the train lead by PK aka Pain Killer headed back to Ijok Petronas. Weather was still very nice and the peloton managed to keep up the good speed all the way to Ijok. Along the way, one rider broke his spoke but was able to continue his ride. The journey back to Centre Point after Ijok was split into 3-4 pelotons when some stronger riders decided to hammer all their way back. Of course, for me, I opted to ride at my own speed and took it easy. The drizzle around Guthrie corridor was a pleasant surprise for me as it cooled me down and freshen me a bit. Reached Centre Point slightly after 2pm. A check in my cyclometer shown that mileage achieved was 162km in 5 hours 40 minutes (riding time). All in all, it was an uneventful ride but really a pleasant ride despite the long distance. Thanks to the weather and the team.

For me, this was the second ride to Pekan Sg Tengi and the last time was also just before last year Ipoh Century Ride. It was definitely easier than the ride last time as the weather was much better this time round.

6 Apr 2008 – Not my day

Like any other Sunday, today is the day that I look forward. Cycling with my usual mates in PCC. Woke up at 6 pm and left home at 6.20 to be on time for the ride at 7 am. On the way, in the LDP near Kelana Seafood Centre, my car just lost the power and was halted at the road side about 300 meters away. Damn, there gone my cycling……

Called AAM for help and the man from AAM turned up about 45 minutes later. After checking on the car, he pronounced "death" for my car. Timing belt "putus". The AAM man help me to call for tow truck from AAM to tow it to my usual regular workshop. Waited for another 45 minutes before the Tow Truck arrived. This is the first time I experience car breakdown in the middle of the highway. This is the first time I feel the advantage to be a AAM member after more than 10 years becoming their member.

My car mechanic again confirmed the diagnosis and had to send the car into ICU. Apparently, I have over stretch the changing of timing belt by 40,000 KM. Now, the car is still in the ICU. The engines has been dissect piece by piece and it will only be ready tomorrowL. I think it will be burn another big hole in my pocket L.

Lesson learnt. To read the stickers stuck on the car as it is a reminder for maintenance. Cannot rely on the workshop for remainder to maintain……………..

I also missed my 110KM cycling to Batu Arang. I hope to be able to ride next week….keep my fingers crossed.

 

Ride Report: 13 Jan 2008

Route: Centrepoint-K Damansara-Sg Buloh-Ijok-Btg Berjuntai-Tg Karang-K Selangor-Kg Kuantan- Btg Berjuntai-Kg Jawa-Ijok-Guthrie Corridor-Kg Subang-K Damansara-Tropicana-Centrepoint (160KM)

 

After riding with PCC for almost 2 years, this is the first time I am writing a report about our ride. It is not an easy task as it forces me to recollect some details of the ride just two days ago. The problem is. I have a short memory …..

As usual, PK ride was always started at 7am sharp and as usual you can expect a long ride with short stops in Petronas. The plan was to revisit the same route that we went through just 3 weeks ago and this time everyone knows that it was a 160KM challenge. 160KM of endurance and 7 hours of sunshine (maybe less for some fast riders).

Arrived at Centrepoint at about 6.45am and saw a few riders already there setting up their machines and weapons ready to concur the challenges ahead. Knowing PK reputation for pushing off at 7 am sharp, I quickly got out of the car and got my stuffs ready. I did not count the number f riders turned up but it was estimated to be around 30 to 40 riders.

The ride pushed off at 7am at a decent pace of 25km/h at Kota Damansara and soon after Sungai Buloh, pace was increased to a decent 32-35km/h. The peloton was holding up well until the Indian temple near Ijok where several riders made a break away and peloton broke into smaller groups.

We made our first stop at Ijok Petronas to refill our bottles and also filled up out stomach. Shortly after that, the group from Kepong lead by "Jelly Belly" arrived at the same station. After a short rest, we pushed off to the next regroup point in Kuala Selangor. A few riders who opted for a shorter route turned back to Centrepoint lead by Don. "Jelly Belly" group joined us to Kuala Selangor and made the total group to be around 20+ riders.

I can still remember the mind weakening "long, flat and never ending" road that we rode in the last ride to Kuala Selangor. So, I knew I needed to conserve my energy in order to "survive" this ride. When I found a "first class spot" just right behind my hero "Jelly Belly", I drafted behind him as long as I could to enjoy the "vacuum" effect created by him. Thanks mate. Unfortunely, after several KMs of enjoying this privilege, I have to give away this position when a dog that decided to "commit suicide" dashed across the streets, cut through the peloton in between me and my hero. The dog hit my front wheel and I had to slow down. I was lucky enough to be able to hold my balance to avoid crashed and kissing the tarmac. The rest of the journey was quite uneventful until everyone reached Kuala Selangor, the "Kampung Kelip-kelip" Petronas station. The time check then was 10.30 am and the cyclometer shown reading of around 100KM. We have made a reasonably good pace this far. The sun started to turn violent and we started to feel the heat above us.

After resting about 25 minutes, we pushed off again toward Ijok via Kampung Kuantan, Batang Berjuntai and Kampung Jawa. The peloton was divided into 2 groups with the front group lead by Daniel Lim, Shahrin and the other "Speedy Gonzalez" gang members. I started to feel tired and butt was painful by now. But what choice do I have? I just had to "tahan" as it was still about another 50KM to go. Suddenly, Azahar shouted "KOM depan" and he just sped pass me flying up the hill when we entered Batang Berjuntai. A few riders followed suit but unfortunately, I was too far behind to see who the winner was. I was dropped miserably about 2-3 KM before IJOK Petronas, rode alone to the station.

After refilled our bottles and short rest, we started our journey for the last 40KM via Guthrie Highway. The faster group pushed forward and they were lost in sight in no time. To me, this is the most challenging stretch of today ride as body was tired and the sunshine penetrated deep into my skin layers. I had to make 2 more short stops (one under the bridge before Guthrie Highway and the other in Petronas Kampung Subang to cool down and rest. Better to do that to avoid "heat stroke" that can be detrimental to body.

Reached back to Centrepoint at 2.30 pm with body "well tanned", extremely exhausted and just in time to avoid the rain. Rainfall started to pour right after we reached Centrepoint.

Overall, it was a good ride and it felt harder compared to the last ride 3 weeks ago. I completed the ride 1 hour later that the last one. Probably, it was due to the hot weather. It was relatively uneventful ride with some small incidences in the peloton. Thanks all for the ride pals.

 

 

By CC Wong

 

Hari Raya Holidays Well Spent on Bike

Yes, the last 3 days of Hari Raya holidays were well spent on bike.

Day 1 (13-10-07)-1^st day of Hari Raya.

Managed to persuade my family to make a day trip to Fraser's Hill. They drove, I rode J. Woke up early at 6am and surprising everyone was up at that time. This never happen during working day J.

Started our journey at 6.30am and reach KKB stadium slightly after 8am. After a quick change into cycling outfit, I quickly started my solo ride up to the GAP. It was so quite during this first day of hari raya. Traffic was so few and I only see a few stray dogs along the way. The weather was so good and the ride was so enjoyable. Although I was riding alone, the support from family in the support car made me feel 'accompanied' all the w ay. Scenery was supurb like usual. In actual fact, the beautiful scenery was the reason for me to travel all the way to cycle here.

Arrived at GAP in 1 hr 42 mins for a total of 32km ride. My family was there receiving me in the support car. As I promised my wife to drive from GAP to clock tower, I stopped and load my bicycle into our car and continued our journey. We arrived at the clock tower around 11.30am, just in time to have our lunch in the store. Hanging around for another 11/2 hours taking photos and rest, we left Fraser's around 2pm. While descending, we saw a group of cyclists (around 8-9) riding up.

Day 2 (14-10-07)-2^nd Day of Hari Raya

Joined my usual Sunday cycling group (PCC) for a ride from Batu 14 to Genting Perez and Titi and back. The turn up was big surprisingly (>20 riders). After a quick briefing by the ride director, Dennis Soh, we push off at a pace of 30-32km/hrs. This time, I managed to tag along with the main peloton until the foot hill of Genting Perez. Then, I took a short rest before climbing the 9km ascending route to Genting Perez. Managed to reach the peak without much problem. Waited a while for the rest of the group at the regroup point at the peak.

Majority of the riders decided to turn back and not continue to Titi in view of the hot weather. Only 6 of us decided to continue our ride to Titi for "Wantan noodles". The journey to Titi was quick enjoyable with lots of down hills and rolling hills. However, we knew that we have to pay for this on the way back as we will be taking the same route back. This simply means "a lot of uphill climbing" waiting for us.

Had our breakfast as planned in Titi and refilled our water bottles before we started our journey back to Batu 14. The weather shown no mercy to these 6 cyclists and we were put to test by the "never ending climbs". I was dropped by the front riders and had to ride alone in most part of the journey. It was a big relief when I finally reached the peak of Genting Perez again. I thought the front guys will wait for me but I don't see a single "ghost" when I reached there. So, I continued riding downhill to the foot hill of Genting Perez thought that those guys will be there. Again, I don't see anyone. So, it is confirmed that I have to cycle back to Batu 14 alone.

The sky started to get gloomy when I reached Batu 18. In no time, the heavy down pour showered me and I was completely soaked. This has actually cooled me down and I started to feel a bit more energetic. Although it was not so pleasant to cycle in the rain, but at least it was not so hot.

Arrived at the car park at around 1pm where I saw Adeline and Andrea already changed their clothes. In total, my cyclometer registered 99.4KM.

Day3 (15-10-07), Day 3 of Hari Raya

Received sms from Andrea and Adeline to join them for a recovery ride in Kesas after cleaning my bike yesterday. I was hesitating as I had just cleaned my bike. But, it is so near from home……, can't resist the invitation and decided to ride from home joining them in Kesas highway. All together, 6 of us including me riding along the highway. I took a big loop from Puchong to Sri Petaling to Shah Alam and back. This time, I could not keep up with the pace as my legs still feel the strain from the last 2 days of cycling.

The distance this time was 42km.

All in all, I have cycled 180km for the last 3 days. Legs are sore and body is tired but I am totally satisfied with the way this holiday is spent.

Going to Egypt next week, so no cycling for the next 2 weeks L.

 

 

Mizuno Waves Run 2007 Update

I am really surprise that I managed to finish running the Waves Run in 1hr 12 Mins time despite lack of training couple with the fact that I am not 100% fit due to my bad cough and also last week interstate. My mate, Mac also completed the run and we are more determine to sign up for the Lumut Powerman this coming November……

Mizuno Wave Run (9/9/07)-10km

Have not been running for the last 1 year ever since I took up cycling. Will try to run again tomorrow with my other fellow cycling friends. Hope to be able to finish the run as body still tired and week after last week Interstate 365KM cycling from Ipoh – Taiping – Tanjung Bungah. Here I come again…………………..

Sinful weekend

The past weekend was a sinful lazy weekend. Took leave from work on Friday, went to Penang for holiday as had a free hotel room in Golden Sands Hotel.

The whole weekend was about being lazy; over indulge in delicious penang hawker foods, junk foods, durian and worst of all, no workout at all. For the first time after I bought my Polar watch and start recording all my workouts, I did not achieve my weekly calories burn target. Only achieved a dismal 41%.

Had 6 episodes of purging starting on Sunday night and fever. I think this is the price to pay for all the sins committed. Feel so weak and so lousy today. In order to drag myself out of this vicious cycle, I went to my regular gym for a RPM class this evening. True enough, I suffered like hell and had to slow down a few times in the middle of the class. Managed to complete the class, finally.

Now, I feel so much better. I think my body start to feel refresh with the rush of adrenalin in my blood stream.