Happy New Year 2010

Incredible Weight Loss story

I love a good story especially when it comes the determination of the human spirit.

Read this incredible story here by a cyclist who lost 331 pounds.

Cycling Malaysia

We recently saw 2 local bicycle magazines launching their 1st issue. One was Cycling Asia and the other, Cycling Malaysia.

I borrowed Cycling Malaysia from Loi and was surprise with the articles inside. There was an article by Herbert Lye on Cycling101 (the basics), tips on cycling uphill, cycling in FRIM (Malaysia Rubber Institute) and the thing I wanted to bring to your attention, a write up by KLMBH (KL Mountain Bike Hash) on hashing. Well written with enough information to get you joining a local bike hash club in their regular hash rides.Get the magazine and read all about it.

By the way, if any Cycling Malaysia or Cycling Asia people are reading this blog, care to send complimentary mags to me?

That also brings us to M2BH November's Hash Ride that will be held on 22nd November.
Please click on the banner below to get detail on directions.

15th ACC MTB Championship 2009 -XC Race 08th Nov 2009

I received a phone call from Danny on Saturday asking if I can help out as a marshal the next day in the Asean XC Championship. I was initially hesitant because I had already planned to follow Ah Heng and gang to ride the whole Burung Hantu trail on early Sunday morning which until today I have not had the chance. But I decided to help out because it is not often you get an international event held in Malacca and it would be a nice experience.

8am - Hutan Rekreasi, Ayer Keroh. Marshal briefing.
It was a good thing 10 ECC members volunteered as we discovered later, the international cycling body had plans to cancel the event if there were not enough marshals. I wonder what had gone wrong with the local organisers. Anyway, ECC members are a bunch of guys with nothing much to do on Sunday except cycling, so volunteering at a last minute was an easy decision.

Beatrice A. Lajawa from UCI body doing the briefing.

Testing the podium before the actual winners use it.

The event started at 10am with the junior men category being flagged off followed by the junior women category 2 minutes later.

The Elite Women category was at 12pm and the highlight of the day, the Elite Men category was at 2.30pm.

The Elite Women category winner from China. She deserve every glory of a winner from her consistent strong peddling.

Junior Women category. This is the spot where Wahid and I were doing the marshal work. It had a short uphill ride which then had a sharp left turn. It was a good spot as it slowed down the riders to enable me to jot down the ride plate numbers and Wahid to blow the whistle to inform the next marshal of coming riders.

There was a short break in between the junior and elite races and I took the opportunity to check out the action at the starting area.

The Indonesian Mountain Bike team

Korean rider getting his muscle warmed up before the race

Iranian team doing some last minute bike tuning.

This Specialized design looked familiar. It reminded me of Chan SM's Superbow Corratec bike.

More bikes being prepped up for the race

Finally, the Elite Men category came on. When they reached my area, it was a rush. All the good riders coming in together with some carrying the bike and overtaking. It was a frantic moment for me trying to jot down the numbers and at the same time hoping not to miss out any riders. Luckily Wahid helped out by reading out the numbers.

Kazakhstan rider that came out

That's me on the right corner. Thanks Wahid for the photo.

Nice display

I always had the impression Polygon makes lower end mtb bikes, this photo proved me wrong with the Indonesian team using it.

Overall, it was a good experience playing a small role in an international event. Thank you Danny for thinking of me for the marshal job. Though it was a whole day affair, it was worth every minute of it.

We were asked if ECC members can volunteer in next year's SUKMA games mountain bike event held in Malacca and I am sure there will be no problem. We will always be happy to assist.

More photos of the event here:

Abdul Wahid's photos 1

Abdul Wahid's photos 2

Kalvin Chong's professionally taken photos

XC Race results: in case you're wondering...
Men's Elite: Yamamoto Kohei (Japan) 1:45:59, 2nd Chan Chung Hing (Hong Kong) 1:46:11, 3rd Kirill Kazantsev (Kazakhstan) 1:48:00

Women's Elite: 1st Cheng Yuan Ren (China) 1:41:42, 2nd Rie Katayama (Japan) 1:44:58, 3rd Liu Ying (China) 1:51:07

Men's Junior: 1st Supachiwakun Natawat (Thailand) 1:06:17, Luk Chun Chung (Hong Kong) 1:08:39, Jerry Joeffrey Jemie (Malaysia) 1:09:02

Women's Junior: 1st Siriluck Warapiang (Thailand)1:01:38, 2nd Dinh Thi Nhu Quynh (Vietnam) 1:03:31, Yoo Da-Jeong (Korea) 1:05:24

ECC's Burung Hantu Ride

24th October 2009 - That will be a date to remember in the mountain bike cycling community, Malaysia's 1st night mtb jamboree.

What a night it was. Almost 800 riders registered from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, helped by the promotions of various personal blogs and cycling websites. Thanks guys!

There were many things that came to mind at the initial planning. Big group cycling at night, the problems that might come, the trail marking, etc. We are lucky to have the support of the local riders and everyone chipped in the brain storming sessions and came out with what you saw during the ride. The "brilliant" idea of using LED lights enclosed in long plastic bag that illuminated the entire length and also protects it from rain. The motorcross group that made sure everyone is safe. Our members who trimmed the grass, marked the trail and endured the mosquito bites while waiting at the various check points and many others who did what they did best, ensuring the event went well.

Rain, one of the biggest worry. We had plan A and plan B ready in case it rained but thank God, the weather was superb and the riders got to ride the full trail.

I was in charge of registration and am grateful to the patience of the riders when we open shop. After sorting out the teething problems, everything went smoothly with so many riders getting the ride plates, goody bags and T-shirt.

As evening arrived, the riders started to come in for check in and the field in Dataran Sejarah started to fill up with lights.

The mayor of Melaka was invited to say a few words and did the flag off. We managed to get some financial assistance from the state government but after the mayor saw the big turnout, he was impressed and assured us of better support in the next mountain bike event.

I was standing on stage when the flag off was done. It was a sight to behold. So different from the many rides that I have attended. You can feel the excited feeling radiated from so many people.

On behalf of the The Environment Cycling Club, Thank You to all that came from near and far. Thank You for the kind comments in ECC's blog. Thank You to the media that came to share the news to the non cycling world. Thank you to Cycling Asia for the coverage.

We are humbled with the request to do again such a ride and I am sure ECC members will look forward organising another one.

Till then, ride safe.

ECC's photo album

More photos available for viewing at these FB links
Loi Wen Chong's Photos - Album 1

Loi Wen Chong's Photos - Album 2

Loi Wen Chong's Photos - Album 3

Loi Wen Chong's Photos - Album 4

Loi Wen Chong's Photos - Album 5

Cycling Malaysia's photos

Mohd Haris Khalim's Photos

Abdul Wahid's Photos

Bernard's Photos

Azman Mohamed's Photos

Alyas Ling's Photos

Aruff Jasmi's Photos

Abdul Razak Abdul Kadir's Photos

Haitsan Fuji's photos

My own photos

NomadAdventure's Gopeng Peanut Search

GPS (Gopeng Peanut Search)

The hunt for peanuts is ON!

Nomad Adventure is proud to announce their next event – GPS (Gopeng Peanut Search)

GPS is designed as a fun & exciting event for mountain bikers & outdoor enthusiasts. It is not a race in the traditional sense, rather a navigational challenge done on mountain bikes over 5 hours.

Checkpoints are spread out over surroundings of Gopeng. Variety of routes is on offer, taking riders on a journey to discover hidden gems around the area. Suitable for technical riders who yearn for some new challenge, and also newbies who want a more laidback ride to a famous makan stop.

Date: 15th November 2009

Please click on the logo to get details on this interesting event.

Night Ride Tips

I would to share my little (3-4 years) of night riding experience since ECC's Burung Hantu Night Mtb ride is coming soon.

Rear red blinking lights
A must for you to be visible to the cars coming from the back. More lights means more visibility but that is only if you are riding solo or with a friend. I am a supporter of a green environment, so if you have a big group of riders cycling together, you don't have to on all the lights. Just 1 rear red blinking light will do.

Front lights
This is the most important if you are going off road riding.

As pictured below, I have 1 white blinking light on all the time to warn oncoming cars of my presence and another strong bike torch light whenever I hit the dark areas. For me, dark areas means really bad visibility like cycling into the oil palm or rubber estate. If you are on a kampung road, there is usually the street light that is bright enough for you to see the road and I always try to conserve battery life.

Most of the time when I ride in a group, the lights emitted by the other riders is good enough for me to go without switching on mine.

Whenever you need to stop when there is a regroup or traffic jam ahead, remember to switch off the front torch light. This will help prolong the battery life.


If you are planning to ride fast and furious on the off road track, it is better to have 2 strong torch lights beside the blinking lights.

Point 1 nearer towards the front tires (approx. 3 feet) and the other about 8 feet ahead. This will help you see what is coming ahead.

There is always the element of surprise when doing off road night riding. Be alert of your surrounding, the shout of warning of riders ahead of you on dangers such as holes, bumbs and animals. Front riders usually come across birds such as Night Jars, owls, snakes and even wild boars on the tracks.

Batteries
Please try to use rechargeable batteries. Most will give you your monies worth in the long run and you'll be doing your bit for the environment.

Most front bike lights use AAA batteries. If you are using the usual alkaline batteries for the front lights and the strength is not enough to brighten the path ahead, don't throw them away. They will still be good enough to power the rear red blinking lights that uses the same battery size. Maximize the batteries before discarding them.

Hope these tips help in making your night ride pleasant and safe.

Additional points shared by Winston at Midnite Cowboys FB group

- if biking offroad in a group, please switch your back blinking lights to still lights. if not , your buddies behind you will suffer.
- always carry spare batteries and handphones with you
I had this unpleasant experience of the torch light giving up on me when I was leading a ride in the rubber estate! I got the 2nd rider to ride beside me so that I can see where we are heading.
- gauge your fitness and skills, be truthful to your buddies and yourself. you dont want to burden your buddies in the middle of nowhere, even more so while in darkness.
- NEVER ride alone.

Additional points shared by SN
If I may add to your list of lights. While its good to have a set of powerful lights on the handlebar, a helmet light is just as important. If you can, get a powerful light to be mounted on the helmet. The helmet light points wherever you are looking, whereas the handlebar light points only where the bike is going.

When you reach a switchback turn, you will want to look ahead around the turn, which is when the helmet light helps. The handlebar light will only shine straight ahead before you reach the turn, leaving you blind otherwise as to what lies around the turn.

Given a choice, I would suggest having 1 powerful helmet light over 2-3 handlebar lights... Best combo of course, is still both handlebar + helmet lights!

******************************

So far all our night riding in Melaka are always done in a group and it is always "Follow the the leader". After reading SN's comment, I am going to dedicate 1 helmet with a torch light mounted on it and another for the usual day rides. Thanks SN, for the tips.

Sept Hari Raya Hash Ride

This Sunday's (27/9) event, 48 km of beautiful XC trails. Plus, delicious makan after the ride. It is the Hari Raya Hash Ride. Open to all with guest fee of RM10.00 only.

Selamat Hari Raya

To all my Muslim friends who are celebrating this happy occasion,
Selamat Hari Raya!

Upscale Supermarket

Thanks to my friend, Jimmy Tay for this humorous joke. Enjoy.

A new supermarket opened near my house.
It has an automatic water mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it
goes on, you hear the sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain.
When you pass the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and you experience the
scent of freshly mowed hay.
In the meat department there is the aroma of charcoal grilled steaks with
onions.
The sound of a breeze in the trees and water in a babbling brook welcomes
you to the fish display.
When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle and the air
filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying.
The bread department features the tantalizing smell of fresh baked bread &
chocolate chip cookies.

I don't buy toilet paper there anymore.

Story with happy ending

It is so surreal writing about my stolen bikes. When they got lost, I gave up hope on retrieving them but thanks to my condo management staffs especially the manager, Mr. Gunabalan, helped towards the recovery of both bikes.

Let me share the story.

Saturday (22/8) around 12.00 noon, my wife, who was at home, called me and said about a former night guard with information about my bicycle. I quickly took my motorbike and rushed home. Upon reaching my unit, I saw our current night guard, Jamal and he introduced Saiful, a former night guard. Jamal said Saiful came to the guard house for chitchat on Friday and Jamal mentioned to him about stolen bicycles from the condo. Jamal then showed him the picture of the bicycle that has been put up on the notice board offering reward of RM100.00 for information to the recovery of the bicycles. (Jamal did most of the talking and telling the story). When Saiful saw the photo, he said he bought a bicycle that looked like that about 2 weeks ago.

I asked Saiful if he remembered the seller and he replied he doesn't know who that person was but can recognise if he ever saw the seller again. Saiful said he bought it for RM500.00. Jamal told Saiful to get his wife to bring the bike to Selat for confirmation. Saiful then left leaving Jamal to continue talking to me. Jamal said Saiful was at a warong when he heard about someone selling a bicycle and since he needed some sort of transport as he didn't have any, the bicycle seemed handy. The negotiation started with the seller saying he knows the value of the bicycle is RM2000.00 and is offering RM1000.00. Saiful offered RM300.00 and they settled at RM500.00.

About 20 minutes later, Saiful and his wife came pushing the bike. A quick check on the bike revealed is was my bike minus the reflective stickers, the saddle bag and metal stand. At that moment, I was happy just to get my hands back on the bike and feeling compassionate for Saiful who told me he bought it for RM500.00, I paid Saiful RM500.00. I asked Saiful if he had any information on the other bike, a Schwinn model size 14.5" (suitable for smaller size people) but he said no.

I conveyed my thanks to Jamal and told him I will settle with him later about the reward money. Jamal asked if I had the picture of the Schwinn bicycle and he will help keep a lookout.

- End
A few days later I started to rethink of the event and some things did not make sense.

For instance, how does a guard who earns RM400.00 (basic) buy a RM500.00 bicycle when he is not a mountain bike rider or enthusiast. And if Saiful needed some form of transport, why buy a RM500.00 bicycle when you can easily get a RM150.00+ China made bicycle.

Footprints.
The last time I used the unit was on Sunday 9th August in the evening. I know it rained early in the morning because I sent my children to school on Monday morning and found the grounds wet. I did not open the unit as I did not cycle the whole of Monday. On Tuesday morning after sending my children to school, I decided to move my things out and that was when I found the bikes missing. There was footprint marks on the floor coming from the glass balcony entrance and exiting on the main door (I found it unlock). Boot size 10.

A friend gave his view that a thief will not use boots to commit a crime especially when you have to climb over the balcony. A slipper or rubber shoe would be better. This points to someone on duty or was still in uniform when the crime was committed.
I know many of you will say that I shouldn't have paid any money. Yes, I went through that flaming session when I shared this story with the local riders and friends. What can I say? I am a sucker if you put on a puppy face and tell a sad story.

This transaction was almost 3 weeks ago and the initial hope of recovering the 2nd bike was slowly diminishing as time passed.

My condo manager had spoken to Jamal after I got my Specialized and put it to him that he is to do whatever it takes to recover the 2nd bike. A mind game was set on Jamal and it paid off today.

At 8.30 am today (10/9), one of the day guard came to my unit and said there is a bicycle outside the fence that looked like my bike as he was patrolling the area. I followed him and saw the sight below.

It was an unbelievable sight. My 2nd bike lying at the shrubs waiting to be claimed. I was happy yet wanted to laugh. It just suddenly appeared from nowhere.

Strangely, the front tires and tubes were out of the rim. Did the thief go on a mtb ride before abandoning it there?

Anyway, I am happy to recover both bikes and thanks to all who helped, shared ideas and well wishes.

To the thief, my hope for your "blessings" still stands.

Tribute to an old friend called Specialized

When you have a outdoor hobby like mountain biking, living in a condo with a family with only 987 square feet to move around, it is almost impossible to store the bike with all the accessories.

Unfortunately for me, that is my scenario. Fortunately for me, there is an empty unit in front of my unit that was vacant since the condo was built and is now under bank receivership. Why, fortunately, well, that is where I kept my bicycles. Did I mention "kept" and "bicycles"? We'll start with bicycles.

When my wife and I just got married in 1989, we bought 2 Lerun bicycles to cycle around in the evenings which we are still keeping. When the kids came, we bought 2 children bicycles of different sizes. Then there was another bicycle that was left behind by a tenant that I refurbish to make it ride able.

I got involved with mountain biking in the year 2000 when I took part in the Malacca Mountain Bike Hash and bought my first "high end" Specialized. Cost me RM1,700.00 and I thought it was a bomb. Never thought bicycles cost more than 1K at that time and since then, have upgraded the rims to Mavic, the gears to XT, fork to lockable Rox Shox, pedals to Shimano clipless, crank to Truvative and most recently, change the seat to Fizik.

I bought another bike, this time a full suspension IBIS Mojo SL last year and alternate the usage of both bikes. Bike components are not cheap and I have installed almost all the top range components for the IBIS and would like to minimize the usage and prolong it as much as I can thus will use more of the Specialized. Specialized will see action on every Wednesday and Friday night rides and IBIS will spring to action on weekends and mtb jamborees (ECC members call it the Jamboree bike).

6 bikes of different sizes in the store room.

Penang Kayuh Lasak 2005

This schedule was working out well until yesterday.

The management office had informed us that there were queries on the vacant unit that will be up for auction so I thought we better start clearing our stuffs. Yesterday morning after sending the children to school, I went to the unit and found it unlock. Hemmm..... maybe I forgot to lock it on Sunday after washing the bike that came straight after a hash ride.

I noticed something different, where were was my Specialized? For a moment I thought I might have brought it back to the office. Then I realised my daughter's Schwin is not where it should be. The only bikes left behind are the Lerun and children's bikes.

Then it hit me that someone has stolen the Specialized and Schwinn bikes.

Thank God I decided to keep the IBIS in my own unit after washing it.

On the way to Sagil, Johor for the Gunung Ledang ride

After 9 years of confidently keeping my precious in this vacant unit, never did I imagine losing it this way. A most likely suspect would be someone staying in the same property that has been eyeing my movements whenever I ride the bike out and when and where I keep them. Or else how would the thieve know exactly which unit to break into?

I have since informed the management but I know it is a long shot of getting it back.

Today's posting will be on the mountain bike that has gone many places and brought good memories of rides around Malaysia.

May the thief receive the same "blessings" he gave me in 10 folds.

Here's to my Specialized Rockhopper.

2006 Damai Laut holiday with the family

2008 The Malacca Water Wheel

2007 KLMBH Epic Ride

The safest place, my work room

Gunung Ledang ride with Lee CH

By the Malacca river

2008 Boat ride to Pulau Besar

The cockpit when fully loaded

~ Farewell old friend ~

Happy Hunting Ground

There is a saying that when a native American (in TV language, Red Indians), dies, he goes to the Happy Hunting Ground or Heaven to most of us.

I looked up Wikipedia and it has an interesting quote and explanation for this caption.

The Happy Hunting Ground was the name given to the concept of the afterlife by several of the great plains Native American tribes, as well as the Iroquois, Cherokee and Algonquians. It is an afterlife conceived of as a paradise in which hunting is plentiful and game unlimited.

"I will follow the white man's trail. I will make him my friend, but I will not bend my back to his burdens. I will be cunning as a coyote. I will ask him to help me understand his ways, then I will prepare the way for my children. Maybe they will outrun the white man in his own shoes.

There are but two ways for us. One leads to hunger and death, the other leads to where the poor white man lives. Beyond is the happy hunting ground where the white man cannot go."

Many Horses - Oglala Sioux

That made me think. When a mountain biker passes on, can we say "He has gone to Whistler Mountain Bike Park"?

Riding Essentials

The original messages are quoted from PCC's facebook group discussion board.

The following list contains items that you should have in your bag this coming presidential, or any other jamboree.

1) Spare Tube – There is nothing worse than being on the side of the trail with a flat tire and no spare tube. It is unfair for other fellow riders to spare you their spares.

2) Tire Levers – Changing out a flat is much easier with the aid of some good tire levers.

3) Mini-Pump – While other riders will have, it is better to carry your own.

4) Magic Link - A MagicLink is a single connecting link that connect one end to the other. This item could possibly be one of the most important things to carry while riding. If you break a chain on the trail, this is going to be your best friend. It allows you to remove the bad link with your multi-tool and then reconnect the chain without having to press in the pins.

5) Nutrition – Powerbars and gels. Oral salts are a good substitute for electrolytes. Mix this in water. Cramps develop from either too little salt or too much salt in the body.

6) Multi-Tool - This “do-it-all” tool has almost everything you need for a trail side repair in a convenient and small package. Get one with a chain tool built in.

7) First Aid Kit – This one is pretty self explanatory. It is not if…it’s when you or someone you are riding with wrecks, it is good to have a small first aid kit available to clean everything up.
In your first aid kit, try to have the following in there.
a. Opsite spray. Disinfects and seals without any actual contact.
b. Spray on Iodine. Again, no physical contact. Great stuff.
b. Salonplus spray or Yoko Yoko. These two are fantastic to keep cramps at bay. With both, the more you ride, i.e. use the muscles, the warmer they get. Super !!

8) Toilet Paper – This multi-use item can be a life saver during a trail side restroom break, but it can also be used to wipe off anything.

9) Lubricant - This is something which will save you $$$ when you ride in muddy conditions and do river crossings.

10) Sunblock - you are going to need it even though there's a fair bit of canopy.

11) Waterproof bag - Worth to bring along just in case it rains.

12) Mobile phone - emergency contact numbers are on the back of your passport/race plate.

13) Sense of Humour - Do bring copious amounts of this. It tends to make the ride more enjoyable.

UUM XC Race 19/7/09

I was working overtime one night when Kalvin called while he and the other ECC members were having a meeting, that they were planning to attend UUM XC Race and asked if I wanted to go. I immediately said yes without the slightest hesitation.

A few days later, it dawn on me that UUM is located in Kedah, a very long way from Malacca. Gosh, just came back from Betong slightly more than a month ago and now going again on a long trip. OK, since I have committed in going, I better prepare mentally and physically on my first cross country race. 1 month before the event, I plan to cycle more, climb stairs up to the 14th floor of our apartment, swim more, take evening brisk walks, etc.

The first week I managed to squeeze in 1 cycling ride, 1 swimming session and stairs exercise. 2nd week, 1 cycling ride and 1 swimming session. 3rd week, took a break for the whole week until Sunday where I went for Batu Pahat Hash Ride. Final week, only managed to catch 1 cycling ride. Looks like training was heading towards a down trend.

Finally, Friday arrived and it is time to catch the 11 pm bus to Sintok, Kedah.

The night before was registration and collection of jersey and race plate. We were there sharp 9 pm and were told to wait as the organisers were still sorting out some things. Looking at the university students, we were making assumptions that the ride will probably be like Taiping, mostly riding on flat areas and almost no hills. There were comments like "I don't think these uni riders know how to lay a good trail if they don't have riders like us, etc, etc."

Pang KN (left) and me

The consolation during registration was the cycling jersey which was surprisingly good quality and was an actual cycling jersey, not one of those modified micro fibre Tees sewn to look like a jersey.

Kalvin (left) and Mah SK with the latest brain protection cycling gear

We were told flag off would be at 7.15 am with cut off at all check points at 12 pm and when the announcement was made to delay it to 8am, fueled even more skeptics on the organisers.

The riders all ready for the horn

First hill climb.
"Hemm not bad", was my thought. They do have hills after all.

Then, it was "WTF, the hills don't seem to end". It was uphill climb, a short descent and then uphill again - repeat that about 10 times. There was an area where we had to carry our bike over rocks that scattered all over a shallow river. Wow, this was getting tougher than I thought.

The first 3 checkpoints was tough with so many challenges. After that was like cycling at our own backyard, going through oil palm plantations which was good for recovery. It was here that I overtook a good number of riders. Still, not good enough to be in the top 100 where you will receive a custom made cap with embroidered number of your placing, something I wanted because acquiring caps is one of my hobbies.

This proves more training is needed!

My IBIS Mojo SL that provided the action.

Mei, receiving monetary reward for getting 5th place in the Ladies category

Keong, receiving a momento for group registration. ECC sent 23 riders, all completed 5 checkpoints and 10 were in the top 100 riders. Good job ECC!

While we were washing our bikes, these 2 lovely students from Vietnam requested for photos with us. The smell of macho sweat is irresistible.

Heng LH showing off his latest bandana which comes with 2 large holes for better ventilation.

Eric having a closer look at it. Wow, multi purpose. Can also use down there. Cute embroidered logo is optional

An accident along the way home

This is one ride that I pushed myself to my limits. There were only short stops to catch some breath before pushing the bike and the checkpoints where water and bananas were available, it was fast refuel and off. Another reason besides hoping to get a cap was to cross the last checkpoint before it closes at 12 noon.

I was exhilarated to know it was only 11.30 am when I finished the whole 40 km ride.

Now that we have experienced the trail and the good ride, I must admit we underestimated the organisers and humbly thank them for organising the event which was a huge success.

Thank you!

Note of thanks to Heng LH for the GPS tracking. My "never leave home without it" GPS was left home when I was rushing to pack and to catch the chartered bus leaving at 11 pm on Friday night.

GPS track available for download here
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=285962