Enjoying Life On 2 Wheels: 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.