Pampering my IBIS with a snow wash treat (compliments from Chan) This will be ECC's 2nd time in organising Burung Hantu Night Ride, the first being a day ride which was called "The Sahara Ride" and lived up to its name. After the hot and successful Sahara Ride, the club decided to do something it is very familiar with, Night Cycling. After overcoming many obstacles in organsing last year's night mountain bike jamboree and later fueled with the positive comments from participants after the event, ECC is proud to bring back the much awaited yearly affair - 2010 Burung Hantu Ride
I have ridden the complete trail a few times and would like to share some trail description (for those who are taking part and anxious of what to expect)
The trail is basically cross country. Those of you who came last year might remember the steep climb after Check Point 1 (beside the water pump station). Well, good news... Overall, there are no big hills this year, only occasional short climbs which is ridable if you prepare yourself mentally and get the gears change in preparation of the short burst.
The hardest climb which is also the easiest is actually the beginning after flag off. You will be cycling into UTEM which is located on a high area. The ride might be slow to some but since it is the beginning, you'll have plenty of energy for it. Just some 20 meters after UTEM's main entrance, is where the fun starts with a fast downhill. Be careful at this point because there will be many riders all around you.
The distance from starting to Check Point 1 is the furthest among all the check points (18 km). After that, it is spaced out quite evenly.
Danger area. Just after you get your CP3 sticker, there is a uphill climb and then it goes downhill for about 150 meters. Safety marshal will be present to caution all riders at the peak. It is straight and goes down fast. The danger is the cemented path that has broken off the the edges so you only ride on the middle or where you can visually see the path. This is probably the most injury inflicted stretch if you fall down. Go slow if you are not confident. Then right at the bottom of the downhill trail is a hard left turn. Once again, please be careful at this stretch. By the way, I am manning CP3, don't be shy to greet me!
Everyone should be able to complete the whole 45km trail if they follow this simple cycling technic.
Cycle at your own comfortable speed but cycle consistently without taking too much breaks and rest. Our fast ECC riders take about 2.5 hours, I take about 3 - 3.5 hours and if you ride at a slow speed of about 10km per hour (but I know you can do better), it should not take you more than 4 - 4.5 hours. Plus you won't be as tired since you are cycling at night. Check points are for you to get the stickers, refuel energy with bananas and water but not to rest, sleep, eat nasi lemak that you brought along, chit chat (which you can do while cycling) and or give excuse to light up the cigarette to chase the mosquitos away.
A previous entry that might be useful
http://cyclingben.blogspot.com/2009/09/night-ride-tips.html
If you are still thinking of giving up midway, I highly recommend that you stay on to cycle till the end because the best part of the whole trail is kept towards the end where you will cycle on single tracks which cuts through a jungle. Guaranteed highlight of the night!
If you are still thinking of joining the ride, can still do so by submitting the form and registration of RM60.00. Forms are available here http://burunghantu2010.blogspot.com/
Last count of paid registered participants - >1300.
Should be an interesting event with so many riders cycling with lights off road. Don't miss it or else it is another year to wait.
Till then, happy trails
