Plentong Ride 13.11.11

I wrote this article and kept it in draft, waiting for a more relaxed moment to properly edit it but after coming across another cycling blog that wasn't in favour of the event, I thought I better not wait any longer or else the story will be cold. So, I am going to publish it from my point of view.

ECC members at the starting line

Tommy Nelson (left) and me by the trail description

Distributing ride plates to everyone

When I was about 9 or 10 years old, my grandparents had 4 plots of paddy field. Those days we did everything by hand. Paddy saplings were planted by hand and so was the harvesting. The best time was just after harvesting, the fields still filled with water and you could play in the mud. Later during bath time, no matter how you scrub and washed with soap, you have to live with the mud smell for quite some time.

The ride at Plentong brought back memories of my childhood. Why? Because it was a muddy muddy ride. But don’t be mistaken, not that it was not a pleasant ride, in fact it was a fantastic ride!

One of the areas made more rideable by the organisers

I think this is Cyclemotion’s 3^rd time organizing this Epic ride and after last weekend ride, I know what I missed. I heard of Plentong ride from fellow ECC members who went last year and was told it was a gila track or crazy track. Then heard it again from fellow riders from Seremban and Pete from PCC that it has one of the best single tracks around and the lure of the sweet mention of single track is what made me go this year.

Sweet single track haven

Tackling a shape corner after exiting the single track trail

This event is held nearing year end where the monsoon season is starting and the trails are wet, slippery and muddy. There were so many river/stream crossings that I lost count. True to what I heard, the single tracks are awesome and fantastically long. Just as you exit a long single track trail, cross a road or an opening only to go into another long stretch of single track. Did I mention that we’re cycling under the canopy of trees most of the time. It’s a mountain bike heaven in Plentong! If only there weren’t so many stream crossing. The amount of energy used up to carry the bike over a slippery bank takes up every ounce of energy that you are saving for the next phase.

One of the stream crossing. As least this one you can easily push the bike up.

When you have only 1 area to cross and there is a bee line of riders behind you, this is what happens. Everyone starts looking for alternative way to cross.

Helping Mei with the help of Tim, to repair her broken chain

Finally when the single tracks ends and so are the nice cooling shade that the trees provided, we hit the open grounds and it was roasting time. Normally after a 45km mark, I am still in reasonable form but when I am almost approaching the last Check Point, CP5, it was past noon and every bit of energy seems to evaporate as the sun hits you full blast. It took a lot of will power and mental strength to finish the last bit of the trail.

The hardest portion of the ride, cycling under the hot sun

Looks pleasant with all the greenery right? But not when it is the last check point on top of the hill with hot blaring sun burning on the helmet and shoulders

I have been taking part in many jamboree & races throughout Malaysia and Plentong rates the best in my book. Toughest ride still goes to KLMBH Epic Ride in 2010.

My club riders were at the starting point early and we patiently waited at the starting arch only to be pushed back by late comers who conveniently took their place in front of us. Then a large group of riders formed their own starting point by the road beside the official one. The flag off was messy as both groups rushed into a bottle neck.

The organizers should also think of a better PA system. The speakers were placed at the wrong place (when it was working). Additional speakers pointing at the starting point would have been better. We couldn’t hear clearly the announcement and naturally will not pay any attention. Electrical failure that made the PA system stop during flag off stole the thunder that everyone was expecting. A contingency plan of a loud haler would have saved the day and best of all, an air horn will do a better job than any state of the art PA system that doesn’t work.

Other than the teething problems during flag off, the trail design is good. I cannot stop complimenting the single tracks that Plentong has. You guys are so lucky! The Check Point and Refuel stations are efficient and in my opinion, CP3 being the best, as the guys that manned it, brought the meaning of Check Point management to a higher level. They were enthusiastic, cheerful, helpful and welcomed every rider as if you are the Champion. As I was refueling my water bottle and had a banana, 1 guy will spray chain oil that my chains are crying for and one of them even quipped that massage is available. You guys rock!

The next few photos are dedicated to the guys of CP3. Never before a check point deserves so much write up.

The team that manned CP3

They will cheer up any tired riders with their energetic jumps and songs.

Me at the right hand corner getting my bottle refilled and not forgetting, bananas

See how attentive these guys are

Click on this link to see them in action

I wish the organizers would have put in more effort on the river and stream crossing. With so many participants taking part, it would have been helpful to put logs for us to walk across rather than making us go in. Maybe shave the banks to make it easier to go in and out. Last but not least, if all is not possible, put a rope where we can pull ourselves out of the river/stream banks. I heard a rider getting angry for missing the cutoff time as he wanted to finish the ride but was held up at most of the obstacles.

Overall, I would think the organizers did a good job. Minor hiccups are bound to happen and any complains or grouses should be looked into and taken as a lesson for improvement. Whatever it is, PLEASE organize another one next year. I am now a staunch supporter.

Note of thanks to the friends photos that I got from facebook.

PCC Presidential Ride

I have not been updating this blog mainly because the jamborees that I've attended so far has not much to be said, meaning that there's nothing spectacular about the ride. Take for instance Bukit Merah Gold Jamboree, one can easily spot the commercial aspect of the ride from the trail design. The ride is mainly flat and worse of all is going through flooded areas that ultimately lessens the life of bike components and we know bike components are not cheap stuff.

I am glad I missed the Karnival Mtb 1 Batang Kali which is riddled with problems. Never before a jamboree is cancelled 90 minutes after flag off. You will need to search the cycling blogs to read about it.

Jasin Jamboree is ok with average cross country trails.

Pagoh Mtb Challenge is better in terms of trail as the organisers made sure there is enough hills to provide the challenge.

Every established cycling clubs has their own signature ride.
KOTRT with their Kayuh Lasak, KLMBH with their Epic Ride, my own club with her Burung Hantu night ride and PCC with their Presidential Ride. Once you create a branding for a ride, the high expectation of a good ride will be there. And I am happy to say this year's PCC Presidential Ride lived up to it's name as one of the best rides.

It is a long trail this year, some 67km of sheer mountain biking. From the start, on road cycling is short and it hits dirt trail just around the corner (literally speaking). My group started late so we join the pack almost at the back and the first hill was a massive jam with pushing the bike all the way until the peak. I was joking with my fellow ECC members that this is a pushing bike event and those who cannot push, will cycle.


The hills are long and plenty and after every uphill climb, there is the down hill reward. The single tracks are also plentiful and my heart was singing with joy whenever I maneuver through them.

I fell off the bike before check point 1, same spot as this unfortunate rider. The off road trail is on much higher ground to the tarmac road. I was confident in going through the section but the front wheel skidded as I hit the tarmac and injured my left knee. Not wanting to let the injury get in my way of completing the ride, I continued cycling with the blood flowing and it dried up after some time.

After check point 2, I was cycling with Ah Khiaw, Ah Sin and Ah Woo with me being the last rider. Suddenly at a downhill section, I passed Ah Woo and saw he was holding the bike and in pain. He had fallen off the front handle bar and must have hit his chest and shoulders as he landed. The pain was so unbearable that he couldn't talk. After resting, Ah Woo slowly regain his strength and was able to continue while withstanding the pain in the chest and shoulder. I decided to cycle with him and we both completed the whole 67km trail just after 3pm. A whopping 7 hours in the trails.

As for ride difficulty, I would rate last year's Epic ride as my hardest ride I have even taken part in with also some 7 hours in the woods.

This year's Presidential is special with many inspiring stories. First was Ah Woo who was determined to finish despite his body in pain. Then there is Ah Meng who had mechanical bike problem before check point 1 and push all the way to complete the ride at 2.30pm. Imagine pushing and gliding whenever possible for some 50km off road. And that are stories I know and I am sure there are many more stories that will show the determination of the human spirit when pushed to the limit.

Oh ya, and I finally got to meet Akmal who was beside me at the beginning of the ride.
Akmal, if you're reading this, it was a pleasure meeting you.

Some of ECC members getting a well deserved rest

As I was writing this entry, a message popped up on facebook of an invitation to a cycling jamboree. The thing that caught my attention is the group that is doing it has organised a jamboree a few months back. Now that almost every cycling club wants to organise a jamboree, worst is 1 club doing 2 jamborees in a year. It makes one feel there is commercial gain in organising mountain bike jamboree.

Yong Peng Mtb Jamboree 2011

I have already written a scribe on Bukit Merah Gold Jamboree and while at it, got an idea for another story but I need to refine it more as the first version was rather crude especially on Bukit Merah ride which was far from satisfaction until last weekend when I attended Yong Peng Mtb Race.
This ride was never in my ride itinerary as I have roughly planned which rides to take part. Fortunately after the last hash ride by Mastanah and during lunch with the ECC members, YC asked if I wanted to join this ride as they are doing the group registration. Without even giving another thought of it, I confirmed my participation and immediately gave RM45.00 to YC.

The trail around Yong Peng town

We left Malacca at an unearthly hour of 5am from the meeting point of Mc D, Ayer Keroh. That meant I had to get up at 4.15am. Hah, the things we're willing to do for the our passion.

We reached Yong Peng rather early as there was not many traffic on the highway during the wee hours of the morning. Found a coffee shop to take our breakfast and when we walked in, we were surprised to see the number of dishes. W0w! At 6.40am, there were more than 15 dishes on the table. Later we figured that Yong Peng is probably a town where many of the locals work in plantations and they need to eat a hearty meal and pack food to bring along into the plantation sites. Once you're in, you won't come out till the it's time to call it a day.

The trail profile

Flag off was sharp 8.30am done by a lady politician and since this was a mountain bike race, we knew what we were in for.
Just like any mountain bike event, if you want to have a clear path to ride especially if there is a hill ahead, you have to be in the front pack. That means it's no longer cycling on road for warm up purposes. On road cycling before hitting dirt road is the best place to overtake and head towards the front so the tip of the day is, train your road cycling besides off road cycling.

Me requesting 2 bananas

The whole distance was 50km and I was surprised my stamina and spirits were excellent despite the lack of sleep. The hills were never ending. Some rideable but most was just to steep, at least for me.


All was going well with a noticeable lead until Km 45 when my chain broke. Not 1 but in 2 places. I had it repaired after it broke the first time in Bukit Merah but looks like it was not able to withstand the strain. Since I didn't have any chain connector, I decided to push my bike on the last 5 km. When I reached checkpoint 4, I was told I was still within the top 100. I ran, pushed, walked and glided whenever I can but the last 4km saw many riders overtaking and I finally crossed the finishing line at 12.30pm with the position of 121.

Although it was disappointing not being able to be in the top 100 but I take comfort that even when I had to walk the last 5km, the position was still impressive knowing that I were reasonable far ahead to give away the position.

Good job to Hard Cycling Team for the ride. The trail marking was clear, checkpoint clearance was fast and refuel stations was efficient.

Well this ride is one of the best rides I have ever taken part in. It serves not only as a challenge but it was one of the most satisfying ride that I completed under all circumstances.

I look forward to their next event

3 layer tanning

I try to make it a point to cycle to the ride site if it is within 20km radius from my home.
Last Sunday was M2BH organised ride which started at Taman Merdeka, about 10km away.
The ride itself was about 45km and total riding for the day was 65km.

Going was always pleasant with the cool morning breeze. Cycling back is ok if you don't mind the hot sun and perfect for a tanning session. When I got back and took off the cycling jersey, I saw 3 different skin tones. Top is original, middle previous ride and bottom was the current tanning.

Reminded me of the 3 layer drink which is one of my favourite drink.

CFAL - Penang

Campaign For A Lane 80km Ride - Penang 17 Oct 2010

Last year when I was manning Burung Hantu 2009 registration counter, Terry, a fellow rider from Batu Pahat who registered early when we open the event for registration, came late to collect his stuffs. Throughout the day, riders who came early tried on their Tees and changed the size when it didn't fit. Unfortunately on the event day, Terry came late to collect his goody bag, ride plate and T-shirt and all that was left of XXL. Way too big for someone who is size L. Terry was annoyed especially when he registered early. Felt bad for him but there was no choice.

I know how he felt coz it happened to me recently.

In October we went to Penang for G Club's "Campaign for a lane" ride. We reached Penang late evening and went to G Hotel about 8pm to collect our goody bag. I registered for XL sized jersey and all they had was M and XXL. XXL was like me using something loose when I go to sleep and M was like me about to burst when transforming into incredible hulk. No point me taking XXL and not using it at all. What to do, take M as I can always pass it to my daughter. The people in G Club tried to console me by saying it looked good on me wearing tight jersey. Come on G Club, I will look like someone silly who bought a jersey that was way too small! An XL sized man using M size jersey. Jeez!

I know what I am saying also applies to our local club. Don't put jersey size on the forms if you are not going to honour the request.

Europe's Hardest Mtb Race

It's been some time since I last updated this blog.

Events that have passed since then:

1. Penang "Campaign for a lane" round island 80 km ride - took part and completed the ride. It was my longest distance ride...for now. Might be looking at another ride year end Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride. It is a 2 day event where the 1st day ride distance is 67km and 2nd day ride will be a whopping 171km.

2. ECC's Burung Hantu night mountain bike jamboree - part of the committee and Check Point 3 leader.

Today's entry is about an article which I came across when we were on a Sunday family day out at Mahkota Parade. Popped into MPH with my youngest daughter, Sam, to visit her "library" and browsed the magazine section while she read her kiddy books.

Usually it is always the car magazine that is good for short thrill and to add to the wish list. The wish list is not necessary for the wish to own the car but also to wish that one day car prices in Malaysia will come down to a realistic price where most citizens will have the opportunity to have wider choices of car ownership. (..Sigh..) Unfortunately, we may never see that day unless something drastic changes the political scenario.

Anyway, I picked up a different magazine this time out of curiousity and looked what it had to offer in the Men's Fitness.
First few pages, boring, when you only have 6 in 1 muscle pack stomach.
Then came something interesting - Europe's Hardest Mountain Bike Race.
Wow! This is interesting. The photos make you feel like taking part especially on the long single track going down. The race is some 80+ km but they also cater for recreational riders which is 58km of pure XC trail route. Visit their website and I hope you get the same excitement when you see the trail in 3D. Even Sam who is only 8 years old wants to ride with me when we watched it together.

http://www.sellarondahero.com/

24/11/10 - Updated news
Thanks to LeeCS for the link to some nice mtb photos.

If you are curious where Sella Ronda Dolomites is located, just go to Google Maps and copy the name, paste and search. It's somewhere in the upper region of Italy. For more photos of this beautiful place, please go to this link http://www.roberts-1.com/t/b05/it/k/a/index.htm

Burung Hantu trail

Last Sunday (3/10/10) I brought Roy and Chan to ride the 2010 Burung Hantu trail. Chan has riden part of it when we had gotong royong trail clearing last month and Roy has not had the chance to try it out and was curious since he has registered for the night ride.

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