weekend ride - 27.12.2009

plan : weekend ride to Gunung Pulai trail
date & time : 27/12/2009 (Sunday), 7.30am sharp
location : P.U.B. reservoir trail and Gunung Pulai Downhill course, Pekan Nenas, Johor
Distance : around 23km (20 km on road, 3 km off road)
RV point : parking lot at Ah Fan's
fee : what fee?....bring your own stuffs la?=p

why spend your Sunday morning staring helplessly at your bike? do u think u got the balls to downhill the steep Gunung Pulai downhill trail?...wanna feel an awesome morning scenery at the P.U.B. reservoir?...think u're up for it?...lets have some serious fun in the woods!

lets ride!.....

**if you have no clue where's the place....call me at 019 7938900
***this is not an organized ride or anything...just a normal weekend ride with some crazy friends...ride at your own risk..

I'm back........

It’s been a month since my last entry in this blog...it’s not that I’m too busy to write....I’ve sooo many spare times lately....hehehe.....just being lazy.........actually I’ve tonnes of things to tell....but I guess when the MALAS syndrome kicks in.....only a strong will power can brush it off....in my case......I guess sitting at home ...watching TV....spending time with my daughter...leisure internet surfing...was my way of spending...err...enjoying my unemployment period.....hahaha.....

So many things have happened.....like countless riding hours....being jobless.....KL outing.....bike projects...and future riding plans....I’ll sum it up in this entry.....so bear with me.....=p

About being jobless

Yup.....finally took the plunge into the unknown.....kinda reckless, I know.....good job is hard to come by these days....but I’ve been applying for the VSS for over a year now....and it came just in time....getting bored with the same routine anyway....with all the things that has happened....I guess it was inevitable...sooner or later I’m bound to leave the company anyway....don’t think my career was going anywhere....I’m stuck in the same position for more than 9 years....9 long years!....been wanting to switch to other departments...you know?...doing other things for a change...but I guess “they” just won’t let me go....coupled with other decisive factors....I concluded that I’ve had enough...I’ve taken more than I could swallow....rather than stayed and suffer....I decided to leave with lots of moolah...and try my luck elsewhere....hehehe....

My last day was on the 30th November 2009....after working my butt off for more than 14 years....my tenure finally came to its end....it wasn’t difficult....and the rest of my “collegues” doesn’t seemed to mind about my decision....guess I’ve made the right choice this time....no hugs...no teary eyes...heck!...not even a decent farewell.....just a simple goodbye.....man....I felt soooo unwanted!....

and so it’s job hunting season for me.....sent out my CV to few places....so far...I’ve attended one job interview....Alhamdulillah....it went well.....now I’m waiting for the second interview....according to my pal, Jeff....all should be in order as both of the interviewer are his buddies....hopefully this unemployed period won’t be for long.....I certainly don’t want to get used to it.....=p

About rides...

There were so many rides....and frankly...I don’t think I could remember it all clearly....may end up jumbled up...so the safe way is for me not to elaborate much about it....you can view the pics in my flickr photo page or my facebook album...

my flickr page
my facebook album


You may also read about it in Akmal’s and Reza’s blogs....
Apart from the numerous nite rides....there’s also a ride to Plentong trail....2 or 3 trips to Gunung Pulai Reserve...even one solo ride there...=p.....a trip to P.U.B trail with Anuar and Boboy....ride to Seri Austin trail and so on...

gunung pulai ride-22/11/2009~the one where Boboy suffered pacat bites...=p

return to Plentong trail - 29/11/2009

P.U.B. reservoir trail ride - 13/12/2009

I’ve also made some new friends....all from my riding activities....Anuar and Basir is officially my regular weekend riding buddies besides Boboy...there’s also Ah Wee, Abg Azhar, Abg Lokman and the rest...
Tuesday and Friday nites are strictly for road riding.... and occasionally Wednesday Impian Emas ride.... with the Tamago’s....though riding road is not my favourite....but it’s good in building stamina and endurance.....also good in building rapport with fellow riders....

Talking about the Tamago’s.....they’re planning to officiate their cycling club....Hafiz had asked me to fill in the application form to become the club member....I guess being in one club doesn’t restrict me from joining other clubs/groups activities....it’s also nice to be a part of something....=)

My last ride was yesterday’s nite ride.....a little different from the usual.....there were only 7 riders riding last night....the Tamago’s decided to take the night off and heads out to Terengganu to attend Kojack ‘s wedding....the funny thing was....a few of us had sms’ed Hafiz to asked about the ride...you know with the long holiday....one can assume that the ride might not took place...but when Hafiz confirmed they’ll ride that night....a few of us showed up...and get’s disappointed...not wanting to waste our effort to show up at the venue...we decided to ride...just the 7 of us....Wan EON took the lead...while I acted as the sweeper ....it was fun despite the shortfall....we were riding in groups...unlike the normal NR’s where the group got scattered between the fast riders and the not-so-fast ones...like me...hehehe....

It took us 45 minutes to reach the usual RV venue at Danga Bay...and took a 20 minutes rest....we were back on saddles at 10:40pm...riding the usual route to Larkin.....one guy went straight back home to Kobena after passing the Angsana Traffic Light intersection...we were riding in leisure mode thru BBU and then the STF stretch....I didn’t even break a sweat....really....hehehe....even climbing the MPTI hill was a breeze....=p

After the ride...we had a TT session which lasted till 1:40am....went back home...took a shower...and went straight to bed....

About my bike project

....after giving it a deep thought...and consulting few “experts”....I decided not to continue with my bike project....you know?....the one that involves stripping the whole paint job off and repainting it with Yeti team color scheme....it’s not about the cost...in fact...the cost is very-very minimal compared to getting myself a new frame....it’s just that I’m worried that the end result might not be as expected....not all can paint a bike frame perfectly...you know?....we’re not talking about repainting a whole car or anything..... repainting a bike frame gonna takes a lot of concentration and a lot of detailing is required to ensure a smooth finish......cehhhh!....excuse..excuse.....

The fact is.....with the moolah coming in.....I’ve decided to get myself a new frame for my bike...and my recent trip to KL has easily made me come to a decision....to get myself a new Santa Cruz Chameleon frame....M size....white color.....nice built.....just looking at it hanging at KSH TTDI has made me drooled...sighhhh.......hehehe.....

And so.....my bike project is officially scrapped...and replaced with a new one.....and the mission starts this coming 2nd January 2010....I’m heading to TTDI next Saturday morning with Anuar...with both bikes (mine and his Giant reign) perched atop my Waja....the plan is to head to KSH TTDI as early as 6:30am from JB...expected to reach there by 11:00 am....left my bike there for them to “salin” all the parts from my Merida to the new frame.....check in at the nearest hotel....pick up the bike in late afternoon....stay overnight....and explore Bukit Kiara trail the next day with those KSH guys....and come back to JB in the afternoon.....sounds interesting...doesn’t it?.....

Well....I’m counting the days now.....hehehe.....

About my future riding plans

Apart from the Bukit Kiara ride.....I’m also planning to ride the FRIM trail somewhere in the near future....Akmal told me they have an excellent trail out there...and I’m just dying to try it out....also made plans to arrange a return trip to Plentong trail....and to recce ride the Pulai Indah trail with Boboy....

Tomorrow morning...I have a ride appointment (cheh!) with my buddies to P.U.B. trail and Gunung Pulai downhill trail....so far...I have 4 confirmed participants.....wanna join me?.....Jom lah?let’s rock the place.....hehehe

weekend ride - 29/11/2009

plan : weekend ride to Plentong Trail
date & time : 29/11/2009 (Sunday), 8am sharp
location : Plentong Epic Ride trail, Plentong
distance : around 20-25km (half loop)
RV point : parking lot at Neo's
fee : FOC....bring your own stuffs...drinks..power bar..tit bits..bananas..what ever...

sooo....do u think u're up for it?...which do u choose?...staying at home on a lazy Sunday morning or join me and have some serious fun in the woods?

lets ride!.....

**if you have no clue where's the place....email me at gojira_75@yahoo.com or sms me at 019 7938900
***this is not an organized ride or anything...just a normal weekend ride with some crazy friends...enter at your own risk..

Tomac 2010 Carbide SL Cross Country

The Carbide SL is the ultimate cross country weapon.

Over three years in development, the Carbide SL is the ultimate in lightweight, stiffness and pedalling efficiency. At a scant 4.4 pound frame weight with DT Swiss carbon shock, it's one of the lightest XC full suspension bikes on the market, and certainly the stiffest. The Carbide SL can be hammered through anything an XC rider or racer could throw at it.

Saddle up boys, saddle up.

Features

• 90mm rear travel.
• 4.4 pound/2000 gram frame weight with DT Swiss shock, large size
• Optimized carbon fiber front triangle, individual lay ups for each size.
• High modulus carbon fiber with aluminum dropouts.
• Integrated aluminum chain suck protector.
• Low stand over height with plenty of seat post adjustability.
• Only three sets of bearings means easy service.
• Accepts dual water bottles on all but the small frame.
• Available in small, medium, large and extra large.

**taken from www.mtbpros.blogspot.com

well......what do u guys think?should I?been thinking of switching to full suspension bikes lately...especially after test riding Anuar's Giant Reign....the sweet handling.....ahhhh!!!...the plush suspensions....wahhhh!!!!.....the price tag.....arrggghhhh!!!!!!!!!hehehehe

the frame itself could cost around RM5-6k.....not to mention other parts......man.....I can only drool over it.....but....if I just add in my existing parts..throw in the SLX groupset from Anuar....a new Panaracer Rampage.....brand new Raceface Next high riser handle bar with ODI rogue grips.....pergghhh!!!....my dream machine......hehehe....

but hey?...who knows, right?...=p

Plentong Epic Ride 15/11/2009

Its been a week since the ride...I just couldn’t find the time to write the ride coverage..was too tired after the ride....was on MC last Monday due to fever and sore muscles and joints...was busy the whole week...finally had the chance to write down everything today...kinda late...but I need to deliver my promises, right?...=p

note the CP stickers!

Arrival

Reached the Petronas Plentong a few minutes before 7am. Eddie, Ai, Faizal and some of the Tamago’s were already there, waiting for the boss, Ali to arrive....even Hafiz was late that morning....I had no choice but to wait as my riding pass was with Ali.....after getting myself 2 bottles of 100 plus, Eddie told me that they’re gonna wait for Ali and Hafiz at the parking lot at Neo’s.

Moments later , I reached the parking lot, starts unloading , preparing my gears and went to the mamak for a quick bite...the other Tamago’s were already set for the ride...only waiting for Ali, BK and Hafiz to arrive...

Few minutes to 8am, the committee members began directing the riders to the starting point, at a basketball court some 300 meters away... I was getting a bit restless...Ali still not there yet...with my riding pass...

Ali arrived just in a nick of time....took my riding pass, tied it to my handle bar and rushed to the starting point....

power eggs...Tamago's finest...Ai and Faizal

car park at Neo's

Bro Panjang as official for the ride

 

Starting

Imagine 450 riders standing by in one basketball court.....waiting for the flag off...the place was jammed packed...everybody’s was anxious to start the ride...I had mixed feelings....nervous....thrilled....ecstatic...excited...all rolled into one....it’s indescribable....

Watching everybody’s with their rides were already a bliss....especially the ones with the bikes that I could only dreamt owning one....hehehe.....already had me dreaming of winning the grand prize for the day’s lucky draw, a complete bike...though I’m not sure what brand it was....=p

Finally, the ride was flagged off around 8.15am...I didn’t immediately join the large crowd dispersing from the court....instead I parked my bike at the road side and took some pictures and admiring the atmosphere.....I started at the back of the pack....as usual...riding slowly towards the first stage of the ride...the beginning of a torturous journey.....

gettin' ready...

 

flag off

 

and off you go..

heading towards...

a torturous ride....

1st stage

It wasn’t long before we start entering the off road section ....as expected...the route was totally different from the week earlier....instead of turning right like last week, we had to turn left instead...

The route was relatively easy....a mixture of off road and some tarmac ride...until we reached to a section where we need to turn into a rubber plantation.....there were a lot of riders...some inexperienced....causing massive jams...and unnecessary waste of time and energy....enjoyed some part of the single trail downhill though....passing a shack, over a small crossing and then had to queue up to cross a stream....then took a wrong route...double back and enjoyed the sweet single trail with two foreigners hot on my tail....the single track was sweet and long....and fun....me and the two mat saleh’s enjoyed it very much that we made silly sounds....wooohooo!!!...hehehe...

first casualty of the day...

traffic congestion?

abg azhar

where's the traffic police when we needs em?

the cause....stream crossing...

The trail leads to a main road...riding on tarmac again...for a short while before Sham directing us to another off road trail....I didn’t go in straight though...waited for a while to catch my breath....Basir was there too...taking a breather.....I had to cut short my resting time to catch up with the other riders...

I was riding alone...trying to catch up with Uncle Johan whom I saw earlier....aww mann!!...that old man was really fast....and he’s 65 years old I tell ya....managed to catch up with him at CP1.....

After getting the CP1 sticker, I didn’t stick around for long....had a drink provided by the marshal’s and continued riding heading to water check point 2 a few kilometres away....

 CP1

2nd stage

The distance between CP 1 and CP2 was about 7km....and the water check point located in between the two....I’ve to go thru some rubber plantation and woods before I could reach it...the terrain was slippery due to the rain previous day and not to mention all the obstacles that I have to go thru...finally I reached the water check point and stopped for a breather...I had 2 bottles of water plus one I took as a reserve and a couple of bananas. Moments later, Riza, Laban , Wan and another Tamago guy reached the CP. We chatted for a short while before I left them to proceed to CP2, some 4-5 km away.

riza, laban and wan Tamago

I joined several riders and we were riding really tight at a considerably fast tempo...the trail was quite difficult as we need to navigates thru narrow passages which filled with slippery roots, puddles, branches and tree trunks...

I was enjoying the ride so much that before I knew it, I’ve reached CP2. I was greeted by Fazlon and Panjang who was manning the CP....Anuar and a couple of his friends were there as well....after a few minutes rest, we started riding again....heading to “the lake”....

anuar at CP2

taking a breather at "the lake"

The mixture of trail & single trail was enjoyable...we were going fast....I was leading and I missed a marker and we had to double back and re-trace the marker...found it, turned and continued thru a single track heading downhill towards the lake...

We stopped by the lake and took a 15 minutes break...after a long ride, a lengthy break like that was most welcomed...I went on to wash my face as my eyes were getting itchy due to sweat...I cleared the mineral water I took from CP2 and a banana flavoured cake given by the organizers....

We were lucky that it was cloudy at that time.....coupled with some cool breeze blowing our way...the rest stop was a bliss....

After done recharging our lost energy...we started riding again, heading towards CP3.

3rd stage

My body has already taken a toll from the long ride....by now...I’ve already travelled some 25km from the starting point....I was getting really tired from the long hours on saddles...the difficulty level has also increased, the path is much narrower, with roots, branches and trunks...not to mention a lot of puddles and muddy terrain at the open trails....there were also several crossings where you really have to get your feet wet...tiresome hill climbs and really exhausting paddling thru a rubber plantation. We had to take a 10 minutes stop before entering the rubber plantation. Opened up the Nescafe Mocca given by Eddie this morning....we were discussing about the ride and what Panjang told us earlier...it seems that out of 450 participants....only 200++ has made it to CP2....we don’t see much riders behind us...and we assumed that we were in the last batch...meaning that about half of the field has chickened out at CP1 and CP2...tough trail I guess....

It was already 12.45 when we started rolling again....going thru the torturous hill climb....it was really..really....exhausting and frustrating....why?...because last week I could climb the same hill with little difficulties...I could keep up with the other guys at that time...now....hahaha....I couldn’t even making it to the top...have to MTB~ed my bike uphill...hehehe..

We continued riding going downhill and headed straight for water check point 2 located somewhere near Flora Heights I assumed....when passing the construction site....I signalled Anuar as we’ve planned to stop to replenished our water reserves but he kept on cycling....perhaps he wants to get to our destination soonest possible.....it was getting really late.....the BP guys that was with us earlier has long gone...so does the group of Singaporeans which we met during our stop earlier.....

We met several riders somewhere before the hill climb at Flora Heights...Anuar and Azizi paddled their way up hill...while me...with no more strength had to push my bike up....I was extremely tired and had the thought of abandoning the ride....but I had already passed the point of no return...no more chicken loop...it’s all the way home from there onwards..... I reckon that I’ve another 19km to go....if I paddled slowly....I guess I’ll reached the finish line by 5pm or so....hehehe...

Reaching the top...Anuar and Azizi has long gone...no trace of them...some riders passed me....I want to catch up with them but I was really exhausted from pushing the bike...so I put down my bike at an open area and lay down on the dirt...stayed there for about 4-5 minutes to gather some energy for me to carry on riding. Once I felt I’m ready, I picked up my bike and starts paddling thru the open air construction site....it was sooo hot....Gerekers nicknamed the place as “the desert”....probably due to the barren condition with no shades whatsoever....I had to agree.....I took off my helmet due to the unbearable heat....and rode on....

At that point, I was craving for some shades and some ice cool drinks...I kept on telling myself that I could do it (completing the ride)....and that the heat was nothing....if you were there with me...you probably thought that I was a nut case or something...talking to myself...I was actually trying to lift my own spirits up....since I was alone....and no one to share the sufferings with me...=p

My prayers were soon answered when I catch a glimpse of a group of riders resting near a lorry...there were a tent set up next to it...it was the 2nd water check point!!...hurrayy!!...Anuar and Azizi were there, enjoying their Nasi Lemak under the shades....yup...you heard it right!...Nasi Lemak!....in the middle of nowhere?....it was truly a blessing!...

Lay down my bike near the lorry...okay...I admit that I was too tired that I practically threw my bike to the ground and rushed to get the food and drinks...haha....poor bike...=p

After munching down a pack of Nasi Lemak and a couple of bananas...and gulping down two bottles of iced water...I lay down on the dirt and rested for a while. Then after feeling that I’ve fully recharged, I replenished my water reserves and even took with me a banana and an additional bottle of water and stashed it in my backpack...

Another group of riders reached the checkpoint moments before we left...it was the Tamago’s: Riza, Laban, Wan and 2 more guys.....Panjang was there too...he offered me a ride home (on the lorry of course) but I declined thinking that I could actually made it home myself....

We left the check point after resting more than half an hour....supposedly...by then I surely had fully recharged myself.... but I guess the long hours on road has made me worn out.... convinced myself that I need to complete the ride....I tried to keep paced with Anuar and Azizi...going in the oil palm plantation...thru some thick bushes....going thru some narrow passages....some nice single tracks before reaching the horse ranch near “bukit 9G”...met Panjang again....and he offered me again...a ride home on a lorry but again...I declined...maybe the signs of fatigue show clearly on my face....but I guess my determination was stronger....doesn’t matter what time I finished the ride....I determined to complete it none the less...

anuar and azizi at the badminton court

There’s still about 9km to CP3...and I was really worn out....at a point...I even threw my bike a side out of total exhaustion..and practically lying on my back on the dirt in the middle of nowhere....Anuar and Azizi was kind enough to keep me company. We took a few minutes rest before Anuar suggesting us to move forward and look for a better place for a breather. We rode on till we reached the ‘badminton court”, an Indonesian worker shelter...we took a long break over there, about 15 minutes....before starts paddling again heading to CP3..

hiking up hill..enroute to CP3

There were a long uphill climb....we had to push our bikes uphill....reaching the top..there were several riders resting....moments later....the Tamago’s reaches the place...there were Wan, Mr Ong and another rider...the rest has abandoned the ride at water check point 2...taking the ride home on the lorry.

After 15 minutes break...we continued riding...there were about 9 of us...including Panjang....and we ride on to CP3...

By this time....Anuar and Azizi has made some distance between me and the other guys...upon reaching CP3, Wan, Mr Ong and the other Tamago rider made a sudden stop due to cramps...leaving me paddling alone....

I reached CP3 at 3.30pm...Najib and Atuk was manning the CP....told me the water check point was less than a kilometre away....I rode on...reaching the water check point few minutes later...Ah Chai showed me the direction and told me that Anuar and Azizi had recently left the check point...I didn’t stop as my water reserves still sufficient for the rest of the ride..

Finishing

I tried to called up to Anuar and Azizi..but I guess I was too far for them to hear me...I ended up riding alone...trying to catch up with them...then there were this hill....they were riding uphill...I was extremely tired...so I got off my bike and pushed my bike up and gave up the chase....there were another 9km to go....I was tired...quite de-motivated...and lonesome....riding alone in the woods was kinda creepy...

I finally reached a main road....kind of a relief for me....so I rode on straight...not knowing that I missed a marker and overshot few hundred meters from the re-entry point.....I rode on till I reached a TNB power station...with no markings and riders in sight...I figured that I was lost....so I called the emergency contact number stated on my riding pass....Azam answered and I told him that I was lost...he asked on my whereabouts and I told him my location...he advised me to turn back and retrace back the markings....and so I did and finally re-enters the plantation....and follows the markers heading home...

About a kilometre after entering the plantation, I met the Tamago guys again...so we rode on together heading to the finish line....


Finally after riding 55 kilometres off road...in more than 8 hours...the ride finally came to its end...we were greeted by Panjang and Sham at the exit point...Ali, BK and a patrol car was waiting for us at the main road....Ali congratulated us for completing the ride despite being the last riders to complete it....we were tired..but completely satisfied... we went on to Neo’s to clean our bikes as everybody has gone back...the lucky draws was held at 2pm...even the food has finished....we were contented enough for being able to complete the ride safely...

 

goin' home

As we were cleaning our bikes at Neo’s...it suddenly rained heavily...I decided not to bring my bike home instead I placed my bike in Eddie’s lorry with the rest of the Tamago’s guys bikes...and shipped back to Ali’s for cleanup and probably servicing...

I hanged out with Ali and his gang at the mamak and even took shower in the open with Mr Ong and Wan...it’s been a while since the last time I took a shower in the rain...hehehe...drenching wet, we all sat and had teh tarik session at the mamak...=p

I went back after having a quick shower at Neo’s..it was 5pm...a memorable day indeed....

 

again...note the CP stickers!

TT session with the Tamago's

Overall

It was a great ride...long, exhausting, really a physical and mental torturing....but also really..really satisfying...the kinda ride I’ve been yearning for....it was fun...and exciting...I had cramps several times...but it just keeps me going for more....

The trail was excellent..with lots of fabulous single tracks and downhill sections..I’ve no complaints about that...the organizers had done their jobs well...kudos to them...

I’m looking forward to return to this trail in near future...perhaps in early December? Will have to discuss further with Najib on this...anybody interested to join? =)

Plentong Epic Ride - recce ride 08/11/2009

Nearly missed the ride as I woke up pretty late that morning....rushed to the RV point and make it there with a lot of time to spare....parked the car, unload, got ready, had breakfast, meet and greet fellow riders and then the long wait....hehehe....

A lot of familiar faces showed up that morning.....Akmal, Panjang, Faiz, Anuar and Basir, Najib and the committee members and others.......Ali wasn't there as he was participating in an event somewhere up north....the only Tamago5 I met was Mbah who came with his son....lost him afterwards...

The ride started late....the committee members was having their briefing...task segregations perhaps....the large crowd was devided in two.....the first group consists of tourists...hehehe....those who came just to ride, nothing more......I decided to join the second group, who will be riding with the committee members....assisting them in trail markings.....I guess it sounded more fun and challenging...hehehe...

The ride finally started around 9.30am-9.45am....I won't be elaborating the ride so much as I don't want to spoil the surprise...all I can is....we didn't go for the actual full loop...as it was supposed to be a trail marking session...I guess we have gone some 40-45km or so....with a lot of short cuts and difficult trail section....the ride was extremely tiring......and my body has really taken a toll from it....a nasty fall and two cramps...hehehe....there's also a lot of stops which really helped in recovering lost energy....and yes....for an average rider like me....2 litre fluid as advised by Najib was not enough.....I completed both reserves half way the ride....luckily we had a stop at a work site canteen....I managed to get 2 cans of coke and few bananas...

The ride ended around 3.45pm.....Neo, being the host was generous enough to provide light refreshments after the ride...also letting us using his water hose to clean our bikes....and I even took a quick bath at his place...hehehe....thanks bro!.....

The following pictures were taken from my N70...managed to get a few snaps before the battery ran out....will try to get some of the photo's taken by Kevyn and Acai....meantime...here's a few glimpse of the ride...

first stage uphill climb...relatively easy..even for beginners...=p

 

 

the committee member's group...

 

Anuar...Fox from head to toe....

 

this is Najib....ladies....he's still available...hehehe

 Faiz from Perling....remember the unknown rider in Pendas ride a few month back?...it's him lah..

 

Committee member at work...marking trails

 

and summore markings....

 

Taking a breather somewhere....

 

right after a group of dirt bikers passed us..

 the lake.....nice....picturesque...

err....how come there'e no reception around here ahhh?...ya lorrr?terrible reception lah?...=p

 another breather...dunno where....are we lost?

yup...now we are lost for sure!....

Overall....it was fun..thrilling..tiring...and painful...all in one......I loved it.....can't wait till the actual event next Sunday.......

Oh yes....entry already closed....to those who haven't registered  yet....too bad for you.....missing out a fabulous ride such as this....you'll regret it...trust me....hehehe....

To the other 400++ participants......let's have some fun.......see you at the starting line.....=)

Plentong Epic Ride.....let's ride!

"we ride for many reasons.....for fun......for fitness.....or as an excuse to enjoy the company of a few good friends...but mostly.....we ride to escape....to escape the stasis of a life constructed around a 9 to 5 job; to escape the streets of suburbia; and, most importantly, to escape the expected....." BIKE magazine issue 16.6…


I seriously agree with the quote.....for me.....I ride for my health....fitness (not there yet...hehe)...and because it's what I've been wanting to do for so long.....the fun part comes with the rides...and the thrills...spills and....

Riding can also makes me forget all the issues of life temporarily....kinda like an escape for me...though temporary....the peace of mind is what I sought after a hectic 9 to 5 day job....just me and the open road...off-road…what ever....

What happened last Sunday has made me craved for an off-road ride even more...it was painful...to know that your buddies were having the times of their lives while you're stuck somewhere...not being able to do anything but just stares at your poor bike...feeling sorry for yourself...feels like giving myself a kick to the butt…..hehe…I guess it’s normal for a bike junkie like me....when you missed a good opportunity of a good ride...the desire for it is so strong it’s almost painful...you only want them more...yup!....I’m addicted alright!...=p

and so...I'll try my best to make it this coming Sunday....just another week before the actual event...need to get myself familiar with the trail...it'll be easier once you get to know the trail you're gonna be riding...and expect the unexpected…hehe…kinda like cheating also…..haha….but for an amateur like me….it’s a necessity…=p

You see….I don’t plan to ride half way…..I’ve completed both of the previous events I participated before this….no short cuts…no chickening out….from the scorching hot Melaka….to soaking wet and covered in mud at Gunung Pulai….I’ve managed to overcome it…be it 44km…47km….coming 55km…I’m determined to complete it…

Insyaallah…..

So there’re no excuse for me to bail out this Sunday ride…gotta get myself accustomed with the terrain and distance….not sure whether I could do it with just one recce ride....but I guess I’ll never know if I didn’t try right?...anyway...Najib already asked me to join him for the ride to help out with the paper markings and such....how can I pass an opportunity like that?...hahaha.....

And finally....if you’ve no plans for this 15th.....and you’ve an off-road bike but just too plain lazy to ride and get your socks dirty.....just get off your sorry ass and go ride...sitting still and mopping around aren’t gonna get you any fitter...and if that’s not good enough to inspire you...take a good look at your bike....and think about all the “investment” you put in it....that simple contraption that we call bicycle hold what I consider to be the world’s greatest feeling....fear, pleasure and joy all rolled into one...the feelings I get from riding it makes me feel fantastic, young and thrilled each time and has never failed to amazes me....

So...doesn’t matter if you’re riding hardtail or full sus.....pro or amateur...young or elderly (hehehe)....let’s go ride.......see you at the trail!

a disastrous morning!

yup!...you heard it right......this morning was disastrous.....why?...I woke up at 8.35am!!!!!...I remember setting my alarm at 6.30am...to give me ample time for Subuh prayer and preparing for the ride to Plentong today....but I ended up waking up super late!...

I can only blame myself for staying up late last night......if I didnt't browsed the Internet last night...I might not wake up this late....well....I guess it's predestined that I won't be able to ride today....I was actually looking forward for it....as both of my usual riding groups rides together today with guys from Cyclemotion in the lead....both PG Gerekers and Ali's gang....nice....I could've been with them...among companies of good friends.....but...sigh.......Panjang, Reza, EG, Ali, Hafiz, Najib and Azam to name a few.....if only.....hmmmm...

I woke up at 8.35am....and after packing all my stuff and bike in my car....I rushed to Plentong....previously at home, I called Reza to ask on their status and was relieved that they're still having breakfast at the nearby mamak....enroute to the destination, I called Hafiz and he says that they're about to move out...so I speed up, driving >120km/h on a 90km/h stretch.....screw with traffic summons...the ride seemed more important at that moment...hehehe....

Reached the designated parking area at 9.10am....too late...they already left...so I drove on hoping that I'd find them...no luck...there were no trace of them....disappointed, I drove back to the parking area and decided to have my breakfast at the nearby mamak....

There were a group of dirt bikers getting ready with their ride at the mamak....I estimate some 20 riders present....all with their bikes ready to run thru the jungle trail....it was cool to see them like that...kinda makes me jealous too....how I envied them....

Had my breakfast and then decided to go to Permas.....I thought that since I couldn't  go riding this morning...maybe I could drop by at Jason's and enquire further about my bike project....I'm planning to re-paint my bike....haven't finalised yet where I'd do it...but maybe I could get Jason to do the paint stripping for me....or maybe I'll save all the troubles and get him to re-paint the whole bike....was thinking of sending my bike to Austin for powder coating....any suggestions?

Anyway...reached his place only to find the shop closed....contacted him and he confirmed that he's not in business today....swell........so I went to Jusco instead but they're not open yet....end up going to Tesco Plentong to look for the latest copy of Cycle Malaysia....but I guess luck was not on my side.....went back empty handed.....sigh......went to the office to settle few stuffs....

My time at the  office was brief.....the server was down....nothing much I could do...so I left for home....I thought maybe I'll hang out at Festive Mall and check out for any new items at the shops there but most of the shops were still closed....what?...it's 11.05am...still not open for business?....the Danga management should seriously look into this......

Later...I went to Angsana and finally managed to get myself a copy of Cycle Malaysia.....and after that..went straight back home...

Reaching home, after unloading all my gears from the car.....I started riding around the neighbourhood for a few rounds to compensate my ill luck this morning....it wasn't the same.....still wished I could ride among my friends at Plentong....

Perhaps next week...meaning I couldn't possible send my bike to Jason this week...if I do...I'll missed the ride next weekend.....maybe I should postpone my plans for my bike....maybe after the Epic Ride.....guess so......

What a day...........

goin' where the wind blows

somebody's said...life is for the taking

here I am with my hand out....waiting for ride....

I've been livin' on my great expectations..

what good is it when I'm stranded here

and the world just passes by

where are the signs...to help me get out of this place...

If I should stumble on my moment in time....how will I know...

If the story's written on my face...does it shows....

am I strong enough to walk on water...

smart enough to come in out of the rain....

or am I a fool.....for goin where the wind blows....

here I sat, half way to somewhere..

thinking what's in front of me...and what I left behind...

on my own..supposed to be so easy...

is this what I've been after?

or have I lost my mind?.....

maybe this is my chance....and it's coming to take me away.....yeah..

If I should stumble on my moment in time....how will I know...

If the story's written on my face...does it shows....

am I strong enough to walk on water...

smart enough to come in out of the rain....

or am I a fool.....for goin where the wind blows....

here I am walking naked to the world....

taking up space...society's child

make room for me..make room for me...make room for me...

am I strong enough to walk on water...

smart enough to come in out of the rain....

or am I a fool.....for goin where the wind blows....

**searched for the lyrics after I stumbled upon the video in Youtube earlier tonite...I was a big fan of Mr Big during my school days....one of my fav's band during those days...it's been a while since the last time I heard their songs....perhaps I should go and look for their cd's and reminiscing the past?... hehehe...maybe...=)