MTBRogue

Ground Zero...

2011-02-02T16:00:00.002+08:00

All I needed was to take a month long holiday (with no ride) and my fitness went back all the way down to ground zero! But not for long.
Took my dusty bike out, got my riding apparel ready, and headed out to my 2nd best-place-to-gauge-my-fitness place for a ride. Kiara.
Man was I unfit! How unfit? let me tell you.
Starting out from the bottom of the kiara tarmac road is an immediate 1.5km climb. In my mind I knew I had to start slow or kill myself even before reaching the top. With my HRM on, and about half way through the hill, my pulse was already hitting 170bpm! A horrendous reading since it would normally be in the 150s and at a much faster pace too!
Anyway, consoled myself cos at least I didnt need to stop for a breather.
A quick loop around the tarmac area of kiara was ok and I caught my breath while doing that. Then I decided that I would need to pick up my pace and work at getting fit again! So I headed to "apollo". A climb which normally I would do as part of 10% of my usual full ride.
Needless to say... I died; having to dismount several times and push, through what would normally be 'just a normal steep climb'. (I remember coming here soon after the Sepang ride and breezed through this climb).
That was it... I was done.
After I was out of 'apollo', I got a rest at '2k' shed and headed downhill back to the car.
In my mind I know that while this is disappointing, it's only a minor set back. And as usual, MTBRogue will always get back up there. Sooner than later.

Sepang Jamboree 21 Nov 2010

2010-11-23T19:49:00.015+08:00

Click on image

Woke up at 4.30am on the morning of 21 Nov 2010 (Sunday) and headed out for what was to be an easy ride. Many had said that in Sepang, oil palm estate, how bad can it be?
Alas... how wrong everyone was!
Not only was the ride undulating... it was downright HILLY, and coupled with a night of rain before, muddy! What started as a "nice n easy" 42km, turned out to be one of the most gruelling and difficult trails I've ever been to. Although the climbs were not as formidable as the ever famous "antara gapi" trails, nor even Steroid or Pines at FRIM, the climbs were good MTB climbs worthy of mention. UNTIL... we hit the muddy energy sapping places.
There was one point where I had to lift the bike on my shoulders, which is normal for most MTB trails, but to lift the bike and then try to climb out of a muddy ravine about 8 feet high, with my feet constantly slipping and me falling back into the ravine is not what I can call MTB-ing. There was one point where my feet sank right in to my ankles and the only way i could get my feet out again was to NOT PANIC, and gently and slowly drag them out again. Remembering that I didnt have anything to hold on to. How the others got thru here is a wonder. THIS to me, was the MOST difficult part of the entire ride! At one point, I was worried about being leech food! ("ahoy leeches... someone trapped here for our nights feed", I could almost hear them shout in glee)
Well, all was well, after much much struggle, sweat, I managed to climb out. A few others behind me had the same struggles too. The big and heavy would have real problems getting out.
Scenery-wise, not much to say, just a few glimpses of our KLIA (KL International Airport), and some hill-view into 1. more oil palm trees, 2. a road or two and 3. a chinese cemetery.
Well, what can I say about the Sepang Jamboree?
Rideable, fun (without mud), challenging at some points, nice single trails, thorny on tyres (I got a flat a day later), good and nice climbs, a few but not enough downhills. But still, a place I just might take a drive out to again.
Any takers?
If you were riding this trail, take a look at the 12 min clip, you may just be in somewhere, being overtaken by me of course. Click on video clip below (or link on right).

MTBRogue - the Logo

2010-11-05T00:19:00.001+08:00

How's that for a new logo for MTBRogue? Curtesy of Amelia Lee!
Nice huh!

Sepang Jamboree 2010 - 45km offroad

2010-10-27T20:21:00.013+08:00

Woo Hoo... the great MTB chaps of KL have organised another kayuh lasak jamboree in Sepang!!All the info is here: http://sepangjamboree2010.blogspot.com

45KM of rugged terrain, but I still dont know if its gonna be hilly (like Ipoh) or flat flat like ... umm... flat flat like ... dono lah, never cycle flat flat before.

Knowing MTB-ers, I do hope there'll be some killer climbs separating the men from the boys; This time I'll be well prepared so I wont come out of this feeling like a boy... or better still, a little girl.
Glad to say I'm in ship shape.
There was recently a Penang Jamboree but unfortunately, it was FULL 2 days after registration was opened. Sigh. Missed it. And will NEVER get to do it EVER (Canada beckons).

Anyway...see everyone there at Sepang then!

Oh Yahhhh... Flat Flat like SUBANG!!

Canadian Trails...

2010-10-05T18:11:00.006+08:00

One of the big questions in my mind when planning to move to Canada, is "where are the trails for mountain biking gonna be?". Glad to have found myself some contacts of MTBers who gladly directed me to http://www.canadatrails.ca/mtb/mtbon.html ; a nice little site of trails in Ontario which I'm sure I'll be going to.
(and posting to this site of course).
It's really so nice to know that there are miles and miles and miles of pure trails! Single trails are any MTBers favorite! Uphills and downhills, doubly so for this particular MTBer! Who knows what I'll be reporting in this blog this time next year. Autumn leaves, cool weather... PICTURE AND RIDE PERFECT!

Howzitgoing MTBRogue?

2010-08-31T21:18:00.005+08:00

I must say, I haven't posted my rides for some time. But happy to say that I HAVE been riding. In fact, I'm even happier to say that I'm riding like, 3 times a week now! And really working on getting my fitness up to par, at least up to par with my own standards. How am doing this?
Well, first things first, I've gotten myself a new neat little toy... a Polar Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) (picture above). This little gizmo is so cool. Ok Ok... cool is but a small factor. What it does though, is track my heart rate real-time, works out for me my peak performance levels, keeps track of my calories burnt, lets me know if I'm just burning fats or increasing my fitness levels, stores my data in files in the watch itself, and oh yes, it even tells the time.
I highly recommend this for any serious get-fit person. Not only does it help me maintain and build my fitness, but it also helps me to ensure that I don't overwork and kill myself with a heart attack. (I tend to push myself too hard)
Well, at my age, currently I'm pushing my heart rate all the way up to the 170s and burning almost a thousand calories on every ride. And I really am getting fitter by the day.
Ride... oh yes... ride...
Actually, not much 'outings' lately, but I joined the FRIM membership just so I can go in for free. It's worth it if I have to keep paying RM4-6 everytime I go in FRIM. So FRIM is my getaway now. If you have a free day on Monday, Wed, Thurs, Friday... just go there anytime in the morning... You may bump into this orange shirted guy on his HOT bike. If you look close enough through his wet shirt, you'll just be able to see his 'bra' strap. That would be me and my new HRM. (If you really still blur, the 'bra' strap is the strap across my chest that transmits the signals of my pulse over to my watch).
So yeah... I have been riding... a little too much maybe... but that never hurt anybody.
See ya!

Ipoh Ride 30 May 2010

2010-05-30T21:37:00.005+08:00

The picture you see here was just the beginning of so many hills that would break your legs! And since this was the first hill, with over a thousand riders, bottlenecks were inevitable. Hence, me, the back of the pack, waiting in line. It took us at least 45 mins just to clear the first 4km!
The ride itself was as gruelling as any ride could get. With a total 42km of sheer forest, open oil palm (??) estates, a little bit of tarmac on the way back, thigh burning hill climbs which made steroid (FRIM) seem kiddie, and some nice downhills.
After almost 5 hours, I made it out, after missing about 6km of the ride as my legs just gave up on me. Was granted position 332 though and little medal, which was nice!
Best part of the ride is that I'm that much fitter now I think, and worst part of the ride is that I've got to upgrade my cranks, which is has a terrible scraping noise now! Probably from all the climbs.
Not much to say about scenery though. Malaysian jungle is Malaysian jungle no matter where we go. Link to some picts of us on the right.

Ipoh Ride... the preparation...

2010-05-28T16:42:00.005+08:00

Going for a ride? Here are some of the basic-MUST-list-of-things that you will need to bring apart from your bike:
MUSTHAVE WEARABLES:
Jersey, shorts (padded), gloves, shoes, helmet, socks, shades, back/hydrapack or/and waist pouch, wrist watch.
MUSTHAVE CONSUMABLES:
Fluids (1 litre per 10-15km depending on the terrain); more is better than less.
Energy or carbo stuff. My preference are energy bars or just plain ol' bananas.
MUSTHAVE BIKE STUFF:
Pump, spare tubes, tools, tyre repair kit
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED OTHER STUFF:
Sunblock (spf = 30 or more)...make sure its water proof and sweat proof. I recommend Coppertone,First Aid kit,Mosquito repellent,Hand-phone (and containment from water),GPS, small towel
OPTIONAL:
Odometer, spare clothes, mp3 player
Done.
For my own personal ride coming up this weekend (and am very excited about it!) in Ipoh, I've got pretty much all of the above except for spare clothes cos my jersey and shorts are both 'quick dry' and in Ipoh, I don't expect any change in temperature, so warm clothes wont be necessary, and riding in heavy torrential rain has never been a problem for me.
So... wish me luck... Ipoh here I come... stay glued to this site for my update on the ride after Sunday!
By the way... that bike you see up there... that's my baby! A nicely modded full sussed Giant Anthem X3... mmmm... nice to own my own personal Porsche that's a thousand times cheaper than the car! (go ahead... click on it!)

Bike Climbaholism = Someone who is addicted to climbing (with a bike)

2010-05-22T17:22:00.008+08:00

(Can you find my bike in that first picture?)
With a 45km off road trail coming up next week, I was determined to be ready for it. Today I daresay that I'm ready. The weather this morning at FRIM was perfect, temperature-wise, but with the rain, things were a bit tough. It rained heavily and I was caught while climbing up steroid. Uphill tasks was tough as the earth was slippery, muddy, and fairly soft. But nothing was gonna stop me from getting into shape for next week. Managed to do the climb twice over (some would think it mad!).
But with today's ride, my confidence is a little better than it was 2 weeks ago. My fitness, a little better than it was in the past few months. I think Ipoh will be tough, but I think should be ok. Wish me luck! This picture below is the little stream that forms all the way from the top of the hill...

Off to Serendah...

2010-05-16T21:10:00.006+08:00

After laying off for more than 2 weeks due to bouts of flu, cough and the like, and coupled with the fact that there's a HUGE ride coming up in 2 weeks over at the Ipoh Jamboree (http://happytoride-ipohjamboree2010.blogspot.com/), the ride today was much needed. Amazing how the lungs can clear of its' phlegm from a nice midrange ride.
Today's was obviously not a much visited trail, and we could tell bcos of very long lalang and thorny underbrushes (managed to catch one on my wrist too)
At the start, we had a start when we saw someone coming down the hill with a shotgun!... and dogs!! As it turns out, they (there were 2 shotguns (hunters)) were hunting boars.
Not much to say about this ride. Just a forest like all malaysian forests, long lalang, muddy paths. No major climbs other than some small 200m inclines; which was a good start for someone with my level of fitness at this point. It was much needed and a good prep for the coming Ipoh ride (45km of gruelling off road madness into the Banjaran Titiwangsa... God Help Me!)

Ye Olde Taman Desa road ride...

2010-05-02T08:29:00.003+08:00

Ah, what memories like memories... from 1990. Took a ride out the old road route of Taman desa, water park, taman seputih areas.
I remember when these routes would drain my lungs with its "long" 600m climbs...
Alas, I remember when good ol' Kim would train me and coax me on..."cmon ... abit more... !", and I would struggle with my last bit of breath, like a fish out of water...pedal my way up the road. Thanks Kim!
Had some time to kill when my son went there for his seasonal basketball tourney. It wasn't a major game, since his team was already 1st on the leader board, so I decided that I needed my own little exercise after a bad bout of flu and last weeks pathetic 3km-and-died ride. So, thought it was a good plan to start where it all began some 10 years ago!
I've come a long way now... Hate to say this Kim, but this time I think I'll be the one with the "cmon... abit more!".
The route, much easier now, is still one of the best routes for a get-fit-quick rider. It is undulating, tarmac, and not so many cars, with some nice climbs. A few sprints up and down these climbs will do amazing things to your fitness level. But watch your heart rate tho...push too hard and you'll be pushed on a cart to the nearby Desa hospital.
Well, suffice to say... for me... it was a trip down memory lane while I quickly try to get fit for a big ride coming up in the Ipoh Jamboree end of this May; a full 45km off road trail!
"C'mon Kim... get off that excel butt and come along with me!... There's extra space in the car for 2 bikes and 2 riders!"

Lost...

2010-03-23T23:51:00.003+08:00

Imagine you're cycling on a well beaten path. Around you nothing else but rubber trees, undergrowth, and little mozzies all over your ears. You figure, "ok... just keep going... this oughta lead somewhere surely!". After all, you've just passed two tiny wooden huts (what the hell were tiny huts doing in the middle of nowhere?..) and been chased by a dog, surely you cannot get lost in a tiny forest!? ..hmm.. After 30 mins of cycling the path suddenly leads down a steep steep and muddy slope, and then disappears altogether. You half fall down, get off the bike and decide that perhaps its abit too steep and without a path before you, kinda dangerous, especially when roots start sticking out of the ground, endo-ing you almost! Then all of a sudden, the way clears and you're staring out at a 30-40 foot drop! You get on your butt, bike on top of you, in a desperate attempt to stop sliding downhill! Where on earth am I?
Well.. waddaya know...I'm smack in the middle of a "tiny" forest in Kiara!
For the veterans of this place; Dont laugh!
For the newbies... Watch out! You gotta respect this place and bring a damn GPS! No, not the kind you use in your car... but a real proper GPS that'll work in thick forests. I have one, but of course, Kiara is a "tiny" jungle... what would Patrick be needing a GPS in here for huh????
Trust me, such arrogance will cost you, umm... let's see, numerous cuts, bruised bottom, mozzie bites, bike-on-you-head (that's what endo-ing does) and not forgetting the tree you smash with your shoulders!
Plus point? (there always a plus point or points!)
You get to find NEW paths. You realise the importance of all that you know you should have brought and didnt. You appreciate life a little more.
In short... dont ever think ANY forest or jungle is "tiny" because, believe me... you're tinier! WAAAY tinier!

Ride with the KL Mountain Bike hash - Sg Buaya

2010-03-06T22:50:00.009+08:00

Take the Rawang toll exit; drive into Rawang town and up towards the north. Until a turn off on the left about 5km from Rawang town. That's about all I remember about how to get to this place. All I know is that it was near some loji pembersihan air.
The ride began about 9.30am, with about 200 people; Guests and members of the KLMTB hash. I was a guest of Thomas and gang, all ready and equipped with my Garmin GPS to capture the trail so I can come back in the future and not get lost in this forest.
It was a cool morning, and in spite of the 200 people, the group quickly were dispersed due to different riding speeds and fitness. We were probably somewhere near the middle; not fast, not slow.
Not much to say about the scenery. Mostly single trail in the middle of a forest, nothing to look at except trees, trees, and more trees.
The actual hash was made up of 2 loops: easy and not so easy. After 10km on the easy, I decided that I was not fit enough to cover the 2nd 10km of not-so-easy, so I called it a day.
By the way... Thomas, lost his Garmin at some point near a river at the 2nd loop. Anyone find it.. please return to me.
Overall, nice easy ride and I'll definitely go there again.

Cobra while biking!

2010-02-21T01:32:00.003+08:00

Today I almost got "patuk-ed" by a cobra like the one you see here! But instead it hit my front tyre.
I was cycling in the forest between Sri Hartamas and Kiara; a single trail. Thankfully it was a slight downhill, and although quite full of roots which slowed me down, nonetheless, downhill speed was there.
Suddenly, as I passed between some rubber trees, this cobra out of nowhere literally jumped from my right and towards my front tyre. I didnt even have time to react other than get a very rude shock!
I automatically lifted up both my feet off the pedal and just continued on! After about 5meters, I stopped the bike, turned and looked for it, but it was gone.

There were occasions I am told by my friend that he too encountered cobras before while jogging in the forest trails of Kiara. But this was a first for me.
I've seen boars, monitor lizards and various other insects, but none of them give me more fear than the Cobra I saw today!

For revenge over my shock, perhaps I should have some snake soup?
hmmm...

Jogging the Kiara Trail

2009-10-31T22:17:00.004+08:00

Came out of the car and lo and behold... my back tyre was flat. Bike that is.
And here I was at the foot of kiara, eager to start my weekend trail search. Alas, got out my jogging shoes and ended up jogging the trail up at Kiara. The rain-all-night-before didn't help either.
Jogging up the hill seemed a lot harder than cycling, although joggers would think otherwise.
As it turned out, after the 800m jog up, I was well warmed up and ready for the forest trail and up the rocky path to the "balcony".
Wow, I hadn't perspired as much as that in a long time. Drenched from head to toe. THing about MTB-ing is that we get wind in your face on the downhills, but not jogging. No no no... Jogging is sweat going up and sweat going down.
And now, back home... my whole body is aching! (must be the enormous amount of "vibrating" my "extras" were doing.

Sg Sendat ride..

2009-10-28T17:08:00.003+08:00

This is a late entry of a ride we did at Sg Sendat; a little forest area after the town of Rawang, sometime in September 09. Total distance was about 22km.
For some reason the rides around here, like Antara Gapi are nice and hilly. The climbing section of this ride was not extreme, but it was LONG !!
This ride was especially memorable because we had a puncture, we got lost, I got stung, and I finally figured why I needed a Garmin 60Csx! (still looking for a cheap one tho).
The trail itself, like most malaysian terrain was filled with earth, gravel, mud, streams and some dangerous corroded downhills, forcing us to get off our bikes and push.
Again, while all terrains are seemingly similar geographically, and hard to record on a blog... I still must say that EACH ride is different and enjoyable. The freedom, the air (or mud) in your face... nice... so nice.

Kiara NEW found trail...

2009-10-28T16:31:00.002+08:00

Last week, unfortunately, my gang all had last minute stuff; however, suffice to say, I went to kiara and found a "new" trail.

After the crossroads (rest point at 2k loop junction) if keep going straight downhill, then a left at the bottom T-junction, about 50m down, the trail starts on the right side and goes around the circumference of the walking tarmac road. I kept going ... and in the end turned up at the foot of the "rocky" climb up to our rest place over looking the science centre (lets call that the "balcony").
It was a nice single trail.
I took a break at the balcony... then went back down the same way... only to discover when i reached to 2k loop that i'd left my helmet UP at the balcony!
Wah lao,... i did the rocky climb again!
Total covered about 15km.
If you're wondering how come I can ride and not know that i'm NOT wearing my helmet?
Good question.
You see, I have a 'good morning' towel tightly wound round my head to absorb sweat... hence... the helmet sits on top of that, making me unaware that it's even on. Other than the "tuala"... I am "tua-lah"!

:-)

Downhill in Kiara, Twin Peaks

2009-09-14T01:15:00.003+08:00

Taken with the VholdR Contour HD helmet Cam, no editing.
Coming down the from Twin Peaks.

Riding the Giant Anthem

2009-08-28T16:10:00.004+08:00

The first noticeable thing as soon as I got on the Anthem was the feeling that the bike was always surging forward... almost as if it were pulling me ahead. This gave me the immediate thought that hill climbs would be fantastic on this bike. I remember reading reviews about how "the Anthem X3 would leave lighter bikes in its' wake on hill climbs..".
Having never rode on a full sus before, I was eager to see what it felt like in an off road situation. And when I did, my breath was taken away, not from any climbs, but from the incredible feeling (or NON feeling) of going down steps, over roots, across rutts and rocks and things. In short, the Fox RP2 rear shocks did an incredible job in absorbing whatever I threw at it. I had the whole thing recorded on my VHoldR Contour HD helmet Cam... and am embarrassed to show it to anyone cos of the hopeless "wows", "ooohs" "ahhhs"... which can be heard on video... of me in helpless wonder and amazement.
Next test as far as I was concerned are climbs. The Anthem is built for climbs, the 3 pivot on the Maestro technology is meant to maximize every single downstroke on the pedal and transfer enough energy over to the wheels, giving optimum pedal power.
Hmm.
Well, all I can say is.. I was not disappointed. It's really no wonder that the Giant Anthem X series was voted bike of the year for 2009!
No regrets, no turning back.
Now on to the bigger climbs...

Giant Anthem X3

2009-08-17T23:29:00.003+08:00

After much hype and hullabaloo and review after review, I've finally got it. Albeit not the top end 24lb Anthem X0, but the lower end X3. Consolation is, the frame's the same and will give me a great time in slowly upgrading it. But mainly cos it's that much cheaper for the same incredibly light frame.
I've replaced the original Suntour XCR forks for Manitou R-Seven increasing my travel from 80mm to 100mm while reducing the overall weight by a hefty 0.6kg.
Got myself a set of XPEDO flat pedals weighing in at 416gms.
The weight of the bike from 29lbs down to just under 28lbs.
The great thing about this bike is its upgradability; which will eventually be the wheelset, cogs, crankset. My goal will be to achieve X0 status; long way to go tho.
Just a short test ride up the road from the bike shop (Tat Seng), and I could immediately feel the difference from my Giant Iguana. It was amazing how easy it was to ride and how fast it felt. Can't wait to get it out there and get a feel of the Fox RP2 rear shocks.
Both front and rear shocks are massively adjustable...although HOW to do it still eludes me at this point in time. (gulp!) the forks are supposed to be "air" filled at different PSIs depending on terrain. My goodness, I learnt today that that there is a specific PUMP to fill the forks with !! (gone are the days of coil springs!)
Anyway... I'll definitely keep you posted after my next scheduled ride on Saturday where I'll be taking this new thing for its first ride... Where? Beats me... but who cares !!

Later..

Crazy Hazy day out...

2009-07-19T00:15:00.004+08:00

Today was a nice ride. Unfortunately marred by haze. Look at how bad it is behind us in the picture!! Somewhere there are the twin towers...albeit hazed out!
5 of us set out to Kiara with a nice warm up climb and the 2k loop. Some short rests and finally up to Twin Peaks and back to the Kiara tarmac loop.
Our group of 2 is now a nice 5 - 6; good group to cover each other in the future.
In time, the newbies will be smokin' hot!
Word of motivation for those newly starting...
See a mountain, see a good climb... DO IT! That's what its there for and that's what your bike's for anyway!!
Catchya Later!!

Looking for A New Mountain Bike

2009-07-04T12:55:00.003+08:00

Looking for a new MTB?

I'm looking at the Giant Anthem X series... Nice with the Maestro Suspensions

Kiara Forest Part II

2009-05-23T14:05:00.003+08:00

<http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=101047704672703881734.00046a8ded1ab2a2df95f&ll=3.155557,101.638041&spn=0.034537,0.038624&t=p&z=15>

The link above is where I went this weekend. Another attempt at getting lost in the forests of the Tmn Tun/Kiara/Hartamas/Penchala region. But this time a little more prepared as we seemed to have a better bearing on the routes.

Unfortunately I was not able to "track" the routes but only managed to get my HTC and its weak GPS to pick up a signal. Hence only the 2 blue dots on the map.

As I learn, and try out new stuff... maybe I'll be able to route out the entire area and create a new map for the world to see.

Time to get my Garmin Trekker fixed to my bike now.

Keep following this site... :-)

Kiara...the jungle in the city...

2009-05-20T21:38:00.002+08:00

I can tell that I'm gonna be addicted to the trails found in the "jungles" of Bukit Kiara / Hartamas / Tmn Tun / Segambut!

For the first time, we attempted going in from the Sri Hartamas path in an attempt to get to Tmn Tun. The map you see on the left is actually an old one taken from another site done, I believe by Pat Brosnan (I think that's his name).

It was really an invigorating ride. Not that technical, but great 25%-40% climbs and downhills. But make sure you go during dry weather. Some portions were quite muddy and it was then that I wished I had flat pedals. I still have the phobia of getting my feet stuck in the clipless pedals while trying to pedal through deep mud.

There were numerous trails crisscrossing and forking here and there, but we managed to "agak agak" our direction. Bumped into a father and son team and asked them for directions. Unfortunately they themselves were looking for "tmn tun"!

After about 1 hour plus of cyling and trying to figure the right direction to take, while at the same time trying to make sure we remember our way back (in case we had to turn back), a final steep climb, and lo and behold, I hit a tarmac-ed path!! Immediately I realised where I was when I saw the all too familiar path. "Hey, we hit Kiara lahh!!"... with a small sigh of relief!

A young lady taking her morning jog must've heard me. "Lost?" she giggled as she jogged pass.

"yeah!!.. but not anymore" I sighed as she passed me.

Looking back on the path we just came out of, I noticed a sign saying "P7"... something i'll remember for a long time.

We did a small loop at kiara, and decided that it wasn't such a good idea to go back the same way, so we decided to take the road back instead. But not before I stopped over at "ah leong's" and invested on my new rm140 flat pedals !! hahahaha.. Muddy or no Muddy... no more phobia for me!!

We headed back by road.

I know... from now on... I'll be seeing more of "P7" (and all the other "P"s in that jungle somewhere).

Thinking of starting some mountain biking?..

2009-04-04T12:49:00.002+08:00

Getting started on your mountain bike:

1. How much should you spend?
Find a decently priced bike. Don't get something from Carrefour or Tesco. Those can be dangerous and unreliable. For starters, something in the region of 1,600 - 2500RM will be enough. Brands are no big issues. At that price you can get some pretty decent bikes from Giant, GT, Merida, Cannondale, etc.

2. Do I need shockers? (shock absorbers)
Most mountain bikes come with front shockers and this is good. You dont really need a dual suspension (dual sus) unless you're planning to be a serious downhiller. So get a hard-tail.

3. Do I need disk brakes?
Nah! They make your bike heavier. Normal V brakes will do.

4. Anything else?
Well... make sure the saddle (seat) is nice and comfy.
Make sure the frame you get suits your height. Best way to test this is to stand over the bike with the middle bar running under your jewels. Make sure there's a nice gap between the bar and your "ahem"... else...well... you know...

5. Other necessary necessaries...
a. HELMET a MUST. NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THIS. GET A GOOD ONE.
b. Gloves VERY NECESSARY.
c. Cycling shorts... useful cos they are padded in the right areas which are good if you're going on some long rides.
d. Jersey... good set for quick drying.
e. Shades... to protect your eyes. NEEDED.
f. Water bottle (try to get a free one with the bike if you can)
g. Shoes. You can wear good stiff-soled shoes.

All in all... you'll be making a fine investment with very little maintenance cost... but HEAPS TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING.
So go get your bike now !

See ya !

A Hidden Stream in my own backyard

2009-01-27T14:28:00.003+08:00

As I was "pantang-ed" from attending or having any form of CNY celebrations from the recent loss of my dad, there was not much else I could do but to try to take my mind off things for a while and go for ride around my neighbourhood.

I rode out with intention to take a 30-40km ride in the hot afternoon sun to hartamas, kiara, etc etc.

Along the way I rememebered that there was a path uphill somewhere in the Matrade area where a bulldozer had created. The hill looked formidable enough and fun. Somewhat Steroid (FRIM) like.
I found it... off the main road and into some forest area.
Dried up earth, bumpy, but rideable.
It started off easy enough, and then some points were quite steep. Although surrounded by forest and nature's sounds, and never before ridden by anyone, (I'm quite sure), but the bulldozer had to stop somewhere i thought. I continued on. Quite scary, yet the unknown was just too tempting.
After one very steep climb where i even had to get off the bike (bumpy and steep not conducive at all!), there was a steep downhill.
I lowered my seat for better stability, downhilled... woohoo...
To my utter amazement, i was behind the Matrade building (about 200m)and right in front of a little stream. Separated from Matrade by forest of course and no way to actually get to Matrade.
I took a picture; rested... and tried to look for a loop back to my starting point. But there were none.
I had to backtrack.
Total about 8km.. but felt like 30km! I headed back. Tired but glad i found a little off road, a little stream, a little fish... right in my own backyard.

Night Riding in KL

2008-12-08T21:28:00.002+08:00

THe weather today was cool and damp. Perfect for cycling some would say, what more a nice night ride.
I had planned a "new" route that would take me from segambut, Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas, Jalan Duta and back to Segambut; 15km or so in all.
Tonight was perfect.
The weather was cool, the traffic was sparce and the streets well lit.
Gabriel was not to have been left out of this "long" ride.
Off we went at about twilight time, a slow casual ride to the Solaris area, getting wet in the process by pools of water. After Solaris, a small climb up to the Mont Kiara area where traffic became heavier from dinner goers; besides, it was the Kiara area and quite hard not to have traffic.
Then onwards to Sri Hartmas, past Plaza Damas and back to Segambut.
The road terrain was great with a good mix of climbs and downhills.
A few short stops and the final climb back home with Gabriel close on my tail.
Quite a good work out for a 13 year old.

Amelia goes a FRIM-ing...

2008-12-08T00:49:00.003+08:00

An adventurous first time for young Amelia on her 24" GT climbing for the first time a fairly tough terrain at the FRIM.
With some difficulty and several short 2 minute breaks, she makes it... climbing with all her might and against all odds.
The going was tough... but after 30 minutes riding, she makes it to the top of Rover's trail. Another last break at the waterfall, a drink, and then it was a breeze all the way down to the other side.
Congratulations young lady!
You've done something very few girls your age would do or even want to try doing.
Gravel, mud, 25% hill climbs, no mean task for an 11 year old when most would still prefer sleeping in the comforts of home on a beautiful Saturday morning.
But then, you're my daughter... which means some craziness must have rubbed off huh?
Not to mention the pain your butt is facing now, a day later!

FRIM on Deepavali

2008-11-01T10:56:00.003+08:00

Holiday for Malaysians... thanks to Deepavali.
For me, it was an opportunity to try my helmet cam again!.. Woohoo...
And it worked!
However, unfortunately i've not been able to attach the clip to this blog.

The ride was no different other than the fact that I decided to go an extra "mile" by climbing the killer Steroid Hill twice. Of course, those around and were resting thought us crazy.

The dangers for us was that we're always going the "wrong way" up because we think that the other way up is for "chickens" and hence the name "chicken route". Danger here being that those taking the chicken route end up coming downhill while we're going up. Ah well... we've gotten away with it so far.

Rover's trail was also packed with people. No surprise, mostly Chinese and Malays... as our Indian friends are busy entertaining their guests or visiting.

After 3-4 hours of riding time; this time safely with no injuries, it was time to go back. Relax, nap...

How to Maintain your Rear Derailleur...

2008-09-21T21:29:00.000+08:00

When there's no place to go...

2008-09-17T22:49:00.002+08:00

Sometimes when I'm feeling low, and things just don't seem to click, and I dont really feel like driving out anywhere to go for a ride, what do I do?
Just grab the bike and ride anywhere!

This time, this past weekend was such a time.
Feeling down in the dumps I decided to get some air and cycle around my kampung.
Though the word "air" here can arguably be a big question mark as far as quality and being "fresh" is concerned, it didn't bother me. I had to get out there.

My kampung, as it turns out happens to be from Segambut dalam all the way out to the Damansara area, via Sri Hartamas.
Leaving my slicks on from my previous ride, I shot off in the 1pm heat of the day. Burn if I must my skin, but I had to go.

The terrain in my kampung ride is nice because it's up and downhill and fast!
Feeling somewhat down and out with my mood, I basically sprinted the whole time, even during the hard climbs up damansara hill (Science center) just to "let go".
It was good.

You know... riding and sweating it out really does things with your mind, your mood and your general health.
Came back home after 2 hours plus and over 30km (didnt even keep a real count on my distance), showered, had my late late lunch.
Felt better.

Wonder where to next.

Ramadhan Ride

2008-09-11T23:45:00.004+08:00

The first week of "bulan puasa" and a nice ride to a regular spot ... back up to Genting Sempah and down to Bukit Tinggi, past Janda Baik.
This time not the usual 2 of us, but 4.
The 16km ride uphill was no mean task as usual, and Eric on his racer was way ahead of everyone else. Really contemplating if I should get one. The speed on it must be thrilling.
We arrived Bukit tinggi at about noon and consumed more kilocalories than we burned getting up the hill and probably the whole ride itself. Why?
2 large plates of noodles, 1 vege, 1 steamed fish, and a whole D24 durian !!
Aiyoh...
Here we were telling each other how much MORE we were eating than burning calories, and here we were continuing eating! So Malaysian wouldn't you say?
No disrespect to my fellow Muslim friends being puasa month and all... but we really ate !
After the lunch, we all agreed we were too heavy and too lazy to take the short and very very steep climb back up to Sempah... so we decided to take the long 5km extra km route through gradual climb back up... hmmm. Oh, the fish was so delicious, Eric decided to buy a 5kg one frozen, wrapped in paper, for RM150!! However, he was smart enough to let Thomas carry it all the way back... uahauahauaha.

REaching the peak of sempah we (eric and i) rested while waiting for the rest. Eric of course had to make sure his fish made it safely back.
The ride down was pleasant as it started to rain. Nice cold wind in my face, rain... bliss.
Another day... another ride...

Bukit Tinggi via Janda Baik..

2008-08-03T23:23:00.002+08:00

Another day, another nice ride. Just the outskirts of KL on the way to Genting Highlands, there's a eatery or locally known as "medan selera". Here's where we parked. Our ride this time was ambitious, not that we've never done crazy killer hills before, but this time, it was a 'double' killer. We were going to attempt an off road trail up to Bukit Tinggi, towards the Berjaya resort.
We started with a fast downhill for 8km to Janda Baik, probably some have heard that this place has tons of "team building" or "training" spots. A nice quaint kampung area with happy people and kids running around, not on their feet but on "cup chais", as many as 3-5 on a bike is quite normal. A quick picture of them was enough to get their wide wide smiles.
The loop around Janda Baik is a nice ride and a trip on its own if you plan it for a family. Full tarmac, short ups and short downs make it a nice nice ride. Quite cooling too and very green. You'll pass some cow pastures and the like.
After a quick loop around Janda Baik, we headed downhill again towards Bentong. From the starting point and at about kilometer 28, there'll be a very steep hidden 4-wheel off road on the left. Here's where we took our break of some kaya buns; psyched up for the long climb up this 25-30degree hill.
The climb was good ONLY if you're mad! It was slightly overgrown, gravelled mixed with earth, bumpy from wear and tear, slippery from loose broken stones and gravel. But we managed to do all 3km of it.
If you're familiar with the "steroid Hill" of Frim, running at about 15-20degrees incline, and the Gunung Nuang at 30-40 degrees, well, this one is midway.
We passed yet some nice ... hmm... lets see... radio towers... urmm... giant astro-like dishes (digi actually)... urmm...helipads (what on earth are they here for me wonders)... and finally, the horse ranch in the middle of nowhere. .. and WITH a horse. (check out picts at picasa link). And oh yes... a very territorial dog, added to the flavor of fun and adventure. We escaped unscathed.
Coming back was another adventure on its own cos we tried downhilling from another part where there was a proper tarmac road made probably cos of the radio tower.
Unfortunately, on reaching the bottom we found it was linked to the main Karak Highway! Bad mistake! but no choice, we werent going to climb back up the hill so we took the highway.
Managed to find the "old" road off the highway again after 2 km and literally climbed down the hill from the highway and back to the "old" road to Bentong.
We headed on back to a famous chinese spot... hungry like never before and time was already past 1pm. Hot and hungry... not good combination.
Finally, we arrived the little town of bukit tinggi for our lunch at "Mei Shi Ka". A plate of "wah tan Hor" and "fukkien mai fahn".... and drinks of coconut, iced coffee, katchai soomui... and bliss... burp!
We were on our way again...
The road back was tediously HOT and gradual uphill again !! 20km worth.
Full ride touching 60km.
Tired, worn out, feverish bods, sun tanned... but what the... it was good !!

Ride to Frasers

2008-06-16T00:14:00.004+08:00

June 7th 2008: Very early in the morning, we set out on our hour long drive to Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB). On the NS highway there are several exits. One of them leads us through a "ghost town" off of Bkt Beruntung. Fascinating how these almost town sized buildings can be just abandoned and left to rot.
Anyway, unbeknowest to many people, just a few km from KKB, lies a big and beautiful lake (manmade it seems), where 2 rivers meet to form a very huge reservoir supplying electricity to various parts of malaysia. It was along this lake that we parked and began our ride up. 25km of gradual uphill.

Weather today was great for this ride... cool, cloudy, breezy. Our aim, get up to frasers, lunch, and back.

We had 2 unfortunate changes in plans. One was that "the Gap" was closed for renovations. This was the age old place where i'd come to once or twice as a little kid with my parents on one of our trips to Frasers. My hope to visit the place for a cup of coffee was foiled. Ended up eating a coconut bun on the road while taking a rest.
The second change in plans we had to make was the route up. Due to a HUGE landslide (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/2268100/
Article/index_html)
which we didnt know about, the entire highway for the route UP to frasers was closed. Because of this, the OLD route had to be used and the 1 hour up and 1 hour down traffic laws were back. Odd hours up and even hours down the final 8km climb.
This to us was a challenge because we didnt have racing bikes, and we were not quite mentally prepared for a fast 8km/hour climb uphill, let alone a fairly steep one.
We decided that if we couldnt make up in an hour, and the traffic reversed, we'd just have to turn back and come down.
At 1pm we started up.
Ride ride ride... as fast as our fitness allowed. No chance to stop and rest... just climb all the way as fast as we could.
We made it.
Frasers that day was cold, damp, drizzly... but still the same quaint, quiet, left-alone place.
Very nice stay for a day or two; anything longer than a week up here and any city person will probably go insane from nothinglessness.

At 2.20pm, after about 40 mins of riding around and taking picts, we headed back down.
Ah.. the rewards of climbing are simple...
A relaxed, swift ride down 30 plus km downhill !!!
Nice.

Gunung Nuang...on a bike

2008-05-10T15:42:00.006+08:00

"Adoi, Kita jalan naik bukan main susah, diorang naik d'ngan basikal?!".
The last words of a Pos Malaysia group that I heard as we began our 3km long climb up to the foot of Nuang on our faithful MTBs.
Upon arrival at 9am or so, about the same time as a large group of trekkers from Pos Malaysia were just about to leave up... their annual sports club outing apparently.
The ride up is really not for the weary and untrained. It is as steep as steep can be; even for regular walkers, what more for a bike. BUT... we had to do it, because as they say "it is there". Besides, now that the authorities are collecting a hefty RM1 per head, they've even leveled the route up to the foot with some beaten down earth and gravel.
Beaten down earth is good if not muddy or wet, or we'll be spinning wheels no end. Gravel is good, until it gets steep... and wheels spins are common as we try to ride up, but nothing that a little shift of weight cant resolve, a technique I learnt from an old issue of MBT rider. (good mag that!).
The ride up was about and hour long (long time for a 3km ride you might think). But imagine that it takes about an hour and 20-30 mins to walk up 3km.
Arrival at the "pondok", a quick 20min rest, a get-your-feet-wet-in-the-stream time, small-talk with whoever's there, and back on our bikes and downhill we go. A couple of downhillers we met along the way'd be really happy now.
Downhill can be just as dangerous if not more dangerous. Care to be taken and definitely brakes are to be well maintained if you're coming here. It was a quick 20min downhill.
Satisfied but not really that tired yet, we ventured into some "kampung" area, clicked some pics, rode nice and easy through the kampung (very nice). Another 8km, and then back we went. Fully spent, hungry, fairly tired.
And to think that the day before i spent the day in bed from a tummy ache.
This is what you need... a good sweat out. UP to Nuang... that's what i say... Up to Nuang... trek, ride... whatever.

Bukit Tagar Estate

2008-05-01T16:41:00.004+08:00

Some months back I assisted a couple of hares go around setting out the trail for hash harriers at Bukit Tagar Estate.
If you dont know where that is, well, neither do I, but it's somewhere up north not too far from KL.
It was a nice oil palm estate owned by sime darby with some very nice sceneries and some killer hills. Take alook at the low res pics taken from a low res phone cam admittedly. (wish i had a shock proof, water proof, hi tech helmet cam to help me on these pics and videos)
The weather started well, and the trail leading into the estate was really nice. Dirt trails used only by the weather beaten land rovers, and of course, the avid mountain biker.
I like the little bridges built over little streams.
Hashing is no easy task. The "hares" had to litter the paths with pieces of papers across the entire route. (ssshh... dont tell bandaraya). No, they actually went around cleaning up after the Hash race the next day.
The estate itself was HUGE and we'd surely be lost had my friends not brought their faithfull Garmin GPS equipment!! My next Christmas present to me!! Soooo cool !
The ride was long enough that we faced, cool in the morning, warm and hot in the afternoon and rain and mud in the evening.
Nice lakes, nice hills, nice climbs, nice animals, nice kampung folk, a nice "haunted house" even... but terrible terrible hospitality from the estate manager there. But that's another story.

Come Rain or Shine..

2008-04-20T20:39:00.011+08:00

In these days, or rather, afternoons to late afternoons, if you even think of hitting the bike path... be warned.
We're in crazy weather now. It doesnt just rain... it really really pours !!
Well, I headed out, as usual to my favourite haunt over at FRIM. I guess i asked for it, as it was already dark. I also knew that its been raining daily. What more today... 4pm... dark clouds gathered ... and i could see it hovering above the FRIM area even as i drove there... URGHH. But what the...
I was psyched up... havent ridden a whole 6 days!! my body ached for some torture .. up Steroid, or Killer Hill.
I arrived the car park of FRIM.. drizzled, thundered... "ahh.. so what!... I gotta do this" I thought..
Besides its not the first time i'm riding in such conditions. Been caught before at ulu yam, ulu langat, this ulu and that ulu... so FRIM was no different... or so i thought.
Rain poured after 15 mins into the ride. Rovers Hill was ok... the trees protected me somewhat. Hmm... and imagine seeing people running helter skelter to get out of the rain (especially those in white t-shirts (chuckle). I continued, unwilling to be distracted.
Soon there was no one around... it was dark, thundery, but not much lightning and that was a consoling thought as i rode. Wouldnt want some tree falling on me.
Mud puddles, wet sand and gravel, getting muddy... all part of the game. ... UNTIL...
Mann!! ...
ever tried cycling up-stream ?? especially when the stream comes crashing down on you, muddy water at a 30 degree angle?
WAH LAO.... !!
I continued... I was not going to be beaten... this is STEROID...
Steroid and me are old friends... i respect steroid... i'll be ok ...
I continued up the hill...
the deepening mud waters continued down...
after a slow 1km climb up steroid.. i made it to the top... i'm not sure how long i took, but the storm had subsided back to drizzle when i got to the top... (hmm... maybe i passed the height of the cloud! hahahaha)
Made it... that's all that mattered.
dirty, muddy, soaked... but made it.
The way down was quite treacherous too, slippery, streamy, muddy etc... well you get my drift (literally).

Finally after almost 2 hours... made it back to the car... soaked. But satisfied. Dead... but satisfied. Cold... but satisfied. It was good.
No wonder... me and steroid are friends... and as long the government doesnt decide to turn our pretty forest reserve into some LRT station or a housing estate.. me thinks I'm gonna be a long and good friend to steroid.

By the way... DO NOT bring any important electronic equipment in the rain...like a handphone. Somehow, they dont agree with water. Like mine didnt. Ho Hum.

Bike Upgraded !...

2008-01-23T22:48:00.000+08:00

woh!!... I spent rm1860 upgrading my bike !! ... but nice .. nice.. real nice... heh heh..
Got myself the long awaited and talked about clipless pedals and shoes to go with it...
upgraded my old cranks that were warped and made noises everytime i climbed steroid (FRIM).
New brake pads... new set of rims to match a new set of slick tyres (this was unplanned and unbudgetted).
All in all.. upgrade cost more the bike itself when i first bought it !...

But alas.. I'm glad... satisfied and happy ! heh heh..
Clipless Pedals?
If you're a long term cycle freak... then GET IT !! ...
There is no other way to ride well, efficiently, where we are ONE with the bike.
nice.
Take a look at the pics--> http://picasaweb.google.com/MTBRogue/BikeUpgradeJan08)

Unseen advantage: nobody will steal your bike cos they think it doesnt have any pedals ! hahaha

Gabe's First Day on his 24" GT Palomar

2007-09-22T13:43:00.000+08:00

For a first time MTB owner, FRIM is a good starting ground.

We set out at a late 9am. The plan was simple; take a simple ride on tarmac to warm up, then some small off road, gravel, earth pathways. Maybe cover about 10km should be enough for a first timer.

First complaint was the hard seat! But that soon went away after we hit some nice sights and hard rides.

The climbs were tough enough.

We hit the lakes managed by Hong Leong bank, a quiet place that nobody knows about with nice pathways. Then a quick 2 min break and we headed towards Steroid Hill. Gabe was determined to get there (riding it was a different issue altogether). And got there we did... after some pushing uphill. After 6km riding and reaching the foot of steroid, he decided it was too much to continue. Took a quick look and we headed back to the lakes and then the car.

11.5km in total was quite enough for a 12 year olds first time. All 1hr 30mins of it.

'twas good for me too.

KonLoh Mee at Bentong anyone ?

2007-09-02T22:06:00.000+08:00

September 01

Ai say... there's nothing like small town Konloh Mee!! With a touch of that non-halal crunchy stuff chee yau chah... Bliss...

The morning began real early at 6am. Drove out to our usual stop the Sempah hospital. The plan was simple: Ride up 16km of easy hill climb to the foot of Genting (where McD. is); then a nice downhill (30-40km/h) to Janda Baik. Loop at JB and back.
But... as it turns out, our plans changed. Bernard and I decided "hey Patrick hasn't been to Bentong right?"... Right.

Off we went, from the foot of Genting... down to JB; PAST JB and added another 30km down to Bentong!

The weather was moody but we weren't. And we enjoyed the cloud filled skies with a touch of breeze, and at 30km/h + breeze = bliss.
Old country, well maintained tarmac, trees left and right...so so typical of our roads. Nothing short of beautiful.

About 10km into that road to Bentong, we passed a high waterfall, a not-very-popular hot spring called... uhhh... Kolam air panas Bentong, what else.
Arrived the small town of Bentong in 1.5 hours and headed straight for "Soon Goh" (go where I wonder). I remember dad telling me a story when i was kid about a shop named "soon goh fatt". Laughed quietly to myself when I saw Soon Goh.
Hungry hungry hungry... only 2 slices of bread covering 50km... NOT ENOUGH!

The Konloh mee was excellent... all chek poon of it + 1 packet of rm1 nasi lemak... and the usual nescafe peng to finish it off (caffeine getting dangerously level)

Well... all downhills had to come to an end. The way back was all uphill !!! ... PAIN... pain...
So we stopped at Kolam Air panas BENTONG!!!
Unfortunately green waters and slime infested walls not my type of swimming pool. Dipped my hands, smelled the water and off we went again.
Saw the waterfall.. dipped my hands, smelled the water... and back up to Sempah.

All was over and back to the car at 2.30pm...
Nice and memorable.
Where to next I wonder.

2007-08-28T13:47:00.000+08:00

This is the place I want to take my trail to !

Alas... where is it?

Trials or Trails... ?

2007-08-28T12:08:00.000+08:00

A day gone cos of piping issues at home... ho hum