Total Distance : 115km
Total Ride Time : Start : 7.10am End : 11.55pm (4hrs 45mins inclusive of few rest stops)
All wheels begins to roll at 7.10am. As we cycle as a bunch, leading by Remy almost the whole journey, we travelling at 30km/h-32km/h. Our objective is to complete the whole journey in a big group. I was rolling with my different wheels (Shimano R550), I’m feeling satisfied with the few after a few kilometers in. Approaching Ayer Tawar town, we all still together. There are no breakaways made as everyone was consuming their energy.
Today’s sun seems to shine and warm up the earth very quickly. The time is only 8.00am, the sun is shining strongly and soon it begins to feel hot. Approaching Bota town, Kwong Yew drop his car keys on the road while trying to take his “black eye peas” spectacles.
Everyone slow down for him and soon we’ll together again. Everyone was relief when we turn left at Bota town towards Parit town as the route is shady with trees. Scenic route with kampongs houses, cow dung, filled with tress & rainforest.
The first climb comes in 4km before Parit with 5% gradient, short slope. We still together when we arrived into Parit town around 9.00am, 50km from Sitiawan. After a short discussion, we decided to continue our journey till Tanjung Belanja about 5km after Parit town. We push on till we passes Dataran Nordin (a small stopping area on the official day JMFR2009). After 500m from Dataran Nordin, we reached Tanjung Belanja. We stop for breakfast with nasi lemak, bihun goreng, teh O and milo ais.
Having breakfast in Tanjung Belanja, Perak.
Kumar in full action
Rizal phone us and decided to wait us at Beruas town due to waking up late and didn’t manage to join us earlier. After 30mins of resting and refueling, we go on till our next destination, Beruas. The sun begins to heat up the earth and soon everyone was tired. The rolling hills begins all the way to Beruas town. With Kumar & Yong leading in front, we maintain at a steady rate. The route towards Beruas is winding with up and down hilly and soon Remy was no where to be seen. Ah Chui shouted us to slow down and waited for Remy. By the time we saw Remy picking up his pace towards us, Ah Chui suddenly hit the back wheels of Yong’s bike. He regain his balance without falling into the road. Somehow, we stop and check their bikes and discover Ah Chui front wheels damage with a bend spoke. Yong’s rear derailleur was hit quite hard and bend inwards to the wheels. Anyway, after a quick check up, they manage to recontinue their journey.
Hills and hills keep coming in about 9km to Beruas and Remy was speeding up. Kumar keeping up with him and soon Ah Chui together with Jasni following them. I was tired and climbing up the hills quite slow. I was joined by Yong & Kwong Yew. We 2 team up together to start our chase back into the front group. Unfortunately, I exchange lead with Yong trying to close up the gap but I was too tired and the route is very hilly. I finally let go the lead and Yong chasing by its own. Kwong Yew was behind me.
Upon reaching Beruas town, the front group stop and waited for me. We regroup and before our legs cooling down, we decided to go on back to Sitiawan. Rizal join us and he’s leading most of the time. With the strong heat and direct sunlight, my legs begin to feel tired and weak. I finally let the group goes with I cycling alone at the back.
Kwong Yew slow down for me and Yong suddenly had his right thigh cramp and slowing down too. I manage to catch up with them but the front group is no where to be seen. I push myself with no energy left in the tank but a determination to complete this ride.
The front group was waiting for me at the Beruas intersection and we begin to cycle in a group again. Upoh reaching Ayer Tawar, I was picking up my pace about 32km/h and soon Remy, Kumar, Jasni, Rizal was breaking away into Ayer Tawar town. They stop at SHELL petrol kiosk and I begin to fuel up with plain water, isotonic water, soya bean and any fluid I can find. Some refueling their body with RED BULL!
We continue on and i decided to let the front group go when Yong is having another cramp on his legs. I slow down for him and we together ride until Sitiawan. 4km to Sitiawan town, my legs is extremely tired and i decided to let Yong go without drafting behind him.
I was alone all the way till Sitiawan through the rubbish dumping area with some slope up and down. I managed to continue till I reached home at 11.55am. Today’s ride is practically good. However, the sunny weather makes me a challenge to complete the journey. I’ll prefer to ride more under the shade, country roads.
Will be doing long distance ride again next week. Come! Come! We need more riders, see you guys soon ya!
