We're back cycling after a few short breaks, here and there, sort of. It's December again thus the spasmodic blog entry, perfect "December Syndrome": weddings, weddings and more weddings, holidays and the rainy season.
We got back cycling together as a group last Sunday and did the Sungai Long route. The crew were Suhaimi (with his new Pinarello), Romzi, Cikgu Syam, Zam Besar, Farizal and me. It was pretty much an easy ride through the cloudy Sunday morning.
Romzi, Suhaimi. Zam and myself started from the Sungai Balak Toll Plaza and we later rendezvous with Farizal and Cikgu Syam at the Sungai Ramal RnR area.
Who's game for PD ride next week?
I have to admit that I was a little worried about the reception of the Setul ride on LEKAS Highway. One have to be crazy enough to spend his/her Sunday morning cycling 100Km against the unforgiving LEKAS's headwinds and under the searing hot Sun. Utter madness!
While it might seem like ordinary Mantin ride's routine, the Setul trip presented a valuable opportunity to provide the best exposure and simulation for the PD ride. It's an arduous trip meant as a fitness barometer that tested both mental fortitude or endurance to a greater extent. In other word, personally, the most app definition for this ride trip was a "Can You Handle It?" test.
It was hellish ride condition but at the same time it could be a blessing in disguise.
I don't think that there are secret techniques to deal with headwinds except a positive attitude. You can't do anything about it till the road turns or if you scream your lungs out, so welcome the wind as a tool to becoming a better rider. It will significantly increase your pedaling effort and burn more caloriesper kilometre traveled.
Imagine one day while you're on you bike climbing a hill alone and suddenly you were surrounded bike escorts and team car coming from behind telling you to crank up and calling you "Richard". And then the cheering crowds as if it was you're on Tour de' France. You'll be treated as a stage winner, given a trophy and interviewed by TV crews.
Check out this video of the Schleck brother got punk'd with interview by a "Japanese TV Station". I have to say they played along pretty well. It was hilarious.
There has been a lot of discussion about the PD ride these few days.Yes, the talk has been going on for a couple of years with no "yields" to date. Frankly speaking, I think we already ran out of idea to add on to the "Great Book of Excuses". The sleepover, escort, yada yada yada.
The Gaban Blitz Man
There were suggestion that we should do the ride during school break. Personally, I don't think its a good idea. Based on general observation, school break is our most dormant period ever. Anything that coincide with wedding invitations and vacation plans will render obsolete. Forget about doing the ride during this time of the year. If the PD ride is going to happen, its before school break.
We've started with few long distance ride to improve endurance. So far we've done Mantin and Putrajaya. As we need to add intensity to the training, I'd like to suggest that we do Sungai Long's One and Half Loop on Saturday and Setul on Sunday.
Long distance cycling can be an amazing and rewarding experience. The physically and mentally challenging activity has attracted many seasoned cyclists and neophytes alike. What would be interesting to learn is what happens after the ride. Some might like it and want a repeat or worst, he or she might decide not to ever ride a bicycle. The latter actually happened to a friend, who just started cycling and joined a ride to Bukit Antu, Hulu Langat few years back. After the ride he swore not to ever touch a bicycle for good. There's no doubt its a tough gig hence the prep is utmost important.
So far we're on track with the Recovery Programme even though there are some tweaking and "creative" adjustment done during the tours. We haven't done any rides so far to Bukit Antu or Genting Peres. Perhaps the gang could consider doing either one this month and the other on the next one. It's just something for you guys to think about.
The ride destination for Sunday was Pajam, a small town in Negri Sembilan. The town has the average elevation of 60 meters above the sea and located 39 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur.
Even though we were short of crew members, the ride was on and it did not dampened our spirits. There were only four of us on this tour - Zam, Zack, Zaha and I. We had a good ride and a jolly good time, especially at the stall near Kampung Gebok where we had our break and meals, with exception of the dreadful headwinds.
Our journey from the Kajang toll to Pajam was generally good. The hovering clouds provided much needed protection from the rising sun. It was more like an easy ride and we cycled at a very modest speed. The hardest part was fighting the headwind that seem so cruel as a persistent and overpowering wind that seems to be doing everything it can to push you back. We decided to play along in order to conserve energy for the journey back, which in my opinion was much more challenging.
It has been a while since we last ride with Cikgu Sham. We recently met him at a mamak restaurant at Precinct 14 when we did "The 38°C Putrajaya Ride" last Sunday. If there's anyone with the latest and rare bicycle gadgets, it would be him. From odd looking portable bicycle stand to shoe cleat's cover, he'd have them first.
Cikgu Sham joined us on our Saturday ride. Zack, Dr. Azlan and me rendezvous with him at the Sungai Ramal's RnR area en route to Sungai Ramal's toll plaza. We rode casually on the SILK highway all the way to the 2nd RV point at the Kajang Perdana's clover leaf.
It was a sunny Sunday morning and the condition was perfect. One thing for sure, it would get hotter during mid day. The plan was to finish the ride by 11am. The original route was SKVE, Putrajaya's Persiaran Selatan, Bukit Malang, PICC, Precinct 14, Uniten and back to Sungai Ramal where we broke off.
Usually on a good day, plan will always change with detours and new routes. That makes Sunday ride always interesting, the unpredictability that is. Instead of the original ride plan, we added Taman Cabaran and PICC on the menu, in other words, lots of climbing.
We had a rather huge ride party today. It could have been 11 riders but unfortunately Zack had to do Sungai Long while Dr. Azlan made a cameo appearance at the LLM's Petronas station because he was on-call. After meeting us at the RV he went straight back, Kajang bound.
Sunday Putrajaya ride crews were Zaha, Joe, Najib, Azmie, Romzi, Suhaimi, Sham, Zam and I. It's always fun to have big ride party. Personally it provides me a sense of security and confidence especially on busy roads.
I took loads of pictures and few videos during the ride. Normally the pictures are placed on the last part of the blog. Due to the large collection, I'm changing the order based on timeline.
Jacky and Liu
It's 7.30am and there's nobody at the Sungai Balak RV. Yes, another solo ride through the SILK highway. It was a cloudy morning and slightly breezy. Weather like this, most people would just pull their blankets and continue to lie on their beds. For cycling addicts, this is a perfect weather to ride, especially when you live in a country that is generally hot and humid.
I cycled casually at 28-30 Km/H through Sungai Ramal, Bukit Angkat and on to the Sungai Long. Farizal caught up with me at the Semenyih exit after the Bukit Kajang toll plaza.
Zaha arrived at the 2nd RV point with a bunch of guys who he bumped into while cycling here. One of the things I really enjoy about cycling is meeting new friends, fellow cycling addicts. The two blokes Liu and Jacky were from Semenyih and avid riders.
So many things happened in the last couple of weeks. Its interesting to see some new "hupgrades" in the family. It started with Azmi from his Cervello to TREK 2.1. Quite recently Zam Besar had had his Raleigh frame "hupgraded" to half carbon Specialized fame. Yesterday I saw a Giant with a brand new Spinergy Stealth Wheelsets at the a workshop. Little bird told me it's going to be another half-carbon Specialized too.
Okay, I had an upgrade too. I traded my TREK 5900 USPS for a brand new TREK Madone 5.2. I've been dreaming and saving for this bike for quite a while and now I am riding one.
Personally this is the best price point for performance level bike. You'll get Shimano Ultegra groupsets, good frame and a get crappy good Bontrager Race wheels. They are lower level sub one thousand MYR wheels but suprisingly, they still provide great performance. Some suggested that I change the Dura Ace C24 on the TREK 5900 to the new Madone. While it might be not such a bad idea, I'd prefer to ride the Madone as it is. I just want to savor the "smell of a new book".
Both Saturday and Sunday were blessed with sunny morning. Even though there were clusters of moving white clouds hovering above the city, the sky was bright and blue, radiated by the golden-rich light of the sun. Too bad we're still on recovery plan. It would have been nice if did a long distance ride.
It was unfortunate that only a few managed to ride on sunny Saturday and Sunday morning as some of us had had domestic challenges.
On a positive note, we saw quite a number of people cycling on the Sungai Long's route. It's a good sign that more and more people are taking up cycling for exercise. Unlike jogging, cycling is an aerobic endurance sport, a low-impact workout. In a simpler term, it puts little pressure on the joints, especially the ankles and knees.
It felt great to get back in the saddle after a long break. Last week we only managed to cycle on Sunday since Saturday was a no show due to the rain.
Friday, September 16th is a public holiday commemorating the establishment of the Malaysian federation, a sovereign nation. Happy Malaysia Day everyone!
This Friday ride to Sungai Long its a bit exciting because a new friend will be joining the ride. Mr. Joe Wong from Cheras left a message on the chat box a few days ago. We corresponded through email which ended up with mobile phone number exchange and a date to Sungai Long ride.
Group Photo @ 2nd RV
We missed Saturday ride due to the rain and the weather didn't get any better on Sunday either.
It was gloomy Sunday morning. The road was slightly wet because of the rain in wee hours just before dawn.
Three reasons why wet road is bad for you. One, its always risky cycling on wet and slippery road.
Two, the tendency to get the splash when other vehicles drive over puddles. The third and final one (most important one for me), serious road bike enthusiasts don't usually fit their bikes with fenders or mud-flaps. You'd be grimacing through each and every puddle because your feet, bum and back are going to get soaking wet from the wet spray thrown up by your wheels just after a few miles riding.
Cycling on wet roads require different techniques: This is due to several factors that will impact not only to ride experience but most importantly your safety.
Wet road condition causes longer stopping distance for bicycle and other vehicles as well. It's advisable to switch on your blinkers and wear bright-coloured cycling outfits.
Slowing down while you're cycling on a nice and fast pace would be the last thing in your mind but you need to slow down and avoid riding over areas that are potentially slippery especially when braking and turning such as metal grates, manhole covers and painted markings on the road surface to name a few.
You don’t see a lot of movies about cycling races made, perhaps cycling it is not such a popular genre or less appealing compared other high grossing movies.
The list below is my all time best cycling movies.
Breaking Away (1979):
This is one of the best cycling movies ever made. The story was about Dave, small-town teen obsessed with the Italian cycling team and of course a girl.
When a professional Italian bicycling team comes to town for a race, Dave is thrilled to be competing with them. However, the Italians become irked when Dave is able to keep up with and even speak to them in Italian during the race. One of them jams a bike pump in Dave's wheel, causing him to crash, which leaves him disillusioned and depressed.
Alhamdulillah, soon Muslims across the world will be celebrating Aidilfitri (Eid Ul Fitri), marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. CA's and I, would like to seek forgiveness for any offense that might have be done unconsciously through this blog, or when replying to comments.
We wish all of you a meaningful celebration with friends, family and loved ones. For those who are travelling back to hometowns, please be careful and watch out your diet!
Salam Aidilfitri and Maaf Zahir Batin.
We're coming to the last week of the holy month Ramadan and soon we'll be celebrating the Eid Mubarak. During the previous years we used to have night rides on Friday and/or Saturday nights to satiate the addiction to cycling. This year however we seemed to have chosen to hanged our bikes for a good 4 weeks. That is a one costly long break.
To start back cycling is going to be really tough. The reason being is that when you stop exercising, you are going to lose your muscle, regardless of the amount of hard work and long hours spent on the wheels beforehand. This a one of the common situations that any cycling addicts or enthusiasts pass through at some point in their lives.
While the reasons for long breaks varies and could be due to accidents, domestic problems or just taking a break (while trying to figure out new hobbies), I'm just going to share my thoughts about getting back on bikes after the Ramadan break.
One of the worst thing that could happened during any recovery program is you're hit by another injury while in process of getting back into shape. That happened to me when I participated in the office games, last Friday, during a tug of war match.
Luckily the injury wasn't bad but enough to make me limping off the field. I was lucky not to have gotten my knee "twisted" otherwise that would have been a game over, a solid 2 month on crutches. Hopefully I can start cycling on the roller on one of these days just to make sure the legs are fit for long distance ride.
Anyway, here's the Sunday Geli-geli Ride video redux or more like a re-compile version.
Abayo!
The Sunday’s ride route was Putrajaya. The original ride plan was to ride on the SKVE towards Cyberjaya through the B15 road up until the Putrajaya exit. From here we were supposed to ride through the Persiaran Selatan’s road passing through Desa Pinggiran Putra, climbing the Bukit Wawasan (nickname "The Dreaded Hill" - Bukit Malang) until the Lebuh Perdana Timur exit, heading towards the Diplomatic Precinct.
Since some of us need to get home before 11am, we had to revised the plan to the “Chicken Route”. Instead of cycling to the B15, we cut it short by taking the Putrajaya’s Persiaran Utara and on to the Persiaran Timur, PICC, Dataran Putra and the final destination was the Diplomatic Precinct.
I missed cycling last weekend. Saturday was a false alarm and on Sunday I got wasted. I missed yesterday's ride due to a domestic problem and today, again it was a close call but managed to ride, yeah!
The Wasted Weekend
Last weekend was a complete mess. It was really cloudy and the ride was called off. A few minutes later, the morning suddenly turned bright and sunny but it was too late to start cycling. To make mater worst I went fishing that night and finished at around 3.30am, yes empty handed, the baits were intact. I got home at around 4am and the rest was history.
Man on a Mission...
After a no show yesterday, I was adamant that I'm not going to miss my Sunday ride. I was hoping that the gang would pick a short route like Sungai Long because my fitness sucks. Missing few rides and my "get-back-that-damn-fitness" was all but so-so thus far were just not going to cut it for long range ride.
When Zaha texted me the ride plan, I was a bit glad but still uncomfortable. It was Pajam. I was glad becuase it was not Mantin. Uncomfortable because Mantin was just 5 Km away from Pajam. It was still a 50-50 plan because it might rain on Sunday and there might not be enough take-ups. I don't know who were the ride crews other than Zaha.
I had a busy evening on Friday filled with back to back adrenalin pumping activities, a speedball game and go kart race with colleague. I went home exhausted, flat and even missed dinner. I had no idea that waking up on Saturday morning would require an effort. Nonetheless I got to make time for my morning ride.
Saturday route will almost always be the CA Arena. I started late again. Yes, I almost overslept but manage to bring myself out of the bed. There was nobody there at the 1st RV point so I'd figure the train would have left the station. I continued cycling and true enough I saw two riders about one Km infront of me. At this point I couldn't possibly know who they were so I pressed on but couldn't quite catch them as they consistently rode through hilly roads from the Sungai Chua's cloverleaf all the way to Bukit Kajang.
Which is one is for you MTB or road bike?
From time to time, I have friends, acquaintances and neighbours asking question on what to buy if they wanted to start cycling. Over the years I've developed a keen smell for small talks, serious talks or just trying to start a conversations kind of discussion about cycling. I'll always try to give the simplest answer to that question but there's no one answer that fits all circumstances.
There are different kind of circumstances that drove them to think that cycling is something that they believe might work for them. Some people wanted to just exercise or workout. Some wanted to loose some pounds, trimming down the spare tires or ABS wrapped around the waist. Some thought cycling looks cool especially with the team jerseys, cool shades, weird but funky helmets, clipped shoes and branded bikes. Some used to do cycling during their younger years and some who cannot run or swim if its to save their life. The worst kind would be the one that don't really know what they want but wanted to give it a try but with high hopes that it might suit them by clinging on somebody who would share their ideas.
Zaha has been one resourceful ride organizer and since he’s out of range this week, the schedule was slightly a mess. Everybody was wondering what’s the ride plan. It’s even tougher especially during school breaks due to “domestic responsibilities”.
The guessing game is counter productive and I believe nobody likes to wait. So lets make it a rule that starting next week, all ride plan will be posted on the blog’s chat-box every Friday. We only save the text message for last minute changes.
This morning was my 2nd ride since the last hiatus. I felt better during the climbs even though my left thigh was strained. It was fun playing the attack game with Syamsul during the climbs. I’ve lost count how many warning beeps from the Sigma HRM every time the session reached the power zone.
There were only four of us at the 1st RV point, Najib, Zam Besar, Syamsul and me. Other than Zaha, the rest fell below the radar except for Saipol who seemed to retire from road cycling this year.
Its June now and we are halfway through the year in a blink of an eye, literally. I have to admit that my cycling calendar isn't looking very good. To many "short stint hiatus" in between the days and the things happening around the office is not helping at all. Advice? Well, I've heard it all. Striking balance and yada yada yada are easier said than done. Balance finds its own way, the more natural it is, the more sustainable it will be for a period of time until your boss comes out with more new "bright ideas".
On another note, we're looking at a pretty tight schedule ahead. There's no need to remind you guys that pretty soon we're gonna have to start thinking about doing night ride. Let's not get too anxious about it now. For the time being I'm more focus on the ride opportunity the lies ahead.
Sunny Saturday Morning
It has been a while since the last blog entry with ride photos. To be honest I feel really awkward writing the blog without them. Maybe I'll snap something just to add some juice so that the entry is not too dry if you know what't I'm saying.
I've been on cycling hiatus mode again these few weeks and only started riding my bike again last Saturday. Its hard to keep up with domestic challenges but at the same time it got me worried as I realized my body started to feel very comfortable with the situation. Weekends without workout starting to feel really good.
Last Saturday I decided to ride my bike via what used to be our routine route, the dragon backs of Kajang Perdana via Saujana Impian. The traffic was rather busy but I really enjoyed the ride. The only setback was the road conditions after Kajang Prima heading towards Semenyih, dusty and loads of sands on the road edges. And yes, not to mention, loads of sand trucks too.
For me the toughest hill was the last point before the Sungai Long Exit near the Kajang Perdana clover leaf. I really enjoyed the climb at the spot that used to be one of the route's worst point. As I was descending via the Sungai Long exit, I saw Zaha and the rest waiting at our usual spot near the clover leaf. They were surprised to see me coming from the end of the road. After a brief break we continued out ride through the CA arena.
The 4 weeks hiatus period has taken its toll on me. I struggled to climb the hills. So it's back to rebuilding cadence and endurance again. It's a good start nonetheless.
Abayo.
Congratulations to Razi on his wedding last Sunday, May 8th 2011. Wishing you a wonderful journey as you build your new life together. It was a wonderful wedding ceremony. Even though the weather was super bright and hot but the event was blissful, rich with tradition.
I don't know If Razi or Zam was a fan of the Credit Agricole Pro Team or it was purely just coincidental, but the green and white wedding theme was just awesome. Luckily no "Geng Seluar Sendat" was spotted at the wedding. Hahaha It would have been a cracker if that actually happened.
Oh lalala.....
Dutch cyclist battling the crosswind
Last weekend wasn't the best of cycling days. First off my old stead started to get grumpy. There was knocking sound coming out from the headset and the left pedal was a little tight. I had sent the bike for servicing but the pedal problem seemed to be there. When the bicycle is not at its best condition the ride will turn sour. It turned out the pedal stopper was broken . I was lucky it didn't fall of the bike during the ride.
Secondly, we're missing some of the members. Little birds informed us the some had trouble allotting time to go cycling due to domestic issues, work related-you now the kind of work that is rotation based, some had to spend time with new toys (big boy toys) and there is one who put his road bike in frame and have it hanged on the wall.
Some of the routes are getting very routine if you know what I'm saying. Apart for the CA arena and the long standing PD ride, we might want to consider other routes. Lets' discuss this at "The Joint" this weekend.
I've been a little busy these couple of days with work loads. Anyway, I found this interesting video while searching YouTube for headwinds. Just when we thought that LEKAS headwinds was hell, check this video out and watch a bunch of Dutch cyclist battling the crosswinds.
There wasn't much to talk about last weekend cycling activities. Of course there was this "storm in a tea cup" commotion about my little adventure doing white water rafting at Kuala Kubu Bharu just recently. I've exaggerated the bit about going out doing all these "extreme" outdoor activities just to spice things up. But that's about it, just a mind game, a tease. I am still a "roadie" and we still haven't conquered PD!
Last Saturday we went cycling at the Sungai Long and on Sunday we're supposed to ride to Putrajaya. But due to domestic challenge, I had to settle for the CA Arena, the shorter route. At first I thought I was going to cycle solo on the SILK Highway until I bumped into Zack, Syamsul, Zam, Ah Meng and Azmi who were taking a break at the Bukit Kajang toll plaza. This came to me as a surprise but I guess they too had domestic problems just like me.
After cracking a few jokes and few good laughs, we continued riding through the Sungai Long route up until the the Bandar Sungai Long exit. Zack, Syamsul and Azmi took the exit to Sungai Sekamat while Ah Meng, Zam and I took the the usual route taking the Cheras Jaya exit and headed to the Joint.
There was another surprised at the Joint. We met with Romzi who apparently cycled here just to have breakfast. Later Saipol joined us for a drink. We had a good catch-up session. It wasn't that all bad.
One word...Awesome! This was my second time doing white water rafting at Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, a beautiful river forest with cool clear water. The white water rapids and invigorating river environment created a fabulous ambience.
The weather was fantastic, it drizzled for a while at around 9am but mostly bright and sunny until noon.
The Selangor river at Kuala Kubu Baru is about 1 and a half hour drive away from KL City. It offers the best and ideal place for commercial White Water Rafting. With distance of 7 km, the river boasts a rapid of Grade 1 to Grade 5. The water level however is very dependent on the weather and controlled by a near by dam.
It's Sunday morning and the Mantin ride was on. Judging from the trend, I'd figure that we'd be riding in a small party, probably less than six people.
It was a rather cloudy morning. Sure it looked promising but if there is one thing I learned about cycling to Mantin via LEKAS Highway is that, don't be too happy or too sure the weather is going to be nice all the way. Firstly the temperature changes by the hour and let's not forget the ever unpredictable headwinds.
Dr Azlan, Najib, Zam Besar and Zack were at the Sungai Balak RV Point when I arrived there. Unfortunately Zack and Zam were on a different route, to Sungai Long and not Mantin. Azmi Cervelo made a surprise visit, not his new TREK 2.5 but on a motorbike. It's one of those last minute change of plans.
SPECIAL NOTE: Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Check out 7 Simple Ways to Help: http://t.co/cxcYKCT
Taman Cabaran, Putrajaya
It’s school break again. The traffic is clear, no “gridlock” as early as 7 am in the morning. It’s going to be a ride in park for next 5 days. I am so going to savour the nice a cozy feeling driving through smooth traffic while enjoying the radio.
Well it has been two weeks since my last blog entry. The truth is I’ve had a couple of very intense weeks. Long winding meetings, trying to decipher gobbledygook business plans and a lot of fire fighting. It’s very tiring, both mentally and physically. Managing change communications is not easy especially when drastic organisational shakedown was involved.
Events with such magnitude created ripples on the timeline and new game changing variables that require change communications and this is not an easy gig to pull.
Initially the plan was to ride to Lenggeng on Sunday. Unfortunately, because of too many couldn’t joined due various domestic problems, it was a unanimous decision to postpone the ride to a later date.
There were few routes discussed last Saturday during the break at our official roti canai joint. The first option was Lenggeng, I was a bit skeptical on this one due to not so overwhelming responses. The second option was Sungai Merab and third was a wild idea mooted by Farizal to explore the new SKVE highway.
I’m always extra worried when it comes to Farizal’s proposals or suggestions. He reminded me the Bukit Antu’s adventure. Even though it happened quite a long time ago in 2008, the event is still fresh on my mind. But that’s another story, so back to Sunday Feb 20th ride.
Since the circumstances had changed, we decided the do the Putrajaya-Cyberjaya-Sg Merab or better known as the outbound route.
The ride plan was to rendezvous at the Petronas station at LLM and then rode via SKVE, through Cyberjaya-Dengkil and entered the Persiaran Selatan. From here we'd continue riding until the Desa Pinggiran Putra before entering the Kajang exit and on to Bangi bound Sungai Merab-Limau Manis route. Finally we took on Jalan Ayer Itam to Putrajaya’s Diplomatic Precinct for RnR before we headed home.
Sound like a plan for the weekend ride but what happened on Sunday was nothing like what had been planned before.
Ever heard of this phrase, for every action there’s a reaction? There’s always a flip side of things. Some have heard about it but couldn’t really fathom what it really meant. It’s just a phrase, what does this make any sense? Well it made sense to me after the Sungai Merab Ride not so distance ago.
I’ve underestimated me and the Terror hill. My TREK 5900 has a 53/39 chain set with 11-28 cassette. Out of better judgement I tried to climb the 11-12% steep hill using 39/19 gearing combination. Not only that it didn’t work, it nearly got my knees popped. I had trouble walking for a couple of days due to strained muscle calf and thigh.
I’ve climbed this hill before with much ease and pleasure before. So what did I do wrong?
I realized that I used to be able climb this hill and the rest of the rolling hills because back then I was in a much more better physical condition. I forgot that I had a long break and I need to build back my fitness. I tried to outdo my self and didn’t listen to my body.Halfway climbing the hill I struggled to maintain a sustainable rhythm.
Sunday ride crew and friends at Diplomatic Precinct
Earlier this year, its not that long ago anyway, we agreed to diversify cycling routes for 2011 cycling calendar. Ideally Saturday ride’s route will be Sungai Long, short distance and lots of climbing, perfect route for cadence training. Sunday ride would involve long distance ride mission with minimum 50 Km to-and-fro.
The original plan was for Sunday Ride was the Setul mission. Due to changed circumstances, we decided to ride to Putrajaya. In order to make it a "sweeter" ride, the ride plan had been improvised from the normal Kajang-Cycberjaya-Putrjaya via the SKV expressway to the Kajang-Jalan Ayer Hitam-Sungai Merab-Putrajaya.
The fun part about this route was the rolling hills of Sungai Merab.
I couldn’t recall what triggered the idea to propose this route. The last time we rode through this route was when I tested my USPS- TREK 5900. Back then I had much better fitness level compared to now. But I'm pretty sure we had a lot of "fun".
There are two ways to “enjoy” the rolling hills of Sugai Merab. The first one is the Bangi bound form Desa Pinggiran Putra’e exit and the second one is Putrajaya bound via Jalan Ayer Hitam. To make it simpler, lets just call the first option as Sungai Merab Outbound or SMO and the later as Sungai Merab Inbound, SMI in short.
Rising sun...manyak panas woo..
I hope its still not too late to wish a Happy and Prosperous Rabbit Year to all our Chinese friends.
Like in the previous years, long holiday breaks especially relating to big festivities, hordes of city folks (it doesn't sound right...) travelling to the north, south and east-coast of the peninsula.
I hope all CA have arrived home safe and sound from the long break. Due to concern that some won't be able to join the Setul Ride, we're pushing it to the next Sunday. The exact date however remains a mystery. Hopefully we can confirm this some time next week.
Saturday ride crew @ Kajang Perdana clover leaf
Yesterday I came across an interesting article about diet plan and how recent studies showed that running on strict regime might actually caused weight gain instead of weight loss and even can have negative affects on overall health.
The study concluded that the weight-focused approach to health is unsupported by the scientific evidence and has in fact been detrimental and costly.
Rather than focusing on weight loss, the researchers recommend that people focus on improving their health status.
I find this very interesting as I recently had an argument with a colleague who tried to get me to join a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme's herbal based diet products. The initial package would cost me an “investment” worth RM1500. That’s what they called it, an investment instead of the word “fork-out” or pay. Creative use of words can actually change the way you think and perceive an idea or situation.
Word choice in marketing and advertising is absolutely critical. When advertisers spend millions of advertisements, you can bet they have tested every word they are going to use to psychologically lead you to believe their product is the best, that it will change your life.
This was our first Mantin ride in 2011. The thing about riding through the LEKAS highway is that it will take the best of us, both mental and physical. The biggest test thus far are the headwinds and searing sun, not so much of the terrain. It's nice and cold in the morning but temperature changes rapidly after 10am. From a point of madness to insanity, literally.
It was a glorious sunny Sunday morning. I could see the bright orange sun ray brighting up the day creating a spectacular view. This could only mean that it's going to be one bright and hot day.
For those of us who had had experience riding to Mantin via LEKAS, would know for sure if you went full throttle from the Zero Km to Mantin, it's highly likely that you're bound to bonk at some point during the course. It's to-and-fro, not a one way ride. This rule however doesn't apply to "Gaban".
In total there were over 100 photos taken and 9 videos recorded in HD format. The photos published here are filtered based on time line of the ride mission. I hope to capture the experience to the best my ability and humanly possible to be shared on this blog entry. You'd have to scroll down until the bottom part to view the videos.
A text message woke me up from my much needed slumber at around 5.15am this morning. What did this “nutcase" want on this ungodly hour? Slowly I got up from bed still to check on the phone. It was Zack, checking if I’d ride today. I guess he’s one of those very early or odd hours people, the kind like Batman who fought crime mostly at night...
Anyway, I had problem pinching the alphabets on the touch screen due to my semi-aware state with only 1/4th of my eyelids opened. Eventually I had to send a second reply when I realised the 1st one was gibberish.
We're just few days in 2011, well technically we still are, and news of the new racing team, LEOPARD-TREK is definitely going to spice up this year's Tour de France!
The new new professional road bicycle racing team from Luxembourg led by the brothersAndy Schleck and Fränk Schleck, with Brian Nygaard and Kim Andersen as team managers. Looking from the team's line up, the goals are nothing short of domination in the classics and the Tour de France during the 2011 season.
Andy Schleck came second to Alberto Contador in le Tour in 2010 and 2009 and has won the white jersey for best young rider on le Tour for the last three years.
While sipping through the news on the net and contemplating on whether or not to take part in the LTdL 2011's Yellow ride, I found this interesting article on the Malay Mail about one Zahariz Khuzaimah from Bukit Damansara who embarked on his cycling journey last May after selling his valuables and leasing out his car to fund his trip.
The title might look a little bit misleading, but what this dude did was awesome. Leaving behind a comfortable life just to ride the bike across largest continent on earth, Asia and at the same time found love. I love the pictures posted on his blog. The places that he visited were stunningly beautiful and breathtaking.
Please check out his blog to find out yourself. They are just captivating and mesmerizing. I sincerely hope that he can finish what he started and come back home safe. What a way to live life, doing what you love and loving every minutes of it.
Here it is folks, the LTdL 2011 is happening on 23rd Jan - 1st Feb. The race is scheduled to last for 10 days instead of 7 in the previous years. In 2010, Anuar Manan marked his name in the history to be the 1st Malaysian to win a stage and the 1st Asian rider to win the Overall Sprint Jersey in 15 years since its inception in 1996.
After four years of absence, the LTdL 2011 will be launched on the island of Langkawi. Consisting of 10 stages, inclusive of 2 hors climb category and 8 flats, this year's tour will cover a total distance of 1308.9 KM and will finish at Dataran Merdeka.
Drapac, Landbouwkrediet and Tabriz Petrochemical Cycling Team are among the participating teams this year. It'll also be interesting to see how the new TCT (Terengganu Pro-Asia Cycling Team) will be performing too.
First of, Happy New Year to all. 2010 was just like a blink of an eye and now we’re in 2011. As usual this is the part where most people come out with new resolutions. I think I’ll skip this topic as it’s doesn’t really matter.
I have to admit that last year’s cycling activities were not not as diversified as 2009. Most of the route were along the line of SILK highway, a little bit of LEKAS and Putrajaya. Lets make something new this year. May be we can start with new routes, revisit Sg Long old route (thorough the Kajang Perdana Dragon back). The suggestion box is officially opened so please feel free to chip in your ideas.
The monsoon season is definitely back. We had to cancel Saturday morning ride due to rain and I could say this is going to be the trend at least until March 2011. This will definitely make it hard to plan for long distance rides. It ain’t fun riding in the rain, not with the slick tires. Not to mention the bikes need to be bathed and scrubbed especially the drive-train systems.
We're back cycling after a few short breaks, here and there, sort of. It's December again thus the spasmodic blog entry, perfect "December Syndrome": weddings, weddings and more weddings, holidays and the rainy season. 
