Rvlatn Wk - ride 1: around KL with GLC

23rd. October 2008

I reached Kelolo's around 9pm. It started to drizzle. Earlier during the day, the weather was fine.
Uh oh...
It continued drizzling. At 9.30pm Kelolo decided for us to just go ahead to the rendezvous point in Seri Gombak. Already there's a newbie rider, Fino, waiting for us. He cycled all the way from Ampang. If the rain got worse, our backup plan was to go for teh tarik session at a mamak joint. I thought at least Fino had his night ride already.
Apparently other GLC regulars were not there. Went for ECC's Sahara Ride, perhaps.


ready and eager to start the night ride at the RV point


killing time, Kelolo going down the stairs KLD style

We waited for quite some time for Fino's colleague Anis. After some time we decided to move on and wait for him on Karak Highway. He, too, cycled all the way - from Wangsa Maju. While waiting, we got acquianted and swapped stories among the three of us. It turned out that Fino is a regular reader of this blog ^-^
Huhu... first revelation. I get to ride with one of my readers. Strangers no more.


me with Fino. visit the blog pages often, bro!


me with BC Kelolo

I don't know what time Anis arrived, but we started riding straight away.
Kelolo informed that we'll be going to Bukit Tunku. I didn't mind, as long as we ride.

I can't point out the exact route, for I don't know really well the names of the roads that we rode along.
Anyway, we went along these (with the help of Google Maps):
On Karak H'way (part of DUKE now) - Jalan Kampung Bandar Dalam - Jalan Sentul - Sentul Pasar - pass by Convent Sentul (Primary School) - Jalan Perhentian - Jalan Ipoh - Bulatan Duta - Hentian Duta - Bukit Tunku - Tasik Perdana - Masjid Negara - Dataran Merdeka - Bank Negara - Jalan Tun Ismail - PWTC - Jalan Tun Razak - Jalan Pahang Barat - Jalan Pahang - hop on to DUKE cross current - hop off to Taman Koperasi Polis - Taman Melewar.
The four of us split at roundabout near Bank Negara Kelolo & I went off towards Taman Melewar.
Kelolo and I had supper nearby before heading to his house and ended the ride.



View Larger Map

The ride:
It was drizzling all the way, giving a nice cooling effect - much like sitting at Starbucks with the water mist fan blowing on your face.
The other name for this ride that I considered was 'the nostalgic ride'. It brought back memories of my childhood when we passed along the earlier section of the route - from Karak H'way up to Jalan Ipoh. I dare say that I have literally walked the path during my school days. Of course, Jalan Perhentian and Jalan Ipoh are my playground. I had a warm feeling looking at Jalan Strachan, the field at Jalan Latehan, and Sentul East. Ahh... memories.


recalling all the memories at Jalan Ipoh



The high point of the ride for me was climbing up Bukit Tunku - a surprise Kelolo had in store for us. Before that we stopped for a breather at Hentian Duta. Yup, I can now say the I've been there by bike.


Hentian Duta - been there, cycling

All four of us went up Bukit Tunku pedaling no matter how slow. Very soon after that, we were presented with the payback: a nice view of KL skyline, with a long steep descent to boot.
Woohooo!!!


uphill Bukit Tunku


KL skyline with a long steep descent awaiting

The second revelation for me: I've never been to this side of KL before. Quite nice area.
Riding in Tasik Perdana at night was very nice. We had the whole park for ourselves. Kelolo had an important moment of his life right there in Tasik Perdana that night. Me, I had a good time.


taking a breather at Tasik Perdana. A few minutes past midnight


Tasik Perdana


Memorial Tun Abdul Razak at Tasik Perdana


riding through Tasik Perdana

Soon after we parted our ways at the roundabout near Bank Negara, we took Jalan Tun Ismail just beside Bank Negara building, headed towards PWTC. The road was dark, I wouldn't dare giong through it alone. It was cool with lush greenery (though I can't really see it in the dark). Another road that I've never been to. Another revelation.

I bet there are other roads that I've never knew existed in KL. That's why riding with GLC is interesting for me. As always, I'm looking for another opportunity.

For BC Kelolo, thanks a million for your bike and the hospitality as always, plus the night ride itself. Ahh, and especially for snapping the photos too.
For Fino and Anis, nice to ride with you guys. Offroad perhaps, some other time?


supper before retiring home

all photos courtesy of BC Kelolo