Upcoming event : Kayuhan Mesra Komuniti Bersama PDRM - Plentong 03.07.2011

30 km ride in Plentong

Fee: RM10. You'll get a t-shirt (if you register before 16th. June), certificate and goodies.

When: Sunday, 03.07.2011

Facebook: Kayuhan Mesra Komuniti & PDRM

 

From the entry form, riders are categorized into several groups according to age.

Men 16-29

Men 30-39

Men >40

Women open

 

Yes, it is a race. There are prizes, of course. Cash, hampers, medals, sponsored items. Plus, the lucky draw prizes are quite grand from what I've heard.

 

Head on to the event blog and facebook page for latest updates.

SRAM X9 10 speed

SRAM X9 10 speed: 3x12 setups to choose from

Since 10 speed is gaining users (some due to push factor and advertisement, I would say), it would be nice to try it out myself. Zack reported good experience with X9 RD & cassette with XT 3x10 crankset - smooth operation being the news.

Problem is, there are too many configurations to choose from for X9. Either 2x10 or 3x10 configuration, and a choice of 12 different 10 speed cassettes.

Q: Why X9, not X0 or XX?

A: Mampu milik, mid range

Any bike shop would want me to test it out?

Wouldn't mind if you supply me X0 or even XX instead, though.

;)

Note: cassette tooth count info taken from here.

Full July

It will be a full July, insyaAllah, where every Sunday would see an mtb event being run. Perhaps organizers are timing those events such that would be had before Ramadhan, which tentatively would fall on the 1st of August.

 

03/07: Plentong (ride with Police)
10/07: KIP Tampoi MTB Ride
17/07: 2011 Muar-Pagoh MTB Challenge
24/07: PCC Presidential Ride
31/07: KLMBH Epic Bike Hash

I'd like to go to a few of them, but it needs a lot of proper planning, and $.

InsyaAllah will join the Plentong ride.

KIP Tampoi is interesting, for I haven't ridden in that part of JB yet.

I won't go to the Muar-Pagoh event because it's a jamborace :P

PCC is a must-go event, but I'm not sure if my stamina would agree.

I don't want to miss this year's KLMBH Epic Bash, but the date is not agreeable to me.

 

So, I'm gearing up for those two local rides before a hiatus of offroad rides during Ramadhan (and a couple of weeks after that).

 

Have a great ride, however short it is. You'll never know if you'd have another one.

Thanks for coming over.

Nokia Bicycle Charger Kit

http://www.nokia.com.my/find-product/accessories/all-accessories/power/chargers/nokia-bicycle-charger-kit

 

Now that's eco-friendly, but of course at the expense of weight. Almost perfect for powering up my phone offroad when using Sports Tracker and geotagging photos. As I learnt from an offroad ride, the phone battery didn't last long to track the whole trail - only for less than a couple of hours when using it fully charged.

 

I said 'almost', due to the weight penalty. It would be strange to have a dynamo on my fork, but I wouldn't care much actually. I wonder if the bracket could be mounted on an mtb fork - bigger diameter than a city bike. How about muddy tires? Would it tolerate?

 

The charging time, speed dependent, is quite impressive. See hightlighted below. For my RTW (one way), my phone would be more or less fully charged, I presume - 1370mAh. That, in itself says 'cycling is empowering'.

:)

 

Copy-and-paste data from Nokia's website:

 

Power generation:

- Compatible with bottle type bicycle dynamos with 6 V/3 W and 12 V/3 W output

- 5.0 V/450 mA/15 km/h. Maximum current 70 mA

- Charging starts at ~6 km/h and maximum output is achieved at 25 km/h. Charging stops when the speed reaches 50 km/h.

- Charging time depends on cycling speed, for example a Nokia 1202 with a 860 mAh battery can be charged with about 20 minutes of cycling at a speed of about 10 km/h (for the Nokia 1202 this would mean approximately 57 mins talk time or 74 h standby time)

 

What's in the kit:

Bottle Dynamo for Bicycles (250g)

Nokia Bicycle Charger DC-14 (36g)

Nokia Phone Holder for Bicycles CR-124

4 black re-usable cable ties

Plastic bag (to protect the phone against dust and humidity)

 

photo taken from Nokia's product page

Angry Chains - Cycling Events site

http://angrychains.com/ - Cycling events around Malaysia and the region.

 

I was looking for the registration form for Jasin S2H Jamboree 2011 and google suggested their page, among others. They put all the event details on their pages, providing easy access for finding cycling event info. This is timely, as there are many, many events for mtb alone, lining up for you to pick nowadays. Latest info of the particular event (in this case, Jasin S2H Jamboree) is found to be updated - I praise them for that.

 

The site's purpose which is to enlist cycling events in one site is neatly presented. Sure, there are a few similar sites which has been around for some time, but this one is different. You get the event info from one site without having to jump to other URL outside their site. Forms can also be downloaded from their site. Not lazy, them, I would say.

 

I'm not sure how long the site has been around, but I guess it is still new. The clubs pages are not yet updated. One feature that I commend most is Cycling POI. Check out also their Routes section. You can share your cycling routes by creating one - provide them the URL.

 

If they are diligent enough, and if the cycling community would join in the party by providing input, then I reckon it would be the premier reference point for event listings and more. With the current cycling atmosphere in Malaysia, they'll definitely get their hands full. During the infant stage, however, they have to come up with a decent set of data to get people interested in doing so. Who would come to a party if the house is with 2 or 3 guests (or food, in our local context) to start with, right?

 

Go to their about page to know more.

Hmm... perhaps I could offer myself to be their proofreader as a part time job.

 

banner image taken from their website

Review: Ibera beam rack with bag

Ibera?



Ibera Pakrak beam rak with bag

I heard about them only when I bought the rack and bag at Senawang. Perhaps you won't find these orange/black items quite easily in bike shops in Malaysia, compared to the more established yellow/black ones. Anyway, this review is to highlight the hits and misses, based on my usage. More importantly, is to assist those who are wondering if these are as good, for there are not many reviews around the internet.

item

Ibera RA-1 beam rack and Ibera BA-1 commuter bag.

It's a system of a beam rack and commuter bag, with push-lock and secure tab on the bag to fit on the beam rack.

The beam rack is secured to the bike's seatpost by means of tightening an allen bolt.

price

I paid RM228 (RM69 beam rack, RM159 bag) for the system. This system is priced quite competitively - I saved a bit more than RM100 for a comparable yellow/black one.

:)

material

Bag is non-waterproof, but water-resistant, perhaps due to the zippers.

Nylon material is with waterproof layer backing.

ABS base for sturdiness. I like this part, but worried that it would crack some day. So far, it's still good except for scratches at the edges.



stainless steel allen bolt

ALLEN BOLT

This is the most important bit, so read carefully.



It is not a simple means of securing the beam rack to the seatpost, in comparison to a quick release system. You would need a 5mm allen key to tighten the bolt.



I have to mention that the one that comes with the rack is best kept in your spares case. The allen key slot on the head would give way and get rounded by the torque applied in tightening up the rack to the post. In my case, the rack is an on and off affair - I have to tighten and loosen up the bolt many, many times due to that. And the bolt did become a bit rounded.



Do get a stainless steel one for a replacement, even if yours is new. Ask for an M8x30 allen bolt (button head) at a hardware store, or bring along the one supplied with the rack to get the identical item. I paid RM1.80 for the bolt, complete with nut and washer. It's the least I could do rather than modifying it to a quick release (anyone have a tutorial DIY for this?).

 

seatpost size

I'm not sure what's the range of seatpost diameter for the beam rack. I've been using it on three common sizes over the course of 14 months. 2 rubber strips, thick and thin are supplied with the rack, for shimming. Check with your seatpost manual if it could take the load. I surely wouldn't ruin a carbon seatpost with the beam rack clamp.

• 31.6mm seatpost is ideal. Reduced swaying, as it is secured quite tight due to the big diameter.
• 27.2mm is okay, but would sway and wobble up and down a little (just a wee bit), due to the thick rubber strip.
• 30.9mm gives the worst sway of all three. Perhaps because the rubber strip provided are either too thin (this one is used) or too thick (can't be used) for 30.9mm seatpost. That being said, it is not that much, as long as the allen bolt is secured very, VERY tight. That's why you have to get yourself the stainless steel bolt.

Extra: carry in the bag's pocket a 5mm allen key, just in case if it does need re-tightening (that's just me, being extra prepared).



max load 10 kg

weight and load

The 700 g beam rack is rated for carrying 10 kg load. Including the bag, of course. The bag itself is about 1 kg. So you have about 9 kg load that you can stuff in the bag.



I don't know how much weight I loaded into the bag, but I make sure that it is not too heavy so that the beam wouldn't sway as I ride the bike off-saddle. I don't want to carry a heavy bag when off the bike, either.

 

Carrying is by a grip handle on the rear pocket, or a padded sling provided with the bag. The bag itself is a bit heavy, so I seldom use the bag by itself to go to the office.



main compartment -
ample space for my daily essentials

bag space

The bag has a main compartment, 2 side pockets, a bungee cord on top of the main compartment lid and a zippered mesh underneath it, and a small rear pocket. There's also a zippered compartment on the lid top.

The maximum I carry at a time in the main compartment: a square Tupperware of breakfast, 750ml water bottle (occasionally), one khaki pants, one Endura rainjacket (quite thick when folded), one collared t-shirt and an underwear.



Side pockets are for storing tools and spares in one, and personal items in another. Rear pocket for small change and wallet. Zippered mesh is storing a handpump and spare tube. There's still unused compartment on the lid top. I spare that for extra breakfast (nasi lemak, or kuih for instance) or a face towel.

 

There you go, enough for everything, except a pair of shoes and toiletries. Well, I have those at the office.

lock-on mechanism on the rear

lock-on mechanism

The mechanism on the back of the bag provides a means for easy on and off of the compatible rack. However, the pushlock on the bag is not quite smooth, sometimes needing some fiddling due to some dirt lodged inside it. Once the tab on the front and the back (on the lock mechanism) are in place on the rack, there's minimal movement. It feels sturdy and solidly locked in place.



main compartment zipper
lined with reflector strip

safety

Safety aspect is taken care of. The main compartment zip is lined with reflective strips, so do the grip handle. There's also a loop for attaching a rear LED blinker. The beam rack has a bracket to mount a reflector (not provided).

overall

The bag and beam rack system is neat. It says "I'm a commuter" to whomever gazing at it. I like the shape of the bag. The shape is held so by the ABS base and the foam pad lining up the main compartment. The only thing that gave way is the bungee cord. The rubber cord is now expanded and not as elastic as new. I really recommend that the allen bolt to be replaced with a stainless steel one, if you're getting this system.

Is it worth the money spent? Yes.

Is it up for the job? Yes.

What can be improved? The weight of the bag, and perhaps to make it waterproof or at least a decent raincover.

Would I recommend it to you? Definitely.

more photos in here.

My account on Wacycles Fun Ride 2011

I love the ride, entirely.

Enough said.

 

Naaahh... I thought I'd put up a few words in here about the experience. Close to a thousand, actually.

 

From before the start of event, I think the organisation of the ride is excellent. Perhaps because it's a low-key event, so the expectations are not that high. At least not as high as the normal jamboree or epic events, because of the measly RM10 entrance fee. Mind you, this is a FUN RIDE. The atmosphere, though, resembles that of a true jamboree. My kind of ride.

 

Before the flag off, there were the usual formalities of speeches, ride and safety briefing, etc. Plus for this one, as it is joined also by local police, there were a string of patriotic numbers i.e. Negaraku, 1Malaysia, and Lagu Negeri Johor before the flag off. Albeit, they were aired after the countdown.

 

As usual, I met with many local riders including Fauzi from Perling - the elder brother of my childhood friend, Azman. Yes, Johor is no longer a big state. You would bump into someone you know from somewhere sometime ago during a mountain biking event. That also is saying that people are drawn to mountain biking, nowadays.

Including the local police. Good, eh?

 

We started off at about 8.40am. While waiting for the flag off, I thought to myself, "well, this is the first time I'm taking part in a mountain biking event such as this in Plentong as a rider". Too bad, I didn't take a photo at the starting line (thanks for the starting line photo in facebook, Koh).

 

I like the route very much. Not too long, the 30 km trail set up by the organizers. It has everything. Climbs, downhills, singletracks (oh, you should've been there...), open sections, tarmac, cows, dogs, and a cheeky prank too.

 

The trail is around Plentong, including the sections that I've ridden only once before this, with Wacycles. The route was not extended to Seri Alam, I think. Easily it could be 40 to 50 km if it was decided so.

 

My ride was quite good. I blasted off during most of the ride, and tried to do so during climbs. Not because I'm a fast climber, but much because I want to end the climb as quick as possible. You would've guessed that the climbs are not tough by that cue.

 

The downhills are awesome (for a slow descender like me). I enjoyed them all tremendously, especially the serpentine singletrack flowing through the rubber trees. Simply breathtaking, careening left and right accompanied with the symphony of rustling leaves underneath.

 

Too bad, my chain snapped at the 18th km. Fortunately I was a bit ahead of my ride buddy, Yad (read: Akmal's faster than Yad). He has a multitool with chaintool. I left mine at home, so I had to wait for him. After a 10 minute repair stop, we proceeded and I blasted off again.

 

Reached the finishing point at around 11.00 am. This must be my earliest finish of all, for a 30 km ride. It was quite exhausting, for I've never blasted along the trail like this. Anyway, I realize that I'm not that fast, for there are many other riders who had even finished their lunch as I stepped into the basketball court. Entering a race? Dream on...

 

Yes, lunch was provided eventhough it was plain rice with chicken curry. The good thing is, the currry is good and everyone had 2 parts of chicken. Except for Panjang, that is. He got none. Oh, the free flow of cold drinks is also commendable. Good one.

 

Other commendable things about the whole event? A lot, really.

 

Trail route

Excellent for intermediate and beginner riders. Experts wouldn't have much problem, but maybe they would be hungry for more which Plentong has plenty to offer. Alas, this is a fun ride, so they hit the bullseye on this one.

 

Marking

Adequate, big and sure can't miss. Junctions are littered with shredded paper, plus manned with marshals to ensure no one taking the wrong turn/junction.

 

Manning

Along the route, at many points there were marshalls standing by, especially at water points.

 

Organisation

Good organisation, from the start to the finish. Well, at least from my observation. Not much hiccup that I see, or that I didn't know much about what happened. Kudos to Wacycles, Cyclemotion, PG Gerek and others who worked tirelessly in bringing out this event for us riders on the southern side. Y'all rock!

 

Facilities

There's a toilet at the basketball court, and a couple of water hose for washing bikes. I didn't use them, for my house is only nearby.

 

Fee & goodie bag

The goodie bag is actually a bonus, for the RM10 fee. They went all the way for this one. I bet the Giant paper bag itself would make those who didn't participate in this event to be envious. Inside is a white cotton t-shirt of decent quality, some tidbits and a promotional flyer.

 

Lucky draw

There's no lucky draw, but a lucky dip. Among the prizes are bike bell and water bottle. What more can you ask, eh?

 

Overall, I enjoyed this ride. The weather was nice, trail not too long nor short, water and bananas are adequate at strategic points (I actually brought with me only 750ml of isotonic), and best of all I finished before noon. My first.

:)

 

Want to have another go at this? You're in luck, because there'll be another one very, very soon at the same venue come 3rd July. I heard that the setting is gonna be a bit different, but the route is about the same. And, just as important, the fee is the same. RM10 for the ride plus t-shirt, etc.

 

A few photos in here.

 

Have a good weekend, y'all.

Ride safe.

Mat Sikal?

Read the article by R.S.N. Murali here.

 

Okay, so this is the first time I heard the term 'Mat Sikal', and it was being spread nationwide through Murali's article. I'm not really sure if the term is coined by the boys that he interviewed, or merely penned out to sync with 'Mat Rempit'. Well, the correct term, I guess (because he didn't mention about the bike being fixed bikes either) it should be 'Fixies', instead. This is judging by the description of the bikes mentioned, and the photo. I bet none of them would downgrade their bikes to a non-fixie thus branded as not being true to the tribe.

 

I missed TV3's 360° exposure on bikes (including Fixies) a couple of week earlier, so I could not comment much on it. However, I'm sure there's no mention about 'Mat Sikal'. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Paste the link of the video in the comment box if you have it, please.

 

All in all, of late there's much highlight in our mainstream media already on public cycling. It's a good thing, really. Just that the public should also made known that there are different types of bicycles, different types of cycling sports and different groups who cycles, too. Exactly the same as motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, airplanes and horses.

 

I don't feel anything about the article, to be honest, simply because I do not belong to that group. Malaysians generally can appreciate the distinction between Mat Rempit and superbikers or those riding Harley Davidsons. Heck, even between Mat Rempit and those who ride the same sort of motorbikes they are using. Such is the case with 'Mat Sikal' and Mountain Bikers, Roadies, Commuters, Bangla cyclists or even other Fixies. I'm not sure if Fixies in general would even agree with these 'Mat Sikals'. But you get my point, right?

 

However, I do understand the sentiment of the general cycling community with this kind of image. Cycling is on the rise, currently. Some may hate Fixies for this kind of negative exposure which could tarnish the overall image of cycling in the eyes of general public.

 

Well, what can we do?

A few, actually.

 

1. MNCF and state cycling talent scouts could approach them for proper grooming for our next Azizulhasni Awangs.

Heck, they could generate $ by making it a reality show.

2. Educate the public that 'Mat Sikal' is a different type of cyclist than Mountain Bikers, Roadies and Commuters.

The one in Rexona ad is a Moutain Biker, Anuar Manan is a Roadie, Akmal Hizam is a Commuter (well, he's trying. And a Mountain Biker, too).

3. Legislate the usage of helmets and safety aspects of cycling on public roads.

Make helmets, lights and secondary brakes a must.

 

To me, in order for myself to be respected as a cyclist, I must respect myself first. Helmet, blinkers, headlight, and a decent bike with safety in check. It may look 'poyo' or perhaps overkill to some, but the security guards at the gate often let me pass through without checking through my bag. They know I'm a different kind of Commuter, much different from the Bangla riders.

 

Read also:

TRISTUPE's reply on the article here.

BaikBike's response on the article here.

 

Ride safe, y'all.

Yes, including you 'Mat Sikals' in Malacca or wherever you may be.

25 Rules of the Trail

by Rob Sutton of Bike198

 

I agree strongly (highlighted) with most of it especially the earlier ones.

=================================

25 Rules of the Trail: Commandments of Mountain Biking

There are certain rules every mountain biker should live by on the trail. It's run them down…

1. Pay It Forward – Tubes, quick-links, a helping hand. You'll need it one day too.
2. You brought it out…you bring it home – No one likes a litterbug. Keep the trail clean.
3. Know your role – Fast climber? Get up front. Slow descender? Get in the back.
4. Bike worth does not equal biking ability – Everyone loves the latest and greatest…but it doesn't increase skill.
5. Be Self Sufficient – Always bring what you need…and sometimes more.
6. Know Basic Bike Maintenance – Be able to fix your own flat…
7. Treat Other Riders Like You Would Want To Be Treated – No one likes a jackass.
8. It's Only A Race If The Other Participants Know They Are Participating – You didn't beat your friend on the climb if you are the only one that knew it was a race.
9. If A Rider Catches You…It Doesn't Mean They Want You To Ride Faster – Move to the side and let the rider by. Also see #3.
10. Music While Riding Is Great…Unless You Are Oblivious – If you are going to wear earphones while riding, check around you constantly for other riders.
11. Know Your Abilities – Don't get too far over your head.
12. Just Because You Can't Ride It…Doesn't Mean Others Can't – Mountain biking should be a progression. Not all trails can be wide and groomed.
13. You Have Zero Room To Bitch If You Didn't Work On The Trail – Try not to be a backseat driver to trail work.
14. There Is No Cure For UGI – Upgradeitius is a serious disease for which there is no cure.
15. Beware Of Rider Recommendations – The best bike for a friend may not be the best bike for you. Everyone thinks they are on the best mountain bike on the market.
16. Don't Be "That Guy" – You know the one…the guy that brags about his time on local loops and doesn't ride anywhere else. Enjoy your ride…it isn't a contest.
17. In Shape Does Not Equal Technical Ability – You are in shape…awesome…but that does not make you a better rider. It just makes you able to ride longer.
18. Riding Keeps You Young – Yes…that guy that is twice your age will still drop you.
19. No One Looks Good In Lycra…Especially Mountain Bikers – Bring a change of clothes…lycra is not "going out" wear.
20. Mexican Food Is The Perfect After Ride Meal – Don't know why…it just is.
21. Diversity Is A Good Thing – Different bikes, different styles, different personalities. It would be dreadfully boring if we were all the same.
22. Any Holiday Is An Excuse To Ride – Why are we riding today? Because today ends in a y.
23. Support Those That Support You – Support your local IMBA and local advocacy chapters. They do more than just work on trails.
24. Online Superstars Type More Than Ride – Time worrying about online arguments is time you could spend on the bike.
25. Riding Is The Best Therapy – Self explanatory…

My Roadbike Romance II

[continued from earlier entry]

 

I pursued my higher secondary schooling in Jasin, after only a few months with my bike. My cousin Liza asked me, before I'm going to Jasin, "basikal bawak sekali tak?". I wished I could, but I planned on a look-see first. It's a new experience, the boarding school. I wouldn't know if people bring their bikes (or surfboard, if you're in Miami) along to a boarding school. Well, apparently nobody does.

 

A few months passed, and my first balik kampung. Of course I missed home. The bike, and family. Ayah greeted me with two news:

1. He bought a hi-fi set for the living room.

2. My bike was stolen when my younger brother rode it somewhere in Bandar Baru Sentul.

 

None of the news were amusing to me at all.

 

Years passed, and I haven't got much cycling. Perhaps I was carrying a grudge, but more so because of lack of $. During college years in Shah Alam, my friends got together and went for a cycling expedition around the country, including Brunei. I didn't join them. Simply because I didn't have a bike, and this stupid little reluctance (yes, perhaps due to the grudge).

 

I bought myself a steel roadbike at the Bowlers carboot sale (at Trafford Park) for 20 quids and rode it home in Old Trafford. It was spring time during my second year of university. However, the tire punctured just when I reached home. It was left unrepaired in the house until I finished studying. You could say that it was pretty much neglected. I brought it back to Malaysia, though, but still was unattended to. Much due to lack of $, and no knowledge whatsoever about bike repairing.

 

It was a white Krypton Factor bike, with good parts. I was not as an avid cyclist back then as I am now, but I do remember a few details. It sported Sachs parts (nice RD) and chain, Selle Royal saddle, and the steel rims were with dimples on the sides. I don't know what happened to the bike now, after my parents moved from Taman Melati to Senawang. I guess it was deemed as scrap. Too bad, huh?

 

Well, that was my romance with my roadbikes. I'm not sure if I would own another. I'm happy with my RTW Machine and Trance fullsusser for their practicality and my style of riding. However, I would always admire the beauty and sexiness of a roadbike's parts whenever I feast my eyes on them. Always. I guess there's still a flame inside of me, however dim, but would not be put out.

My Roadbike Romance

parked bikes at Rumah Seniman, prior to expedition to Pulau Lumut

 

It started when I was in Form 3. I didn't have a bike of my own, but needed one to join a cycling expedition with Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (JBSWP). My cousin Azizi from Kampung Pandan has one, so I borrowed his. Thus, my short romance with roadbikes (two of them) began.

 

The first expedition (not a touring) was from KL to Sungai Bil, in Perak. Together with my brother and a bunch of friends, we cycled out from Rumah Seniman at Jalan Tun Razak in KL (I'm not sure what tall building is now on that site). There was an escort van that ferried our bags, and spare parts for the bikes - all provided by JBSWP. We just focused on the riding, and on the riding only. I have to admit, I didn't have any clue about bike repairing and maintenance at all. And to think about it now, it's quite scary how we were negligent of our personal safety too.

 

The good side of it when I'm back home: I lost a few kgs, albeit with striped skin resulted from being under the sun. Yes, many of my friends didn't recognize me.

:D

 

A few more expeditions ensued, and we frequented Sungai Bil too. Twice to IKBN Peretak in Kuala Kubu Bharu, once to Lumut and Pulau Pangkor in Perak, and once to Pulau Lumut off Klang (now part of Pulau Indah). My cousin's red Raleigh Rapide served me well during those expeditions, except for that one time when I bent the RD during an uphill grinding in Lumut. Having to go around Pulau Pangkor in the support van, it was quite painful for there were no spare RD available. I learnt my lesson well there and then.

 

Between those long distance expeditions, my usual cycling would be to nearby places around KL from my house in Jalan Strachan. My cousin's bike was with me all those time. It's interesting to reminisce that I could easily cycle to Chow Kit via Jalan Ipoh. Even to Kampung Pandan through Jalan Tun Razak and Bulatan Pandan (now not really that bulat). Back then, the roads were not as wide, and I guess there were not as many cars as nowadays.

 

To have a bicycle of my own was quite a motivation for me to do well in my SRP exams. I made a deal with Ayah - I were to get a racing bike (what we call roadbikes back then) if I get an aggregate of below 10. Well, it's a doable feat for me, but I'm not sure if Ayah has the financial backup. Anyway, I got it. It's a beautiful, pearl white Raleigh Rapide with 21 speeds (3x7), with friction shifters mounted on the downtube. I walked from home to the Singer store in front of my school in Sentul with my brother Amri and my neighbour Mike. Left the store and went home pedaling my new transporter. Amri and Mike walked, of course.

 

And so my romance with my roadbike started thereafter, to school (and beyond) everyday. Until...

Wacycles Fun Ride 2011 - 15.05.2011

Originally it was 'Ride with Police', but to keep long story short (I don't know the details, anyway) it's changed to Wacycles Fun Ride 2011 eventually.

 

I like this kind of ride. Not too long, and the ride fee is only RM10. That gives you a t-shirt and lunch (according to insiders), and a taste of Plentong among hundreds of riders. Plus the usual 'jamboree' Lucky draw, too. I would say that this would be the cheapest organized ride so far, looking at the things you get for a single Malaysian red note. The best part: it is in Plentong, nearby my house. No need to worry about logistics. Worst scenario: I could just cycle up to the starting point.

 

Oops, the registration is now closed. Too bad if you've missed it. My apologies for not putting any info about it in here earlier.

 

Anticipating a good, fun ride through Plentong singletracks. InsyaAllah.

See you there?

 

route map taken from Wacycles' site

RTW 30.04.2011 - trees

*written last Saturday, this is in part, a lure for Koh to start RTW :)

 

On a half-day working Saturday, I would sway towards driving the car to work. Primarily it is because I don't like to ride under the hot sun on the way back in the afternoon. I tend to get a sharp headache on th left temple. Okay, so road bike is off my list then.

:P

 

However, as I don't feel like walking in to the office from the parking lot (about 800m), I decided to RTW this morning.

 

Weird? Perhaps. But that's the feeling, and that's how I am now with RTW. I could do it whenever I feel so. Hopefully this would last for a long time.

 

On the way, the road is quiet with not so many vehicles on it. I take pleasure from my ride tremendously, more so with my eyes peeled out enjoying the view of big trees lining up the main road at Taman Rinting. Got a few snaps, but as always, they don't do much justice to the beauty as seen from my two eyes.

 

Also, I extended my off-saddle ride from yesterday's. This morning, I did it whenever there's opportunity to do so. Nice. Very nice.

 

Have a good, long, labour day weekend.

Ride safe, off- or on saddle.

:D

 

Update: Koh did his first RTW on Monday, a replacement holiday for Labour Day.

Kudos, Koh! Way to go.

 

A few more photos in here.