19.09.2012: NR with GLC - Desa Park City

me at Jalan Strachan

 

Another ride with GLC, and this time the destination was Desa Park City. A very nice township with the lake park Waterfront complete with a reputable bike shop. There's also a recent installation of stainless steel bike rack nearby the bike shop and 7-Eleven. How convenient (for cyclists!).

 

I loaned BC Kelolo's bike and kept it with me while staying in the hotel. So we agreed to meet up along the way, RV point mamak restaurant nearby Jalan Ipoh/Jalan Sentul T-junction. Not long after I reached the place, the group arrived and we moved on.

 

Goosebumps on my arms and I grew excited while cycling along Jalan Ipoh towards Segambut, for nostalgic reasons. We passed by SRK Sri Dhandayutapani (can you say that in one go, quickly?) and I was smiling big time as I saw Jalan Strachan across the road. I didn't go to school there, but I remember my childhood friends and I were having fun with saying the name as quick as we can. And that fun we had was on Jalan Strachan, used to be our home.

 

I won't say much about the route. You can view it on the maps via the links below. Suffice to say that the route is wholesome. A lot of downhills. After the necessary cranking uphills, of course.

:D

 

On the way back, more downhills (and uphills!) were served. The one at Publika, and also the one leading to Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan. Awesome.

 

All in all, I'm happy to have joined the ride. Went to new places, and also revisit old places; some personal satisfaction during my solo rides from the hotel to Jalan Ipoh and back.

Many thanks to BC Kelolo and GLC gang for this one.

 

Photos in here: http://bit.ly/Qx5WNh

 

Ride maps:
1. hotel --> Jalan Ipoh: http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/workout/akmalhizam/tji98kfa6jg235n2
2. Jalan Ipoh --> DPC: http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/workout/akmalhizam/el4eqei9sj6dtrcj
3. DPC --> Jalan Ipoh: http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/workout/akmalhizam/7itmanhoadbv0sco
4. Jalan Ipoh --> hotel: http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/workout/akmalhizam/cupkoupoou7hau5g

 

Thanks for coming around.

Have a good weekend!

Offroad: Seri Alam 26.08.2012 - gathering of brothers

 This is ride special simply because it has been a long time since my last offroad outing in Skudai. Lond put up on PG Gerek fb page about the ride, so I set out to join in. Moreover, it is in Seri Alam. It has been a very, very long time. Being the first offroad after Ramadhan, I'm sure it would be a bit taxing.

 

7.30 am and I went to Ruza in Nusa Damai but no one there. Lond was waiting in Ruza in Taman Scientex. The restaurant is open, but without breakfast or even hot drinks. Bought RM3 worth of assorted kuih from nearby stall and had it in the restaurant. Washed down with plain water. Eg and Am joined us shortly after. To my surprise, Reza came too. So there we were, 5 of us. We went to the other meeting point in Taman Scientex and had breakfast over there.

 

Eventually, we started rolling proper at about 9.15 am.

:P

 

+-------------

Route:

Taman Scientex - Backyard - Flora Heights - Fort William - Mashi Maro - Badminton - 7-Eleven - Kambing - Seri Alam Bike Park - Kuil - Nusa Damai - Taman Scientex.

View the trail on Sports Tracker and here.

 

My stats:

Dist 31.07 km
Odo 384.7 km
Max 40 km/h
Time 2:36:29
Avg 11.8 km/h

+-------------

 

The first 10 km was very taxing. I was out of breath, and the stomach feels uneasy. Not to the point of vomiting or nausea, but uncomfortable although yet can still endure the ordeal. However, the legs are good and didn't give any problem. Alhamdulillah. I have to note here that most of the time little granny was asked to serve and big ring was spared most of the time. Sheesshhh...

 

I enjoyed the ride in overall. Especially the sumptuous start of Fort William - Mashi Maro section. The boing-boing downhill was simply awesome. The downhill to Badminton was interrupted with fallen (more of chopped off) trees at the halfway point.

 

To our surprise, the settlement at Badminton (and all other kotais) were deserted and some were burnt. A chat with a PATI on motorbike at the trail reveals that they had moved to other places. There were multiple thefts; cooking gas tank and rice were robbed. The PATI told us it might be that the thieves came around to their places following the waypoint markings that were left after the events ended. They didn't want to take them off out of their respect to us cyclists. We agreed that they could take off the markings for their safety; the markings should be taken off by organizers after the events, anyway. So, please be warned that if you're in Seri Alam trail, do expect discontinuity or even absence of markings from now on.

 

We met with people from Cyclemotion at 7-Eleven for a short get together (beraya tanpa makan-makan) and rode together for a few kms before parting off at the goat farm. The five of us went ahead and that led us to the bunch of DHers at Seri Alam Bike Park - another section that I enjoyed most. The run down at Seri Alam Bike Park towards the lake was amazing. Kudos to the trailbuilders!

 

It's good to be back on saddle offroad, and more so getting to meet again with fellow bikers after such a long time. What's leaving a big impression to me is the Seri Alam Bike Park. It left me grinning to this day.

 

Anybody has a Glory (with fullface helmet, neck brace, paddings, etc.) that I can borrow?

:D

 

Photos are in here.

 

Thanks for coming over, dude.

Have a great day ahead!

RTW: 23.08.2012 back after a month

Salaam.

I was yearning for a ride yesterday. And I did it today, half-obliged on my Trance with knobbies (!).

:)

The office (and the whole Pasir Gudang) is still on extended Eid leave, except for my Filipino mates and some people who share the same fate with me - not allowed to take extended leave due to project demands.

My parents are at my home with the rest of the family still on school festive holiday. They have plans to go here-and-there with the car and so I have to RTW.

Yeay!

One small problem: the Kona Nunu RTW Machine is buried quite deep in the store room. Being away for the Eid holiday, I can't afford to leave it outside so I put it in there. The Trance is ever ready in the living room, though. I was too tired last night to get Nunu ready for this morning's RTW so I went out with Trance.

Stats this morning:

Out from home	0718	hours
Arrive office	0752	hours
Door-to-door	34	mins
Ride time	31' 25"
Distance	11.5	km
Ave. speed	22.0	km/h
Max speed	36.5	km/h
Odometer	340.8	km
Good doggies	0
Bike / Tire	Trance/knobbies

I'm happy to report that the average speed is quite good for a long absentee. However, I have to note here that I'm a bit tired after my shower and taking some time to recover. Anyway, I'm elated.

Not much difference on the surroundings en route, except that the coastal highway was without as much vehicles. Easier for me to cross the road. Quite boring, actually. Perhaps a venture offroad on the way back?

Hmm...

Have a good day ahead, guys.

Thanks for stopping over.

less RTW

Following my third monthlong RTW for this year in May, my bike commuting has since reduced quite dramatically due to change of workplace/office. I have been in a weekly outstation stint since June and still ongoing. A 3-day week in KL initially is now graduated to a full 5-day week including the whole Ramadhan. So, this year effectively there were no Ramadhan RTW at all. Heck, today is 22.08.2012 and I haven't done any RTW at all yet in August. My latest RTW was on 24.07.2012. Such a long hiatus.

The only cycling that I did to 'compensate' were few and far between. I guess that makes it more memorable, more intense and more joyful.
1. Night ride with GLC: KL Tower + Sup Dorai - with Latfy 26.06.2012

2. Night ride with GLC: Carcosa + Tasik Perdana + S'gor Mansion - with Azlan and Latfy 04.07.2012

3. Offroad: Kayuhan Amal Skudai - 15.07.2012

Oh yes, I enjoyed tremendously all those rides. The theme was all the same: strenghtening ties between friends - long lost friends, and friends found through cycling. I rode with Latfy my friend from my MLA Cheras days and Azlan (MBPS/MBS Sentul/MLA Cheras) during the GLC night rides, and reconnected with good people from JB in the Skudai ride. Also, the places were all that had been in my wishlist, too - a ride up the KL Tower (base), late night hot soup at Jalan Doraisamy, the serene Carcosa Seri Negara, a touch of offroad at Tasik Perdana, and the Skudai Trail.

I hope more of good cycling in days ahead. The bikes at home are gathering dust and cobweb. With the exception of today, I hope the 3 days in Pasir Gudang this week could see me back on the saddle again. Spare tire is growing on my waist.

:P

Thanks for coming over.
Enjoyed your Eid?

Offroad: 15.07.2012 Kayuhan Amal Skudai

Sorry, readers. No photos. Was busy enjoying my ride

:)

There are too many events these days lining up in Johor alone, judging from the event invitations that I received through Facebook. During my initial year of mountain biking, I wished for mtb events in JB some years ago. Some wishes do come true, albeit realised after a few years. However, you better be careful with what you're wishing for; it may not be good for you. But in this case, I think it is a good thing in some aspects.

Take for an instance the recent event I took part in. A simple event, with a good cause, and kinda back to the roots. It was Kayuhan Amal Skudai, in conjunction with Festival Skudai 2012 at Masjid Zainal Abidin in Taman Sri Skudai. The mtb event was brought up by the handsomest bug in all Skudai, Ijat aka Kumbang Hensem Durjana with CTanggang Riders and Rahman KBC with KBC bros. The measly RM20 event fee goes to the masjid fund, while 200 registered riders were given a nice turquoise cotton t-shirt.

I registered as a walk-in (or pedal-in) rider that morning. The ride suits me very well in various facets. First and foremost, it is a charity ride - fii sabilillah - for the masjid's fund. And the rest, on equal ground: riding with friends, excellent trail, a short distance offroad and a closure for my offroad biking before Ramadhan (which is, not many). I noticed that my handlebar gathered dust from too much resting at home. Sheeshhh...

Alhamdulillah, the weather was fine as it was raining the day before. Mudfest expected, and more or less prepared. To get to the trailhead, 6+ km tarmac warmup required, guided by Traffic Police, on hilly Skudai Batu 10 area. I enjoyed tremendously the uphill sprint before the descend to the trailhead. The fun began as soon as we hit the dirt. Some younger fixed gear heads went in too, I guess to get a taste of offroad, but I think more of a preservation (and manifestation) of their ego. Well, you never underestimate what the young ones could do. Let them be. I went ahead to enjoy my ride.

;)

The beginning of the offroad was quite mild, but my bike was relishing it; and so did I. I intended to enjoy every inch of the trail. Soon enough, we hit the trail junction. Rather, a secret door to an awesome technical trail loop. Magical it might seem, with the damp ground and undulating, swervy singletrack  strewn with roots in certain sections. There's also a slippery KumBerm and some drops. That's Plastic Cup. The loop is about 2km. Panjang and I enjoyed it so much, we went it for a second serving of the cup. How envious we were with folks at Skudai who regard this as their evening playground after working hours (or before iftar).

We continued to Denai Trail. Here, the magic continued further. More singletracks, with some bumps and the infamous drop, decorated with a gem of a finishing at Bukit Tergolek - a steep drop that (honestly) made my heart pounding and knees wobbling. I bypassed the first mega drop, and continued on. But I knew from my first visit here more than a year ago, that BT is the pièce de résistance not to be missed. I was a bit shaken upon descending the BT drop, forcing me to suspend right at the edge of it. It took me some time to regain my normal heartbeat and shaking knees attenuated. I redeemed myself finally, and descended not once but twice. Pure adrenaline rush. Loved it.

*ye laa... tak tergolek, boleh la kata macam-macam...

After much of a carnival at the base of BT we headed to Bukit Double Trouble before a somewhat fast singletrack with an ending at a small drop. I thought that it was over, but soon enough there was a little surprise - Bukit Che Mat greeted us. Rather a big mound than a small hill. Plus, some more small drops after that. Still, simple features like this make the playground a happy place. For the bike and myself.

We got back to the trailhead, right where we came in from and pedaled uphill on the tarmac to get back to the event base. Total distance was less than 20 km, and I finished the ride at 11.30 am.

I stayed around to cool down and enjoyed the tug-of-war match at the field. I reached home at 12.30 noon, much to the delight of my missus.

:D

To Ijat, Rahman, Skudai folks and everyone else who made the event possible - thumbs up for you. May Allah bless you for all the good deeds done.

See y'all in the trails, local and elsewhere(!) after Ramadhan, insyaAllah.

Thanks for coming around.

Have a blessed Ramadhan.

Ride a Bike

I recommend for you to ride a bicycle:

for your spiritual health - involve zikr with each pedal stroke

for your physical health - even a short spin around the neighbourhood would make you sweat and put in some exercise

for your mental health - be alone even when riding in a group

.

.

.

.

.

*fill in the blanks (believe me, you would be filling in many lines after some kilometers).

Have a good day.

Ride a Bike

Merino Wool?

merino wool jersey - have ewe tried it yet?

Latfy - a reborn cyclist (and I mean a very avid cyclist at that) - was checking up on the idea of wearing merino wool shirt for his RTW. Both of us agree that in our local climate we would surely sweat when riding the bike. I had done tests myself on my RTW journeys with cotton t-shirts and polyester jerseys. No matter how cool the weather is (post rain, gloomy sky, etc.), surely I would be sweaty whenever I'm stopping at the traffic light.

The other challenge is to not be stinky because of the sweat. One of my two Sugoi jerseys would smell a bit funny when I'm sweaty - perhaps because of the polyester. The other jersey, Brooks with X-Static material is much better, with no odor due to its anti-bacterial properties.

And then Latfy gave me this link:

http://www.outsideonline.com/blog/two-weeks-one-wool-shirt.html

Two weeks with one shirt with no odor? That's something. Anybody tried any merino wool jersey in our local climate? Especially when it's hot and humid, for any types of cycling - road, offroad, RTW, touring, etc. Please share your experience. I'd like to know what you think (feel).

So far I've got a pair of Smartwool socks from a Timberland store (and they're not a cheap pair of socks!). A bit thick, I've been wearing them with my sneakers only. No cycling yet.

Why Merino Wool?

http://www.merino.com/en/active-wear/performance-benefits

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-merino-wool.htm

image taken from here.

Event: 17.06.2012 Wa Cycles XC Challenge 2012

come down to Seri Alam, y'all!

As the title suggests, it is a race. And pretty accurate timescoring at that, using timing chips system. The first MTB XC race in Malaysia utilising such tech.

Details are on the poster.

Ad: if you need accommodation (homestay) in Plentong (a few km from Seri Alam), do contact me 012.7318839.
Reasonable rate for mountain bikers.
;)

Have a good weekend.
Train hard. And enjoy it.

X-by-10 speed: inevitable?

I'm a fan of 9 speed. That's purely because of the $ aspect. Technologically, I have never heard of 10 speed (on the rear) having issues. All three bikes at home are with 3x9 setting, so I'm keeping parts inventory low. They are interchangeable. I'm a modular kind of guy, you see.

 

This morning I got the news from SRAM that X5 is now offered in 2x10 config. Of course, this was following the trend as the equal stable from Shimano - Deore - has led.

 

So, is the transition to 10 speed inevitable, be it 3x10 or 2x10?

 

I'd like to try it out for my Trance. Anyone would like to sponsor me for the shift?

Pardon the pun. Can't help it.

:)

 

11 speed?

I am left behind, it seems. Shimano in their XTR outfit is beginning to roll out 11 speed. SRAM is with their XX1 (1x11)

I'm game for this tech push, as long as it benefits in smoother shifting, less weight, durable and affordable.

Well, that last part I guess we have to wait a few years down the line.

 

Have a great day.

Thanks for coming over.

Event: 02-03.06.2012 Downmall Pelangi

You might have seen it on YouTube before. Well, that's somewhere else. DH nuts are bringing it to Malaysia for the first time ever. And it is in JB. How cool is that. (Okay, only if there are no fatal injury, of course).

Head down to JB, then. If you're not participating, witnessing it would also be awesome. Parking space as usual in Plaza Pelangi is quite limited. Heck, go there by your bike, then.

Perhaps after this we can have indoor loop race in Kemayan City like the Europeans and Americans are doing.

A bit scary, I know.

;)

p.s.: search 'downmall' in YouTube.

Event: Charity Rides in JB this weekend 25-27.05.2012

Objective:

Charity ride to raise fund for surgical operation of Azhar's (of Cyclemotion JB) 6 months old daughter Nur Liyana, due to heart complication.

Bring along some donation with you and enjoy the rides.

Pasir Gudang - Charity Baby Girl Nite Ride

Date: 25.05.2012 (Friday)

Time: 8.30 pm

Venue: Kolej Komuniti Pasir Gudang. Jalan Kijang, Taman Scientex. N1.495553, E103.912819

Type: Friday Nite Ride on road

Route: Kolej Komuniti - Kong Kong - Kolej Komuniti

Host: Angah Bike Shack

Note: F&B will be provided

Skudai - Ride of Hope

Date: 27.05.2012 (Sunday)

Time: 0830 start rolling

Venue: Techpro Cycles. Jalan Bakti 1, Mutiara Rini, Skudai, Johor. N1.527179, E103.631123

Type: Sunday morning offroad ride, distance about 30km.

Route: marked offroad trail - Mutiara Rini Trail

Host: Cyclemotion JB with CTanggang Riders and HSACC

Note: facebook event page link here.

Muc-Off Bicycle Cleaner

caution: this awesome product might turn you into a lazy cyclist

(but you save time and energy for cleaning up your dirty bike so you can ride your heart out)

Admittedly I wanted to have something clever for the title of this entry, but there are too many to choose from. So, I just leave it in the simplest form.

I bought my first bottle of 1L from Angah Bike Shack (ABS) in Pasir Gudang for less than RM40. Roughly 1L of the pink liquid would see you through about 5 to 6 washings. Of course, it depends entirely on how mucky your bike is. Now I'm buying refills of 1L for RM25. RM5 per wash is good, given the amount of energy and time saved.

It is very, very easy to use. This is how I do it:

If the dirt on my bike is already dried up, I'll wet if with water by hosing over.

Then, I'd spray the Muc-Off onto the dirt and leave for 3-5 minutes - letting it work its way to the dirt.

Finally, I spray the water with garden water hose onto the dirty bike. Just a normal jet, no need for a high pressure jet (I don't own one, anyway).

And, the beautiful part is I don't have to use any brush or even need to touch the bike.

Really.

I keep my bike in the house, so I have to keep my bike clean after every ride - especially the tires. Cleaning the tires manually by using a scrubber would take me ages, while breaking my back doing the labour. With Muc-Off I'm saving my time and also energy. Full-sussers would appreciate it even better. I find it very helpful in cleaning the suspension link on my Trance because it gets through the tight space. I would usually scrub it by using old toothbrush, but with MO I'm getting lazy now while getting almost the same result if not better. After a tiring ride, especially. Indispensable. Plus, it is earth-friendly so I don't need to worry about damaging my lawn or the drainage.

However, do not be too lazy to clean up your drivetrain. It is NOT a degreaser. You still need to clean your 3C's - chain, crankset and cassette.

The photos in this ALBUM show the steps and before and after shots.

View to appreciate.

Muc-Off Bicycle Cleaner is available in 1L spray bottle, pressure bottle and as a kit.

If you're in JB, Muc-Off is available from these friendly bike shops (as far as I know):

• Angah Bike Shack - Taman Scientex, Pasir Gudang (search facebook)
• Techpro Cycles - Mutiara Rini, Skudai
• Jean Sport Enterprise - Masai Utama, Masai

Muc-Off have other products as well.

Read more: www.Muc-Off.com

this entry is written in the light of sharing; no commercial backing whatsoever.

I don't get paid for this.

Puma Presents: Fixed-Gear 101

For Fixed heads, got something for you in case you haven't read it yet.

Puma Presents: Fixed-Gear 101

Interesting read, actually.

Read and ride better, for part of riding a bike is with our head.

Have a good day.

Thanks for coming around.

Commuter's Bike Shop

Wouldn't it be nice if we have a bike shop dedicated for non-sportive people. The specialty bike shop would cater for the needs of daily commuters, tourers, randonneurs and the like. For people who take cycling as a means of transport, not sports. Utilitarian Human Powered Vehicles.

The shop would have decent selection of commuter bikes, town bikes, Dutch bikes, hybrids, foldables, fixed gear and even recumbents - the kind of bikes (and 'bents) that people would use for travelling efficiently from point A to B. It should also have a comprehensive spread of parts, consumables, accessories and apparels for the needs of the commuters. What should the shop stock on? Read up Bicycle Times and Momentum magazine and you'll get the big picture. Of course, it would be a strange place to sell car bike racks.

I mentioned the above to my missus, and she quipped almost without hesitation:

why don't you open the bike shop yourself?

For now it's a pipe dream. And in that dream, the shop would have dedicated musolla, shower booths, bike parking facility, repair and maintenance area, and a riders' lounge. Well, pretty much like Mellow Johnny's. Oh, and the bike shop would hold leisure rides, tours and more importantly, cycling clinics. Yes, pretty much like MJ's.

:D

I think there's such a bike shop in UPM, run by Akmal. Not me, though.

Thanks for dropping by.

Ride safe, and have a great weekend!

Review: Tires - Maxxis Detonator 26/1.5 Black

whiteheads?

From Maxxis webpage:

One of our most popular road training tires is now available for your 26" wheels.  With its Silkworm protection for puncture resistance and a lightweight, foldable bead, the Detonator provides great traction and durability.  Perfect for road training when you only have one bike available - or for daily commuting.

Mine: 26/1.5 black, foldable.

Single density compound - a bit soft, sands get lodged in the rubber compound and tears all along the tire surface.

Silkworm protection - not good enough. I get punctures from glasses (cuts) and staples.

Weight: about 1kg for a pair is good, but at the expense of puncture protection. Not good trade-off; I'd rather go for a weightier puncture resistant tires, which spares me the time consumed and stresses that come with flat tires.

First of all, they're road training tires. Period. I won't take them for daily commuting. Not for my normal RTW route which is a combination of tarmac, loose gravels, puddles, glass littered road shoulders and a short section of red earth.

Been using them for 4 months of daily commuting, about 1000km. Bought the pair for RM120 from LBS - way much cheaper than other commuter tires. Anyway, since these are the only ones available (and cheap at the same time), I grab them as a much needed replacement for RiBMos. So those are the reasons for me getting these softies - not much choice, cheap, and quick replacements.

Unfortunately, it is true that 'good things not cheap, cheap things not good'. I should have known better. The compound is soft, such that sands would be able to lodge on the surface like whiteheads on a person's face. Upon closer inspection, there are numerous tears on the tire surface which is quite scary. I had a few punctures during the last 3 weeks for the front and rear tires, but thankfully not at the same time. However, it is really frustrating that these can't be trusted for my daily commute.

Ride quality is good, as the soft compound absorbs a bit of the vibration from the road. I put on 60psi from the max 80. Any lower, the ride is painfully slow and a bit squishy.

Puncture resistance is not good, mainly due to the soft compound.

Grip is good, and for more than 1000km now, they are in still good condition. The tread wear is quite good. When bought new, they are noticeably tacky when I hold them, early indication of their good grip. Braking is good, however I don't do skids.

Verdict:

I won't go back to these for my RTW unless really, really desperate and would be using them only on nicest tarmac. And being very cautious. Well, sounds like not going to be a carefree ride.

Anyway, as they mentioned: 'for road training'. Don't believe the 'or for daily commuting' bit.

Note to local bike shops:

Please stock good tires for commuting. Pretty please.