Here we go again!
My adventure started @ 3.15am that Sunday morning, rushing to prepare few half-boiled eggs, breakfast-to-go and bring everything downstairs. Luckily i had prepared everything i needed and stuff them together in a 'tool box'.
I left for Zul's house around 3.50am and after going back and forth, i arrived @ his house around 5am. We saved the chit-chat for later and once we done fixing the bike to the carrier, we left @ 5.30am straight to Rawang. We traded stories to keep each other company (and not to fall asleep). All of the sudden 'alamak Zul, aku tertinggal la First Aid Kit!' aiseh.. i sms-ed the organizer and luckily it only recommended to bring for rider's safety (dan diaorg x check pun masa starting). Yeah, we can still ride! (im sure Zul gonna hate me for the rest of his life if we were unable to race that day, because of that).
The journey was smooth and we did stop at Hentian Sebelah Behrang to perform Subuh prayer. Right after me and 2 others finished praying, Zul mentioned that we were praying at the wrong Kiblah direction :P dah kena solat sekali lagi.. we cont our journey and stop again at R&R Tapah to attend to some 'business', eat our breakfast and went straight to the event venue, Earth Camp near Gua Tempurung. We arrived at 8.15am and met with Bro Ian and two of his friends, Afzal and Amirul (brothers)(i've met them earlier @ Heritage Ride, Taiping). Bro Ian have to rush back to KL because of a family emergency.
DIY Map holder
haha.. i dont even see this one that morning!
As the briefing for the race started, we still continue our preparation for the race. We both forgot to warm-up! and then.. 4,3,2,1.. Go!.. Aiseh, nak terkencing pulak.. i turned back and went to look for a toilet.. and sure enough i was the last one. Cont my way to the first CP, it was well marked with readable signage. As this race is mix and match, one may choose riding a short, hill climb-slippery off-road or choose a scenic kampung route but with longer distance. I choose to go to CP 1, 2 and 3, skipped CP 4 and proceed to CP 5, 6, 7 and straight to CP10. Fyi, CP 4, CP8 and CP9 cater for only a strong, fast MTB rider.. I know my limit and trust me, the first 2 CPs already took half of the strength in me. With slippery route that was impossible for one to ride, imagine a gred 3 downhill after half an hour PYB (push-your-bike) session.
1st river crossing (pic thanks to radialmtb)
The route to CP3 was a bit longer, scenic and pass underneath the highway, through a long stretch of grass field, with lots of fresh cow dungs! im not sure if i were able to avoid all of it as my bike dont have any mudguard nor im wearing any glasses.. (remember to use it next time) and im still feel YUCK! thinking bout this stretch of the race. from here on, i stop every now and then to snap some pics (and pump the tire that gets flatten every now and then). With the help of the map given, i cont my ride all by myself.
Mud and More Mud (with awesome DHs!)
It was a long ride until i reached the first WS (Water Station). I took the opportunity to hydrate myself and continue riding towards Kg Sungai Peria (org asli settlement).
Tunnel Crossing
With everyone opted to do CP4, i went for another PYB to CP5. It wasn't long before i found it, and i met Robert whom later keeping me company as we proceed to another kaw-kaw PYB! Then it happened -
CRAMP! and it was both knees! (padan muka x stretching) and i took an ORS immediately to avoid it getting worse. Then i met Robert again while crossing a log. I almost slipped while on it (carrying my bike at the same time). Soon after, Robert told me to go on as he needed to stop for a short break. I cant stop to wait as i didnt want to risk having another cramp again.
Now where did my tire gone to?
One of the PYB-part
CP6
Robert in action (log crossing)
Later on, i met with Ah Wai and his friends, and they have already done CP4. (tabik spring).
Ah Wai
To CP7, 8
I cant keep up with their speed and continue by myself to CP7. I came across a lady rider (whom already did CP4 as well) and lost her after a brief chat. From here on one get to experience awesome DHs! Right before the last DH, i saw a group of photographers waiting to take a shot at whoever came down the hill. Waa.. with 'poyo' mode i went down the hill with full speed and control. (rase glamer kejap).
River Crossing yang ke berapa ntah..
Soon after i found myself at a junction with direction to CP8 to the left and CP9 to the right. I choose to go to CP9 (as im looking for CP10) and proceed to Kampung Gobis and headed to the road that leads to the first WS. The route to CP10 is a long sandy route with old mining pools all around and superb view of lime stone hill. i was riding all by myself (again) along the way (with shredded paper on the road as my guide) until i reached the end of the route. (shredded paper were used to indicate which route u should go in case u came across a junction).
To CP10
Grass field
Water lily
Aku nie tgh race ke bersiar2? :P
I met with a guy who was looking for the direction to CP11, only to find out that he's standing on it! (they sprayed it on the road). He missed the CP10 and wasnt planning to turn back to look for it. It was bit humid and the fatigue stop me from going much faster from here on. The tarmac road bring me to the 2nd WS where i took the opportunity to take a rest and decided to take the tarmac road heading back to Gua Tempurung. CP11 was way beyond my reach and the time didnt permit me to do so. As i was cycling back, i met with Chan @ Belacan whom asked me to follow him closely (slipstream) so that i can ride faster. It helped a bit and at the junction where u decide to go for CP15 or CP13,14, i followed Chan to look for CP13.
Chan wearing the yellow shirt
He went straight ahead and left me behind. I totally forgot bout the cut-off time for CP13 and its almost 1pm. We both missed the junction to CP13 and went half way to CP14. I met with Chan again and he told me that he wanted to turn back and went straight to CP15 since its already 1 pm. Theres no point going for CP13 and he wasnt sure how long will it take to try to find CP14.
The last 3.5 km to CP15 seems so far but the weather was so forgiving and help alot during entire race (alhamdulillah). I rode bout 43km or so (excluding few KM yg sesat nak gi CP13 tuh) and i wanna do was to get it over soon.
I arrived at 1.25pm at CP15 with a great sense of accomplishment (eventhough i didnt manage to visit all the CPs). There was a game of 'baling kulit kacang masuk botol' to entitle you for another lucky draw. (in fact, that the only time u got to see 'peanut' the whole race) :P I continue cycling back to the Earth Camp where they collect your marking card to total your points.
the actual route i took that day (thanks to Ken - Beskal.com)
My score
Fyi, the cut-off time is at 2 pm, whereby if one arrive later than that, he will not get a placing and will be disqualified. So thats the reason im playing-it-safe and decided to end it earlier. I had my lunch an hour later and took a shower (some didnt get the chance though since the water finished (or is it the water pressure not strong enough?), waited for the Prize Giving Ceremony and Lucky Draw. We were not "lucky" enough and head back as soon as its finished. It was raining almost all the way and arrived home at 8.30pm with greeted by a wifey's smile and a cheerful welcome by both munchkins.
My thanks goes to few good companies along the way namely Robert from Melawati, Ah Wai from Sungai Siput (he works at a workshop there where i sent my car to be fix last time) and Chan @ Belacan from UTAR. Sadly, i didnt get a chance to get their numbers, but i do hope to ride again with u guys some time. Leave a message if u read this report. :) Im looking forward to the 2nd edition next year! (i will wear full-face helmet) :P
What i've consumed throughout the race :
Pre Race :
a cup of Yogurt
2 bananas
a mug of Milo
250ml of ORS solution
Half boiled eggs
'home made' bergedil (mashed potato with meat)
During the race :
4 liter of plain water
500ml of 100+
1 small bar of Cloud9
a sacket of ORS
Post Race :
Rice with chicken, vege and cold Sirap
Water Melon
My Comment
I must say the organizer doin a good job organizing such event. Since its the first time such event being held in Malaysia, there are room for improvements for later edition. I didnt heard anyone got lost and the signage is pretty much readable and clear (except CP13). All and all, i will definitely come again for the next edition.
Still, they could have atleast provide energy drink at the Water Station, or some fruits perhaps? or atleast make a 'kolam' like the one they have in genting TB so everyone can bath at the same time, with no water issue. And to attract more riders, prize money should be offered. Its all about the money :P
