Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010
6
Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-20 10 PCC, Your Perfect Cycling Companion Bentong to Gap ride, Jan 10, 2010 By Lee Yu Kit PCC’s first official road ride started off on a cool morning from Bentong with some 28 riders turning u p. Tycoon Tan had brought the wrong pair of shoes to go riding, but instead of throwing himself onto the ground and howling and flailing about, he did the decent thing and stocked up his van with water, Hundred-Plus, bread rolls – and provided the support car! Once off the main Bentong-Raub road, we were onto a forgotten backroad and cycling back in time, past small villages, smallholdings and unused land. The temperature was in the mid-twenties, there was very li ttle traffic and we rode under a paint ed blue sky streaked with high- altitude clouds. Some 30 km later, we were at Tranom, a place time forgot. It is a small T-junction with large trees providing dappled shade over a few buildings and empty roads. Nearby was a big police station, a reminder of the times when Tranom and the Bentong district were among the ‘blackest’ of ‘black’ areas and armed nasties prowled the forest in an earlier period called the Emergency. From here, the road wended upward to the Gap, 21km of twisty tarmac set into a steep hillside of towering verdure. Fallen leaves, the smell of the forest, slanting sunlight spe aring onto the road, the cool morning, air so fresh that your lungs hurt, and an incline just steep enough to be challenging – take these ingredients, shake well and you get cycling bliss. We came across gurgling streams and small tumbling waterfalls that disappeared into the tenebrous forest, and occasionally heard the hoot of monkeys in the treetops. There was only the very occasional other vehicle, otherwise w e had the road, the peace and our little slice of cycling paradise to ourselves. There was a muddy patch three-quarter way up, where road repair has been going on for over a year, and where the stream spills across the road, providing some anxious moments as I cycled across the mud, but otherwise the road was in good state, although roughly surfaced in many places – and I lik ed its narrowness, with the forest bearing down close, and exhaling its cool breath across our path. At the Gap, tour buses and ca rs were waiting for the hour for the ascent up to Fraser’s Hill. Tycoon Tan was there in his van, cheering arriving cyclists and giving each one a can of Hundred-Plus and a bread roll lik e a well-earned trophy. There was also plenty of bottled water in his van for refills, so thanks to him, we were well-hydrated and well-fed, for there was no other food or drink source at the Gap si nce the resthouse closed down ages ago, and the s mall occasional stall there ceased operations sometime last year. It was cool and windy, and we started the descent before core temperatures dropped too much. The quickest way down the successive esses was to flick in and out of switchbacks, watching for sand at the apex of corners or upcoming traffic and just ca ressing the brakes. Halfway down, I heard a flatulent hiss from the cyclist in front, but it was o nly a puncture. After a few minutes struggling to peel the tubular tire off the carbon rim, succour appeared in th e form of Tycoon Tan – again! – in his support van, so it was into the van for the stricken bike and cyclist, while I continued my downward journey on an empty road. We regrouped briefly at Tranom and started the long h aul back to Bentong, the close phalanx breaking u p at one of the long uphill stretches into ragged lines of cyclists supporting each other. Roadkill: A flattened Paradise Tree snake; a magnificent leopard cat with beautiful markings looking unblemished and as though it were sleeping in the middle of the road, and an unidentified animal, turned into a bloody mess of pink entrails, soon to become a bloated heap in the midday sun. It was suddenly back into the real world at the Bentong-Raub main road, dust, heat, lumbering traffic, noise a nd broken road conditions. Good-bye, cycling dreamland. We had clocked some 100km upon arrival back at the car park in front of the ice kacang shop at Bentong town. I speak on behalf of all the riders in saying a big “Thank you” to Tycoon Tan for providing the support car.
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Transcript of Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010
8/14/2019 Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010
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Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010PCC, Your Perfect Cycling Companion
Bentong to Gap ride, Jan 10, 2010 By Lee Yu Kit
PCC’s first official road ride started off on a cool morning from Bentong with some 28 riders turning up. Tycoon Tan had brought the wrongpair of shoes to go riding, but instead of throwing himself onto the ground and howling and flailing about, he did the decent thing and stockedup his van with water, Hundred-Plus, bread rolls – and provided the support car!
Once off the main Bentong-Raub road, we were onto a forgotten backroad and cycling back in time, past small villages, smallholdings andunused land. The temperature was in the mid-twenties, there was very little traffic and we rode under a painted blue sky streaked with high-altitude clouds.
Some 30 km later, we were at Tranom, a place time forgot. It is a small T-junction with large trees providing dappled shade over a fewbuildings and empty roads. Nearby was a big police station, a reminder of the times when Tranom and the Bentong district were among the‘blackest’ of ‘black’ areas and armed nasties prowled the forest in an earlier period called the Emergency.
From here, the road wended upward to the Gap, 21km of twisty tarmac set into a steep hillside of towering verdure. Fallen leaves, the smellof the forest, slanting sunlight spearing onto the road, the cool morning, air so fresh that your lungs hurt, and an incline just steep enough tobe challenging – take these ingredients, shake well and you get cycling bliss.
We came across gurgling streams and small tumbling waterfalls that disappeared into the tenebrous forest, and occasionally heard the hootof monkeys in the treetops. There was only the very occasional other vehicle, otherwise we had the road, the peace and our little slice ofcycling paradise to ourselves.
There was a muddy patch three-quarter way up, where road repair has been going on for over a year, and where the stream spills across theroad, providing some anxious moments as I cycled across the mud, but otherwise the road was in good state, although roughly surfaced inmany places – and I liked its narrowness, with the forest bearing down close, and exhaling its cool breath across our path.
At the Gap, tour buses and cars were waiting for the hour for the ascent up to Fraser’s Hill. Tycoon Tan was there in his van, cheeringarriving cyclists and giving each one a can of Hundred-Plus and a bread roll like a well-earned trophy.
There was also plenty of bottled water in his van for refills, so thanks to him, we were well-hydrated and well-fed, for there was no other foodor drink source at the Gap since the resthouse closed down ages ago, and the small occasional stall there ceased operations sometime lastyear.
It was cool and windy, and we started the descent before core temperatures dropped too much. The quickest way down the successiveesses was to flick in and out of switchbacks, watching for sand at the apex of corners or upcoming traffic and just caressing the brakes.Halfway down, I heard a flatulent hiss from the cyclist in front, but it was only a puncture.
After a few minutes struggling to peel the tubular tire off the carbon rim, succour appeared in the form of Tycoon Tan – again! – in his supportvan, so it was into the van for the stricken bike and cyclist, while I continued my downward journey on an empty road.
We regrouped briefly at Tranom and started the long haul back to Bentong, the close phalanx breaking up at one of the long uphill stretchesinto ragged lines of cyclists supporting each other.
Roadkill: A flattened Paradise Tree snake; a magnificent leopard cat with beautiful markings looking unblemished and as though it weresleeping in the middle of the road, and an unidentified animal, turned into a bloody mess of pink entrails, soon to become a bloated heap inthe midday sun.
It was suddenly back into the real world at the Bentong-Raub main road, dust, heat, lumbering traffic, noise and broken road conditions.Good-bye, cycling dreamland.
We had clocked some 100km upon arrival back at the car park in front of the ice kacang shop at Bentong town. I speak on behalf of all theriders in saying a big “Thank you” to Tycoon Tan for providing the support car.
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Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010
Date Ride Distance
17 Jan Batu Dam 15km
24 Jan RRI 18km
31 Jan Sg Pening Pening 21km
The week ahead – M + D Sunday ride 17 January 2010
Mud + Dirt by The English Nose
As ever with Batu Dam over the last few years, it can be a step into the unknown. We’ve not ridden there for a long time,mainly due to the higher water level and overgrown trails. In fact since we did the last maintenance day there I think we’ve
only ridden it a 3 or 4 times.
So, let’s go see what’s happening there. Be prepared to hike-a-bike, wade and bush whack!
Date : 17 January 2010
Meeting Time : 7:30am
Meeting place : Batu Dam Carpark
Ride distance : 15km
Ride description : Great single-tracks initially running along the lake’s edges before veering off into secondary jungle. Mostly under tree canopy with a series of long hard climbs, all rideable if you’re fit. Acouple of river crossings so expect to get wet and – leeches! As usual bring plenty of snacks andtitbits for R&R at the river break. Suitable for all levels of rider
Directions : Turn off the MRR2 at Batu Caves and head left, away from the caves entrance, over the traintracks. Come to next traffic lights at shop lot area and turn right towards Ulu Yam. Continuestraight, Petronas on your left about 3km down and then past a Rapid KL Bus depot on right.Continue straight as road narrows and follow all the way to the end which is the Batu Dam gates.Park just outside.
Who do you call : Rob on 012 6191308
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Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010
The week ahead – T + G Sunday ride 17 January 2010
Tar + Grime by Don
Overall fun: Opt A:
Opt B:
Climbing difficulty: Opt A:
Opt B:
Road conditions:
Traffic:
Date : 17 January 2010
Meeting Time : 7:30am sharp (Be there 15mins earlier)
Meeting place : Ulu Langat Community Centre (ULCC), Bt 14 Ulu LangatGPS Coordinates : N03deg 6.715’ E101deg48.900’
Route : Option A: ULCC-Bt 18-G.Peres-U-turn at peak-Bt 18-ULCC (54km).
Option B: ULCC-Bt 18-G.Peres-U-turn of peak- Semenyih Dam-Sg Tekala food court (refuel)-Bkt Hantu-ULCC (65km)
Directions :
Take the Jln Cheras / Kajang highway. Take the first left after Batu 9 Cheras toll and make another left at police station and headtoward Hulu Langat, park at the Community Hall on your left. It is just after a football field.
Notes :
Please bring a spare tube, tire levers, hand pump, cash, hp & your helmet as well. Make sure you hide anything of value in your carfrom prying eyes and park considerately.
This is a self-support ride, so do come prepared & be self-sufficient.
While we welcome new riders, if you invite a friend along; kindly be their Ride Buddy ( yes, we have a buddy system too ). Besidesmaking it entirely enjoyable & motivating for the newbie, you are doing the Leader a big favor as he will have his hands full.
Who do you call : Dennis d Incredible Menace (016-212 2696). See yuh Sunday!
Option A is for people who need to get back early & yet wish to have a nice workout. A short and doable loop of 54km.Ideal for newer & returning riders.
Option B is for adrenalin junkies. Come get your endorphin-kick with Peres, Tekala & Bkt. Hantu climbs.
Roads are in good nick & vehicular traffic is low off Jln Ulu Langat. Do be careful on the fast down hills after cresting BktHantu & Genting Peres. Speeds past 70kmh are not unusual. Single-file riding is recommended.
The sugar cane drink as you enter Ulu Langat town is to die for….in fact, it’s compulsory.
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Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010
Impromptu Saturday M + D rides
Spare Parts Choy with his ever willingness to ride, be it morning, noon AND night will be taking calls with his mistressRachel from the Yeti Clan by his side, he would certainly ride anything and everything as often as he can. So contact himfor the Saturday Goodness at +60123955255. All levels and ride suggestions are always welcomed.
Change positions correctly• Slower moving traffic stays to the left; faster traffic to
the right. Never overtake on the left of the group!• Pass slower moving vehicles on the right; announce
your intention to do so
Announce hazards• Most cyclists do not have a full view of the road while
riding in a group• Announce potholes and other hazards so others can
avoid them• Call out the hazard and point down to it, either left or
right. No need to yell like a maniac tho.
Watch for traffic from the rear• The last rider should frequently check for overtaking
cars• Announce "car back" clearly and loudly• It is also helpful to announce "car up" on narrow
roads or when riding two abreastWatch out at intersections
• Leader should announce slowing or stopping atintersections, if necessary
• Cyclists should not follow others throughintersections without first looking for themselves
• Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if you must stop, signal
Leave room for cars• On narrow road or during climbs, leave space
between every three or four riders• Motorists will utilize the shorter passing intervals to
pass the group• Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of
every cyclist. Remember, we share the roads withothers; it’s not our Grandfathers’ road.
Stop off road• When stopping for mechanicals or regrouping, always
move clear off the road• Always indicate you are stopping with your right hand
asking them to overtake you on the right.• Always yield to traffic in the roadway
Rules of Road Riding – T + G
Practise Good Peloton Etiquette • Everyone in the peloton has to contribute to the
workload. That means taking your fair share of pulls atthe front. It’s ok to do shorter pulls, especially if you aretired. Just do a token pull, indicate and pull off to theright & back after you’ve established it is safe to do so.
• When you go to the front, always keep a constant &steady speed. Do not accelerate or show how fast youare. It is not a race, moron!
• Typically everyone climbs at their own pace. So after aclimb, recover & regroup before setting off again.
• Do not pull too long at the front. Always reserve someenergy
Ride single file• It is illegal in some areas to ride more than two abreast.
Avoid doing this.• In our country, the roads are narrow and winding. It is
better to ride single filed in this case, unless it is safe toride a double pace line.
Rules of Road Riding
By The Don
Weekday T + G rides
TUESDAY NIGHT SPECIAL – TAMAN TUN (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)Ride distance: 25km (TTDI – Damansara Heights – TTDI)Time: 830pm (check in 15mins before) Meeting place: In front of KSH (Taman Tun Dr Ismail)Contact person: Shang(016 209 2999) / Amanda (012 659 3838)
THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE – NEW (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)Ride distance:Time: 700pm (70km) / 830pm (35km)Meeting place: Putrajaya Mosque Car parkContact person: Vong 016 287 2066Ride Guideline: Well maintained flat to undulating
roads.Objectives: Improving endurance,leg strength and
road bike skills (eg. Drafting technique,signalling, road safety)
COMPULSORY TAIL LIGHTSFOR ALL NIGHT RIDERS
NO HELMUT, NO RIDE
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Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010
Guidelines to Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette
FROM VARIOUS SOURCES IN RELATION TO SHARED TRAILS AND NON BIKE SPECIFIC TRAILS.
PERSONAL SAFETY- Wear a brain bucket (yes..that’s a helmet) whenever you ride.- Do not travel into remote areas without informing others- Ride within your capabilities. Ensure that if you want to push your
limits, your buddies are around to support you.- Know your bike and bring the necessary/essential spares.
RIGHT OF WAY IN RELATION TO OTHERS (NON RIDERS)- Give way to non motorised trail users, i.e. hikers, horse riders, because
people judge all cyclist by my actions.- Give way to motorised trail users, i.e. motor cross bikes etc, because
generally we will end up worse off in a an accident.- Alert others when approaching. Get a bell, or “Excuse me” works quite
well.
RIGHT OF WAY IN RELATION TO OTHER RIDERS.- Riders have the right of way. If you are pushing your bike, leave the
riding line open for others to go past.- Rider up hill has the right of way.- Allow faster riders to past
SPEED- Approach turns and bends in anticipation that there’s someone there.- Make your presence know when approaching someone or any turns.
IMPACT ON THE TRAIL- Leave the wildlife and fauna alone. Magic mushrooms are bad for you.- Stay on designated trails and avoid destroying vegetation if possible- Don’t take short cuts over/around technical sections. If you can’t ride
it, walk it.- Learn how to use your front brakes so that you minimise skidding your
rear wheel. If you refuse to learn, then ride only in bike parks wherepeople are paid to maintain the trails.
- Do not litter. Take out whatever you take in.- Practise minimal impact riding, take only photos and memories with
you.
FUN- You are to have loads of fun, talk lots of cog, and make good friends on
your ride.- Develop of sense of humour. Some people say it’s good for the soul.
FEEL LIKE YOU WANT TO ADD TO THIS? DROP US A LINE. WE WILL ADD IT IF IT MAKES SENSE.
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