Thirsty Work

Nineteen of us set off from outside the 7-11 at Bukit Jelutong on the Van’s Urban Bicycle Co. group ride this morning.  We were a roughly 50-50 mix of folding bikes and road bikes.  Our route to Kampung Sri Kundang was a bit different this time.  Instead of heading north on the Guthrie Corridor Expressway we took the hillier option along Jalan Batu Arang to the west.  Hillier to the tune of  200 meters / 650 feet of elevation in the first seventeen kilometers.

We made regular stops to regroup and to ensure that no one got lost.  This was our first break at the bus stop outside the UITM Puncak Perdana campus.

Photo courtesy of Van’s Urban Bicycle Co.

From here it was five more climbs before the right-hand turn toward Sungai Buloh and Kuala Selangor.  Everyone was relieved that the rest of the way to Kampung Sri Kundang was flat.  Hence the smiles at the traffic light at the junction with Jalan Kuala Selangor.

Photo courtesy of Van’s Urban Bicycle Co.

Photo courtesy of Van’s Urban Bicycle Co.

It was a warm morning, but there were lots of clouds in the sky.  So we weren’t in direct sun.

Photo courtesy of Van’s Urban Bicycle Co.

Even so the humidity was high so the ride was sweaty work.  We were all glad to get to Kampung Sri Kundang.  As always the roti canai and teh tarik was worth the ride.  By the time we saddled up again the sun had come out in full force.  It was at least 35°C / 95°F during the 33km back down the Guthrie Corridor Expressway.  And a tough 33km for those who weren’t used to riding as far or climbing as much as we did today.

We were all hot and thirsty by the time we got back to Bukit Jelutong.  I had emptied both my bottles in addition to the two teh tarik I had with my roti canai.  I went straight into the 7-11.  Firstly because it is air-conditioned, and secondly to buy a 1.5 liter bottle of 100 Plus.  I had never drunk a liter and a half of anything in one go before.  There is a first time for everything.