Category Archives: Cycling in Malaysia

Century Ride de Kelantan 2015

Posted on May 9, 2015 by alchemyrider

Kelantan Century Ride 2015 Banner

The Century Ride de Kelantan 2015 was held during the Labour Day and Wesak weekend.  Mark and I got on the road early Friday morning, joining the throngs of people taking advantage of the four-day weekend to go on holiday or to ‘balik kampung’ (literally ‘return to village.’)

The Hotel Perdana in Kota Bahru was a welcome sight at the end of the slower than normal 450km drive.

Photograph courtesy of Trip Advisor

Photograph courtesy of Trip Advisor

The Perdana was the official hotel for the ride.  So from the check in counter it was a short walk to the ballroom to collect my goodie bag.  We met Keat and Yen there.  They had driven up the day before.  It would be only a trio of Flipsiders doing the ride.

After a short nap it was time to sample some of the great food that Kelantan is justifiably well-known for.  Mark knew where to go.  Warisan Nasi Kukus on Jalan Kebun Sultan.  ‘Nasi kukus’ is steamed rice.  In this case steamed in individual containers.

Photograph courtesy of Boon Chuan

Photograph courtesy of Boon Chuan

We queued up beside the roadside stall to choose from fried chicken, fried fish, squid, beef rendang and vegetables to go with our steamed rice.  We then plonked ourselves down on plastic stools at a table on the street, and tucked in.  Very very good.

Photograph courtesy of Kellie Itoe

Photograph courtesy of Kellie Itoe

For dessert, we ordered some of the best ais kacang ever from the neighbouring stall.  So good that one bowl was not enough.

Photograph courtesy of Mark

Photograph courtesy of Mark

The ride started from the hotel car park at 7.30am.  So Keat, Mark and I were at the hotel café when it opened at 6.30am for a buffet breakfast.

When we made our way to our customary position at the back of the mass of riders at the start, we met up with the EZ Riders.  Many of that group ride regularly from Bukit Jelutong, as do we, so we know quite a few of them.  They had also planned to start at the back of the pack.  We were invited to ride with them, and we were happy to accept.

This is Keat at the start.

Photograph courtesy of Selipar Jepun

Photograph courtesy of Selipar Jepun

EZ Rider Pang Teow Yeong, Mark and I getting going.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

The route took us south and then west through Pasir Mas before turning south again to Tanah Merah.  We then rode east through Machang before heading north to the timing checkpoint at Selising, and then back to Kota Bahru.

Kelantan Century 2015 Route

We had relatively quiet country roads for most of the ride.  Where there was traffic the marshals did a very good job of keeping our side of the road clear of vehicles.  We rode through this grove of trees at the 40km point.

Kelantan Century 2015 KM40 Road

It was a very flat course, with just a couple of climbs at the 105km mark.

Kelantan Century 2015 KM105 Climb

Which suited all of us, because it was an exceptionally hot day. I can confirm that “Feels 45° C” at 11.00am statistic.

Kelantan Century 2015 Weather

By the time we got to the final rest stop at Selising we were all ready for some ice cold water and the chance to catch our collective breaths in the shade.  There was ice on offer too, so I put my core temperature cooling strategy into play.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

The last 25kms were a straight shot north to Kota Bahru.  Since we were such a large group riding together, we had a van with a siren and flashing lights for an escort.  What a treat to have every intersection blocked off so we could ride though unimpeded.

We had that escort all the way to the finish.  We stopped short of the line to regroup, and then rode through the finish together.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

It was a lot of fun riding with the forty or so EZ Riders.  They were disciplined about maintaining a 30kph average pace.  They were conscientious about riding safely, be it in a triple pace line or single file.  They looked after their fellow riders.  And they had fun.  Thank you EZ Riders for letting us tag along.  We really enjoyed it.

Photograph courtesy of Charles Hedwig Fernandez

Photograph courtesy of Charles Hedwig Fernandez

These are the two Tommasini owners, Mark and Keat, showing off their finisher’s medals.

Photograph courtesy of Mark Lim

Photograph courtesy of Keat Wong

Photograph courtesy of Keat Wong

As is the norm, there was a lucky draw to close out the century ride.  And as is the norm, we didn’t stick around to see who won a new helmet or bicycle, confident that it wouldn’t be one of us.

Kelantan Century 2015 Lucky Draw

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Instead Mark and I rode off to look for something cold to drink.  Partly because we were hot and thirsty.  But mostly because the event was 155km long, and we wanted to ride the full century distance of 160km.  We found cendol.  Not the nicest cendol I have ever had – that was probably at the Janamanjung Fellowship Ride – but it was good enough to warrant two bowls.

The rest of the day was spent cooling down, getting cleaned up, napping, and eating some more.  We went to an ayam percik restaurant that Mark had heard about for dinner.  Ayam percik is very nicely described by Ai Ping at www.curiousnut.com.

Sadly the ayam percik that we had was disappointing.  We made up for it by going back to the ais kacang stall on Jalan Kebun Sultan.

On Sunday morning we played tourist and visited the Siti Khadijah market.  A Kota Bahru landmark.

Kelantan Century 2015 Pasar Siti Khadijah Kellie Itoe

We didn’t buy anything, but we were tempted.

Photograph courtesy of Mark Lim

Photograph courtesy of Mark Lim

After we finished nosing around the market we headed homeward.  Fortunately the traffic back to Kuala Lumpur wasn’t too bad.  We made reasonable time.

I had a great time on the Century Ride de Kelantan 2015.  Definitely one to do again next year.

Kelantan Century 2015 Logo

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Janamanjung Fellowship Ride 2015

Posted on May 4, 2015 by alchemyrider

Janamanjung 2015 Banner

At the Janamanjung Fellowship Ride 2014 I had a crash, and took out three of my Flipside team mates in the process.  My goal for this year’s event was a no-brainer.  Stay upright on my bike.

My biker chick and I drove from home straight to the Sultan Azlan Shah power plant in Manjung to pick up my ride number, t shirt etc.

Janamanjung 2015 Vans Zulfa

This is the eighth edition of this event, and it showed.  The organization throughout was superb.  Starting with the clear signage and multiple ride pack collection desks.

Janamanjung Registration 2 TNBJSB

Photograph courtesy of TNB Janamanjung

It also helps to have your own grounds upon which to host the event.  There was plenty of space for the various tents, stage etc.

Photograph courtesy of Hirosake Watnabe

Photograph courtesy of Hirosake Watnabe

My biker chick and I stayed at the newly refurbished, and much improved Sfera Hotel.  The only thing that hadn’t changed for the better was the view from the room window.

After checking in to the hotel we headed out for a meal.  Manjung boy Shahfiq recommended Dapo Berando.  Pretty cool place, with delicious banana fritters and smoothies.

Janamanjung 2015 Dapo Berando

I hopped on my bike in the evening to recce the 7km ride to the start.  Then it was into the supermarket next door to the hotel to stock up on things to snack on before bedtime, and stuff to eat for breakfast.

The event website had a countdown clock, running down to the 7.00am start time.  I should have been at the start by the time this was displayed.

Janamanjung 2015 Countdown

Instead I was lying in bed looking at my mobile phone, wondering why the alarm hadn’t gone off.

I set a personal best for jumping into my gear, and inhaling a yoghurt, a coffee and a few digestive biscuits before dashing out of the room.  For once I was hoping that the ride would start late.

If I had made it to the start on time I would have been a part of this.

Photograph courtesy of Hirosake Watnabe

Photograph courtesy of Hirosake Watnabe

Instead I was 2 kilometers away when I saw the flashing lights of these escort vehicles coming towards me.

Photograph courtesy of Zhang Ai Man Zahanz

Photograph courtesy of Zhang Aiman Zahanz

I had to roll to the side of the road, turn my bike around, and merge into the peloton as it came past me.  A hundred meters or so down the road I heard my name being called.  The only other Flipsiders at the event, Griffin and Peng Soon, were right behind me.  They had started together with a group of their friends.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

As this wasn’t a race, the pace was controlled by this car.  That meant that the participants didn’t get too spread out along the route.

Photograph courtesy of Radzi Yusof

Photograph courtesy of Radzi Yusof

Which made it easier for the marshals to control traffic as we rode through intersections.

Photograph courtesy of Radzi Yusof

Photograph courtesy of Radzi Yusof

The excellent event organisation was evident throughout the day.  From the police escorts . . .

Photograph courtesy of Zhang Ai Man Zahanz

Photograph courtesy of Zhang Ai Man Zahanz

to the smiling volunteers at the well-stocked rest stops.

Photograph courtesy of Radzi Yusof

Photograph courtesy of Radzi Yusof

Photograph courtesy of Radzi Yusof

Photograph courtesy of Radzi Yusof

It was a hot day – no surprise there – so the ice-cold bottles of water and cans of 100 Plus at the stops was very much appreciated.

We rode a changed route this time.  Last year we headed west towards the coast before cutting inland.  This year we rode a clockwise route east of the power plant.

Janamanjung Routes

There were two mandatory stops to allow the participants to rest, rehydrate, and regroup.  Here I am approaching the first stop.

Janamanjung 2015 JM Sprinter Hemicuda

Photograph courtesy of Sprinter Hemicuda

The rest of the ride went well, despite the rising temperatures and the headwind as we retraced our route back to the power station.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

I was feeling pretty good as I approached the power station – it does help not to crash – but I was still glad to see the finish line.

Photograph courtesy of Hirosaki Watnabe

Photograph courtesy of Hirosaki Watnabe

And even more glad to take a shower after getting my finisher’s medal.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Many of the riders tucked into the lunch that was provided.

Photograph courtesy of Hirosaki Watnabe

Photograph courtesy of Hirosaki Watnabe

I struggle to eat a full meal after a century ride.  I have no problem with taking in fluids.  As evidenced by the two bowls of cendol I downed before I rode back to the hotel.

Janamanjung 2015 Cendol

Griffin and Peng Soon also earned one of these.

Photograph courtesy of Hirosaki Watnabe

Photograph courtesy of Hirosaki Watnabe

We weren’t lucky enough to win one of the bikes that was on offer in the post-ride lucky draw though.

Photograph courtesy of Hirosaki Watnabe

Photograph courtesy of Hirosaki Watnabe

Perhaps next year.

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Vélocity Café

Posted on April 20, 2015 by alchemyrider

Chon introduced me to an alternative starting point for the ride to the Sungai Tekala Recreational Park.  Every other time I have ridden to that park, I have started from the police station at Batu 18, Hulu Langat.

This time seven of us met at the Challenger Sports Centre in Taman Dagang Permai.  17 km / 10 mi away from Batu 18.  More significantly, there was 150 m / 490 ft of climbing over 3.2 km / 2 mi to overcome almost from the start.

Hulu Langat Route

There was more climbing between Batu 18 and the recreational park.

Photograph courtesy of Mark

Photograph courtesy of Mark

By the time we made it over the longer 4.2 km / 2.6 mi return climb at 11am we needed a cold drink or two.

Fortunately for us the Vélocity Café had opened last October in The Challenger Sports Centre.  A cycling-themed café catering for the rider who regularly do the Jalan Hulu Langat climb.

There is a large outdoor seating area in the front.

Photograph courtesy of YHien Ting at peaceonearth-poe.blogspot.com

Photograph courtesy of Yien Ting at peaceonearth-poe.blogspot.com

And a larger air-conditioned room with a variety of seating.

Velocity Cafe Interior 2

You order from a fairly extensive menu and pay for your order at the counter at the back of the café.

Velocity Cafe www j-e-a-n com

Photograph courtesy of Jean at http://www.j-e-a-n.com/

I like the tags they use to identify whom ordered what.

Photograph courtesy of Mark

Photograph courtesy of Mark

I ordered a variety of cold drinks:  An Iced Latte, a Passion Fusion, and a Banana Milk.  All were excellent.

We all eyed the food that other patrons had ordered.  The Big Breakfast in particular looked good.

Photograph courtesy of Yien Ting at peaceonearth-poe.blogspot.com

Photograph courtesy of 

While enjoying your drinks and meal, you can look at the bicycles for sale.

Photograph courtesy of Vélocity Café

Photograph courtesy of Velocity Cafe

The Vélocity Café was very nice,  I think we will be back.

Velocity Logo

Velocity Coffee | Bicycle Shop
The Challenger Sports Centre
Jalan Taman Putra
Taman Dagang Permai
68000 Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Mon-Sat 11.30 am – 10.30 pm

Sun 10.30 am – 10.30 pm

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Shah Alam Enduride 2015

Posted on April 11, 2015 by alchemyrider

Shah Alam Enduride 2015 Banner 2

The Shah Alam Enduride 2014 was the first, and so far the only cycling event, that I didn’t finish.  I struggled badly from the 60km point.  At about 100kms I packed it in.

So I came into this year’s SAER determined to finish.  Experience has taught me what to do, and what not to do.

To do:

Stay hydrated

Eat enough

Not to do:

Ride hard from the start

Go into the red on the climbs

Marvin, Liang, Justin, Mark and I took our customary positions at the rear of the pack.

Photograph courtesy of Mark

Photograph courtesy of Mark

Stephen was with us too.

Photograph courtesy of Mark

Photograph courtesy of Mark

The riders at the front were treated to some traditional gamelan music while they waited for the gun.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

We didn’t have to wait long.  This year the VIPs were not late, and the ride started just minutes after the appointed time of 7.30am.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

The Flipsiders, as always, took a more relaxed approach to the start.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

The route was not exactly the same as last year’s, but it covered much of the same ground.  A clockwise run from Shah Alam through Sungai Buloh and north toward Batang Berjuntai, with a loop toward Batu Arang, before turning south again through Puncak Alam, and over the two Dragon’s Back sections on the way back to Shah Alam.

Shah Alam Enduride Ride 2015 Route

I was sure to avoid my two “Not to do’s” right from the start.  There was 1,400 meters / 4,600 feet of climbing to be done, most of it in the first half of the ride.  With the Dragon’s Back kickers to come at the end, as you can see from the route profile below.

Graphic courtesy of VeloViewer

Graphic courtesy of VeloViewer

I made sure to observe my “to do’s” as well.  It was well into high 30° C / 100° F territory by about 11am.  It was also very humid, so I was sweating a lot.  By the 75 km / 47 mi mark it was time to stop for a cold drink, a Snickers bar, and a bag of ice.  The cooling strategy I first practiced at the Kedah Century Ride had worked wonders.  It was time to use it again.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Ice under my skull cap.  Ice in my bandanna against the back of my neck.  Ice in the centre pocket of my jersey.

You can tell from the shadow that by this time the sun was beating down on Marvin and I.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

We were a trio, together with Justin, for most of the ride.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Liang, Mark and Stephen had hooked onto faster groups.  We didn’t see them again.

We did however see Marco.  He wasn’t able to participate in the ride, but he appeared beside us on his scooter as we got to the Batu Arang area.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

And look what he had with him . . .

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Fantastic.  Our own personal support vehicle, loaded with ice and cold water.  Just what we needed an hour later, as we approached the Dragon Back climbs.  We stopped at a PETRONAS station on Jalan Meru Tambahan to replenish my ice-powered cooling system, and for Justin and Marvin to top up their bidons.

Then it was 4 km / 2.5 mi more before the left turn onto Jalan Bukit Cerakah, and the start of the first Dragon’s Back.  The sensible early pace, and the ice on the back of my neck, did me a lot of good.  Last year I was thoroughly cooked after 100 km / 62 mi.  This year I could muster a thumbs up and a smile at the top of the final climb before the left right turn onto the second Dragon’s Back.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

It was hot.  It was windy.  My ice pack had melted.  But the Dragon’s Backs were behind me.  There was one last sharp little climb up to a roundabout in Shah Alam, and then it was across the line.

Marvin followed soon after.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Justin finished safely as well.  We were all pleased to have completed the ride, but perhaps none more than I.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

The Enduride lived up to its name.  Lots of climbing.  Poor road surfaces in places.  High temperatures.  Gusting winds.  Everyone who completed the ride deserves their medal.

Shah Alam Enduride 2015 Medal

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Kedah Century Ride 2015

Posted on March 29, 2015 by alchemyrider

Kedah Century Ride 2015 Banner

Four Flipsiders made the trip to Alor Setar for the Kedah Century Ride.  Everyone’s bikes were loaded into Keat’s truck.  Mark’s Tommasini, Keat’s Scott, Marco’s Hasa, and my Ritchey.  Marco and Mark handled driving duties during the 450km trip from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

My biker chick was a student at Universiti Utara Malaysia in Sintok, which is about 50 kms from Alor Setar.  When I told her I was riding in Alor Setar, she made plans to meet up with some of her university mates who now live and work in the area.  She and I decided to fly rather than drive.

Coincidentally we arrived at the hotel just as the guys were unloading the truck.  Once we were checked in and the bikes were safely stored in our rooms, we went looking for food.  The road-trippers hadn’t had lunch yet.

We didn’t have anything particular in mind, so we explored along Jalan Anak Bukit.  This roadside stall on the corner of Jalan Madrasah caught our attention.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

I ate lunch before I boarded the flight, but the food looked too good to pass up.  Everyone agreed that this was some of the best tandoori chicken, naan and chapati we had ever eaten.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

With blood sugar levels restored, we went to the TH Hotel and Convention Centre to collect our goodie bags.

We bumped into cycling friends, as always happens when collecting ride packs.  This time it was a group of Tyrell small wheel bike riders from Van’s Urban Bicycle Co.  Cindy and William joined Mark and I to check out what swag came along with our ride numbers.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

This goodie bag was better than some we have received in the past.  The jersey design for this ride was also one of the nicer ones.  Perhaps influenced by Garmin as one of the sponsors.

Kedah Century Ride 2015 Jersey

We noticed this place on the way to collect our goodie bags.  There were a number of road bikes leaning against trees and posts.

Kedah Century Ride 2015 Ameer Nasi Kandar

So no surprise that we were back there a few hours later for dinner.  There were a number of stalls under one roof, but Ameer Nasi Briyani was the only stall with a queue of at least a dozen people waiting to chose their food.  That queue got longer and longer while we were there.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

And no wonder.  The food was very good.  And cheap.  My plate of briyani rice, fried chicken, chicken livers and half a salted egg cost me RM8 / USD2.20.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

The next morning we rode the 10 km or so to the start of the ride at the Paddy Museum.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

The Tyrell riders were there too, resplendent in their Knog jerseys.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

As is often the case, we started late.  I do wish that event organisers and the dignitaries invited to officially flag-off these events would be on time.  Participants waste time waiting in the dark, and both riders and volunteers spend more time than necessary in the midday heat.

We got away about 25 minutes late.  Cindy and Dicky were just in front of the Flipsiders, who were in their customary position at the very rear of the group.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

The route was a clockwise loop.

Kedah Century Ride 2015 Route

As advertised, much of it was as flat as a pancake, despite the hills in the background.

Kedah Century Ride 2015 View

We headed south through Pendang and to the first water stop after 50 kms at Bukit Jenun.  Much of that distance was spent riding in a group with these guys on their vintage Panasonics and Pinarellos.  Complete with drilled brake levers and downtube shifters.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

The Nord Vintage Cyclismos pulled over at the water stop.  Mark was already there, and he rejoined Keat, Marco and I as we rode through the water stop.

By the 80 kms mark we need to eat.  Mark spotted a food stall in Bedong, which conveniently was near a 7-11.  Marco, Mark and Keat ate at the stall while I drank chocolate milk and ate a candy bar from the 7-11.

Bedong was where the route turned right toward the coast.  5 kms later we rode up to the second water stop.  Team Tyrell Knog’s support van was there, so we stopped and chatted and took advantage of their supply of ice-cold water.

There were some short climbs in the middle third of the ride.  The steepest came within sight of the sea as the route swung north along the coast.  The last of the three climbs at Tanjung Jaga.

After that it was flat riding through the paddy fields.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

By the last third of the ride people were starting to wilt.  It was 36° C / 97° F with a heat index of 45° C / 113° F.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

The constant wind didn’t help.  Mark and I were trading pulls, but my efforts were becoming shorter and shorter as I overheated.

There is very little along the road from Tanjung Jaga apart from rice fields.  After 10 kms we came across a Caltex station.  We were looking for cold drinks, but the chiller in the small shop wasn’t working.  So we made do with dousing ourselves with water to help with evaporative cooling.

At 120 kms we came across two rows of shophouses.  All the shops were closed except for a couple of car workshop, and thank goodness, the Mahsuri Mini Market.

My key purchase was a bag of ice cubes.  I wrapped some cubes in my bandanna and put the bundle on the back of my neck.  Some cubes went under my skull cap.  Some went into the middle pocket on the back of my jersey.  And some went into my bidons.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

I should have bought ice at the 7-11 in Bedong.  I was amazed at how much better I felt.  More importantly I was able to take reasonable pulls into the the wind again.

We grabbed a bottle of water as we rode through the last water station at 125 kms.  One of the impressive things about this event was that all the water stations were still well-stocked when we rode through.  The last station still had bananas on offer.

Kedah Century Ride 2015 Water Stop Cycling Malaysia

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

My bottle of water went straight onto my arm screens and down the front of my jersey.  Which only delayed the inevitable.  25 kms further on all the ice had melted and I was heating up again.  Mark needed a break as well so we pulled into the Petronas station at Teluk Kechai and sat in the shade of the forecourt canopy for 10 minutes.

15 kms to go.  The headwind kept on blowing, so we put our heads down and pushed on.

There was one last surprise.  The Tok Pasai bridge over the Kedah river.  It was one climb too many for a rider in front of us, who literally ground to a halt and fell over.  Fortunately not into the roadway.

Kedah Century Ride 2015 Jambatan Tok Pasai

The view looking out to sea from the middle of the bridge is worth the effort to get there.

Kedah Century Ride 2015 River View

The speedy descent off the bridge would have been more fun without the sharp right turn at the bottom.  The marshalling at that turn was excellent.  A particular highlight of this event was how well all road junctions, corners and turn offs were manned with volunteers to ensure that riders stayed on course.

I could have used this additional service from the volunteers over the last 10 kilometres.

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Photograph courtesy of Cycling Malaysia Magazine

Team Tyrell Knog riders finished safely.  Anyone who completes a century ride on a small wheel bike deserves a medal.

Photograph courtesy of Dicky

Photograph courtesy of Dicky

Marco celebrated his ride.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Keat finished with a smile.

Photograph courtesy of Keat

Photograph courtesy of Keat

Cindy and I were just glad to be in the shade.  I was especially glad to take my shoes off and to work on drinking as much as I could of the 1 litre bottle of ice-cold 100 Plus the organisers handed out at the finish.  There was food as well, but all I want at the end of a hot ride is cold fluid.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

My Flipside companions and I eventually got back on our bikes for the 13 kms ride back to our hotel.  180 kms and change in total for all of us.

Medals well-earned.

Kedah Century Ride 2015 Medal

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Breakfast Options

Posted on February 20, 2015 by alchemyrider

What we want for breakfast often determines where we ride.  If it is roti canai, we ride to Kampung Kundang.  A hankering for duck drumstick noodles means a ride to Kota Kemuning.  There are a few options if nasi lemak is the breakfast choice du jour.  Genting Sempah, Kampung Cempedak or Kota Kemuning are all possibilities.

Breakfast options have now grown with the discovery of Andak’s Place in Janda Baik.

The ride to Janda Baik starts with the climb to Genting Sempah.

Andak's Place View

The turn around point for most of our rides along Jalan Gombak Lama is either at the summit, or at the McDonald’s at the Genting Sempah R&R, one kilometer down the other side of the hill.  4 kms further down the hill toward Bentong is the right turn toward Janda Baik.

Andak's Place Map

There are more short but steep climbs to deal with along Jalan Cherangin before this place comes into view.

Andak's Place 01

Andak’s is definitely bicycle friendly.

Andak's Place Bicycle Rack

And big bike friendly.

Andak's Place Big Bikes

There is lots of seating, both in the main building and outside under umbrellas.

Andak's Place 02

The kitchen at Andak’s Place puts out a wide variety of food.  Including this winner.

Andak's Place Pancakes

Pancakes with butter and honey.  Worth the climbing to get there.

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International Ghombau Century Ride

Posted on February 3, 2015 by alchemyrider

Rembau 2015 Banner

The first century ride of 2015 for team Flipside was the Ghombau century ride.  “Ghombau” is the Negri Sembilan dialectical pronunciation of “Rembau.”  Rembau is a town within a district that shares the same name.  The ride was originally to start and end in Rembau.  Things moved to the state capital of Seremban, about 25 kms to the north, to accommodate other events taking place there on the same day.

Seremban is only 65 kms from Kuala Lumpur.  So eight of the ten Flipsiders participating opted to drive down to Seremban that morning.  Which meant a very early start to the day.

Three carloads of us met up at the Seremban R&R at 4.45am.  Justin, Keat, Jason and Danny tucked into breakfast.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

4.45am for breakfast was perhaps a bit too early.

We were kitted up and ready to roll before 7am.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

But the ride was scheduled to start at 7.30am.  So Stephen, Danny, Justin, Mark and I perched on the steps in front of a shop and waited.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

And watched as fellow century riders, 30 km fun riders, and fun runners made their way to the start line.

We were planning to make our usual start from the back of the pack.  This procession should have been a clue that we should start moving towards the line.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Whatever sign we expected that the ride was about to be flagged off didn’t make itself evident.  So we ended up trapped behind a massed crowd of fun riders and runners.  We think we rolled under the arch at the start 30 minutes after this lot got going.

Photograph courtesy of Bike Tech Subang

Photograph courtesy of Bike Tech Subang

We were without doubt the last of the century riders to get on the road.  So it was no surprise that as we left Seremban we almost went the wrong way.  Twice.  Once when we rode onto a slip road on the runners’ route, and once where we missed our exit off a roundabout and had to u-turn off the 30 km ride route.

The century route ran counter-clockwise, from Seremban south to Lubok China, east to Tampin, north to Kuala Pilah, and west back to Seremban.

Rembau 2015 Route

This ride will be remembered by all the riders for the stiff wind out of the north-east.  It was constant, and almost always in our face, no matter which direction we were going.  The cyclist’s curse.  Especially for those riding deep aero rims.  We saw a gust of wind push one rider into the person next to him, bringing both down.

It got hot too.  Eventually hitting 32° C / 90° F on the thermometer, but with a ‘real feel’ of 35° C / 95° F.  So it was no surprise that when we got to the first water stop, it was dry.  To their credit, the organisers did try to make up for this later by handing out water from cars to riders as they pedalled along.

By this time we were catching up with other riders.  Which was less important to us than keeping an eye out for somewhere to get a drink.  Petrol stations were few and far between, so after about 70 kms we stopped at the Medan Selera Sri Kendong in Kampung Ulu Kendong.  This medan selera, or food court, had the three things we needed.  Ceiling fans, cold drinks, and a toilet.

There were some bottles of water left at the second water station at 80 kms, so we grabbed what we could.  A shortage of water is a perennial problem at century rides.  I think the organisers don’t take into account the fact that for each bottle of water that riders drink, they pour another bottle over their heads.  There should be a large tank of water at each station, where riders can fill bottles to douse themselves with.

By the 100km point we needed another break.  We stopped at the Restoran Teck Heng in Dangi.  They serve toast and kaya, or coconut jam, in the traditional style.  Thick slices of bread toasted over charcoal, with a thick slathering of butter and kaya.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

The soft-boiled eggs had the rich orange yolks that only free-range chickens can produce.  All washed down with thick iced coffee.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

The final 60 kms were as windy as the previous 100.  The climb of the day came after 138 kms.  Some stopped to rehydrate before the 3.5 km slope up Bukit Putus.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

We all enjoyed the 5 km descent.  Top speeds of the day achieved here for many.

The final 2 kms through Seremban to the finish were fraught.  The roads were packed with vehicles, so we had to weave our way through the traffic.  There were a few close calls.

About a quarter of the participants did not finish the ride.  Mechanical failures, crashes, the 1,400 meters / 4.600 feet of climbing, the wind and the heat all made this ride a challenge too far for some 400 participants.

Every Flipside rider finished.  Mark, Cedric and Marco were among the first.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Those that had finished sought shade and a place to rest while they waited for the others.  It was a good time for a nap for some.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Stephen rounded out the Flipside finishers.

Photograph courtesy of Jason

Photograph courtesy of Jason

This ride was on the whole well-organised.  Of particular note was the marshalling along the route.  Every junction had police and Rela personnel controlling traffic, so that cyclists did not have to stop.  Side roads were manned to ensure riders did not take a wrong turn.

Things can be better next year though.  Participants should get more information ahead of the event.  For example, where to be at the start-line if there are multiple simultaneous events like there was this year.  And information about the signage differentiating the routes for the various events.

More water at the water stations is a must.  And better control of the traffic on the run-in through town to the finish.

The route itself was nice.  We rode through pretty countryside, and the road surfaces were good.

The sun and the wind just made the achievement of finishing that much more satisfying.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

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Marco’s Surprise Ride

Posted on January 17, 2015 by alchemyrider

Seven of us turned up at D’Bayu for a mystery ride.  Marco had a surprise route for us.  The first 25 kms was the standard run to the Kundang exit on the LATAR Expressway.  This time, instead of turning left toward the Kundang Lakes Country Club, we turned right toward Kampung Baru Kundang.

Mystery Ride Route

Uppermost on everyone’s mind was to find a place to eat.  We assumed that there would be some restaurants in the village.  We didn’t expect to find a really good one.

Sin Loong Kee Noodles is tucked away off Jalan Pekan 1, hidden behind all the cars parked in front of it.  We quickly realised that Sin Loong Kee must be a special place.  Almost all the tables inside the restaurant, and outside in the car park, were full.  People were also queuing up to buy noodles to take away.

Some research tells me that the 60-year-old Sin Loong Kee shop has been run by Chin Yoke Wai, 34 and his family for three generations since his grandfather opened the restaurant.

To our initial dismay, the pile of noodles in the glass case quickly disappeared as the takeaway orders were filled.  To our relief, replenishments regularly came out of the back of the shop.

Mystery Ride 03

We sat at the last empty outdoor table and waited expectantly for our orders to be taken.

Mystery Ride 04

The family that runs this restaurant would not be rushed out of their routine.  When it was our turn to be attended to, one person took our drinks order, and another our food order.

This was home style cooking at its best.  The noodles were made on the premises.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

As were the yong tau foo and the fishballs to accompany the noodles.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

The coffee was good too.  Comparable to the coffee at Pun Chun.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

No time for small talk!

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

We will be visiting Sin Loong Kee again.

We didn’t just eat.  We did more riding too.  We cycled toward Batu Arang, through the Selangor Fruits Valley area, and on towards Batang Berjuntai. Then we headed south to Ijok and the LATAR Expressway back to Bukit Jelutong.

I had a flat tire on the road near Batu Arang.  Cedric has never changed an inner tube before, so this was the chance for a lesson.  Since there was an audience, of course things went wrong.  While putting the rear wheel back in the dropouts I managed to jam the chain between the small cog and the derailleur.  The only way to free the wheel was to remove the quick release skewer.  Not the best demonstration for Cedric.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

It was a good thing there was a shady spot by the side of the road.  It was a hot day.  It certainly did feel like 38° C / 100° F at noon.  We had to stop at a few petrol stations and R & Rs to rehydrate and cool down.  But it was a good ride, despite the heat.

Graphic courtesy of AccuWeather.com

Graphic courtesy of AccuWeather.com

We hadn’t planned on such a long one though.  About 110kms in all.  Surprise!

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Hello 2015

Posted on January 1, 2015 by alchemyrider

I had New Year’s Day rides in 2012 and 2013.  An inguinal hernia operation on Boxing Day last year meant no 1st January ride in 2014.  I’m glad to report that I was able to start 2015 off right.

Six of us did the loop from the Extreme Sports Centre at Sunway South Quay to the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex and back, and then onto Bandar Botanik.

Kota Kemuning Map

Along the way we gave Liang lots of opportunity to use his new GoPro camera.

Photograph courtesy of Liang

Photograph courtesy of Liang

Mark, Natasha and Marco smiling for the camera.

KESAS GoPro 04 Liang

The initial plan was to ride to our regular breakfast spot in Bandar Botanik.  Mid-ride we decided to look for a restaurant in Kota Kemuning.  Keat and I shared a joke while Mark looked up food options.

Photograph courtesy of Liang

Photograph courtesy of Liang

We decided on the Pun Chun Noodle House.  Where the signature dish is the Duck Drumstick Mee.  Liang and Mark were impressed.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

It tasted as good as it looked.

Kota Kemuning Duck Noodles 02 Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

And their various coffees are yummy too.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Everyone enjoyed the food.  So much so that we are planning to ride to Pun Chun for breakfast tomorrow.  What a great start to 2015.

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Rapha Festive 500

Posted on December 29, 2014 by alchemyrider

Festive 500

I have not covered many kilometers in 2014.  Thanks in no small part to my extended time off the bicycle.  Both self-inflicted and health-inflicted.

My total mileage on 12th October 2014 was the lowest it has ever been on that date in the five years I have been cycling.  That was the day of my first ride in almost four months.  I rode as much as I could, and then had another month of no rides from 23rd November.  Rain and weekend travel are to blame.

Total Distance

Graph courtesy of VeloViewer

So the Rapha Festive 500 came at the perfect time to motivate me to add to my total kilometers ridden in 2014.  The challenge is to ride 500 kms between the 24th and 31st of December.

Rapha has partnered with Strava to keep track of riders’ mileage.  No small undertaking, seeing as 46,360 cyclists are currently in the challenge.

Strava is doing a great job of displaying every participant’s current mileage, and rank overall, by country, by age and by weight.  Strava is also providing additional motivation by presenting riders with ‘achievements’ as they meet interim targets.

125250375

I got the final one today.

500

I have ridden every day since Christmas Eve.  I am putting my vacation time to good use.

Heatmap courtesy of Strava

Heatmap courtesy of Strava

514kms over six days.  Mostly over the usual routes:  Genting Sempah (2), KESAS (3) and (6), and the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (4).

There were a couple of forays into new territory, starting with the first Festive 500 ride on Christmas Eve (1).  Keat, Mark, Marco, Fahmi and I started with a ride to a favourite nasi lemak stop in Kampung Cempedak.  But instead of following breakfast with a ride through Kampung Melayu Seri Kundang, we followed a back road toward Rawang.  Here we are, happy to be at the summit of the climb along Jalan Ciku.

Photograph courtesy of Marco

Photograph courtesy of Marco

The ride that took me over the 500kms target was an entirely new one.  I drove my biker chick to the airport, then parked and pulled my bike out of the car.  It was raining quite hard, but that didn’t stop me from riding alongside runway 2, and the new runway 3 serving KLIA 2, watching aircraft come and go in a cloud of spray.

AA

I didn’t want to continue onto the highway serving the airports, so I doubled back along runway 3 and went to Sepang.  I had fun, but would have enjoyed it more if it hadn’t been raining the entire time.

LCCT Map

Weather permitting, I might get to 600kms by New Year’s Eve.  A relatively large total by my current standards, but paltry in comparison with 1,644kms already ridden by the person leading the Festive 500.  He has cycled almost 14,500kms in 2014.  He must be very fit.  And not have a full-time job.

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