What's left of me

Empangan Batu

2009-05-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

17th May 2009

Conquering Empangan Batu

After numerous attempts and setback, finally, we're going to Empangan Batu. Since the main gate to the dam is now closed to visitors, we all agreed to backtrack the route, beginning from the road to Hulu Yam all the way to the dam.

We had a new addition to the group, Nani, as my brother was unable to join us, we had a spare bike, so all is set, RV at Thaqwa, 8.30a.m.

Anyhow, rallying everyone eventually took 1 and a half hours out of our schedule, we moved out from Thaqwa at 10:30am. The tracks were damp, and grips we're poor, we were having a hard time geting through the first part of the route, Nani was rather surprised, not expecting it would be this rough. But she was a good sport and she went along all the way.

Once we reached the mid point of the route, all seems worthwhile. The river was clear, and the view was like a cut scene from LOTR.

We refreshed ourselves for a moment and continue the "perilous" journey.. te he he.

It took us almost 3 hours (plus all the stops) to reach Empangan Batu. When we reach there, it was bright blue skies and it was worth all the trouble.

We took the tarmac back to the start point, it was a good ride and i'm looking forward to try it again with a faster pace next time. Not to forget, a pat at the back to Nani, she finished the track with no complaints, next time to FRIM k, that is a much better place to start learning about bikes. Till next ride!!

Malacca trip with the Rompongz

2009-03-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

27th March 2009

Malacca trip with Setapak Rompongz (Ninja 250R Owners Group)

It was a trip planned weeks ago by a small group of Ninja 250R owners, Dean owns one, and I hang out with them sometimes. They invited me to join in the ride, the more the merrier i guess. I wanted to ride along on my KSR, but there's no way i could keep up, even if i could, it would be suicide for my engine. Well, not to disappoint anyone, I became Dean's pillion for the trip. I know there would be sarcasm, you just can't get away from that, and I do understand, I still remember my excitement when I was as young as they were, riding cross country with friends, oh god, I'm reminiscing, snapping out now, back to the trip..

The group decided to ride at night, which i wasn't very keen about. With the current weather condition, it would be rather dangerous and experience taught me, when a group of friends together on their bikes, you can see each of their personality shining through the leathers and dark visors. The conservatives, the self-prover, the in-charge, the sacrifier, it was fun, tiring, as the pillion seat of the Ninja is like 20cm of wrapped foam. It wasn't kind to the passenger on a long ride.

View at the beach side chalet

The group reached Tangkak at around 1.15am, where we spent the night at Apis's grandparents house. They were very hospitable which really made the journey felt somewhat worthwhile. The next day, we went to A'Farmosa waterpark, not much I could say about the trip, the lodging for the next night were a last minute booking, but it was a very nice place, with some very nice views, thanks to Bapak (not his real name) and Pian (used to be Malacca local boy). The trip was refreshing for me, gave me the urge to start cross country biking again, really missed my Virago, maybe its time to start restoring her back to her former glory.

We had some laugh, we had some fun, and looking at them reminds me of myself 6 years ago. Where life was kind to me and all the dark side of life is hidden from me. I wonder what will I do next, should I ride again, and re-live the good old days or am I too old for that. Maybe I should just say, been there, done that and move on, but I guess my passion for two wheels could never end. Even humans walk on two legs, for wheels are boring, and most animals have four legs, and they're dumb, violent and boring. Strictly my thoughts only, and view is reserved in terms of excitement and fun factor, so don't flame me

Most of the free time was used up for photo sessions, and with two DSLR and two camera enthusiast with us, we snap some very good pictures.

It has been a while since I watch the sun setting down the beach and it has always been beautiful. A view to be grateful for. Thank you for making this world such a beautiful place, thank you for giving me the time to indulge the beauty and magnificence of Your creations.

I barely notice, two days had passed and eventful two days. It was time to return home. We took the b-road back to KL, from Sungai Udang to PD to Sepang via Bukit Pelandok, as I am not riding, I volunteered as an onboard camera man and Dean's bike officially became the camera bike.

Snapped dozens of pictures, but I personally think, the shot below is one of the best.

We reached Kuala Lumpur at around 9pm, it was a wet ride from KLP highway. All is done, it was a great trip. It made me think a lot. They were a nice bunch to hang out with, fun (some are natural comedians) and friendly. It was nice to see people still enjoying life as they should and I am honestly thinking of leaving all my problems and past behind, and start anew. Maybe I should, we don't live forever..

-Alantris-

2009-03-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

22nd March, 2009

Challenge at the Challenge Park, Putrajaya!!

I was so totally looking forward for that day, the actual plan was a relaxing stroll around Taman Warisan, Putrajaya. Finished my work at about 8:30am, Faisal could not join us at the last minute, so, Ali was halfway across the peninsular, so, final headcount went down to 5.

We meet up at a petrol kiosk somewhere along SILK highway, and it was CD who lead the way to Putrajaya.. and then, and abrupt change of plan. Since we were down to 5, and we were already heading to Putrajaya, we all agreed to try out the new man made tracks, Putrajaya Challenge Park, or PCP.

It took half of the day to find the place, when we finally got there, it was noon, it was hot, and we don't have the faintest hint about the routes. Not to let it all be in vein, we unloaded our bikes and set a gameplan, ride slow, explore, and try our best to have some fun.

What is an adventure without incident right? After the first downhill, Lan's bike chain snapped. it was rather disappointing as his was a full spec T-Bolt. And just a few minutes after, Wandy suddenly fainted, the heat caught up with him. It was rather disastrous for a first ride, but eventually we put all this to our advantage, Wandy was unable to continue, so Lan piloted Wandy's bike, and Wandy return to the car to rest. So all is done.

Overall, the trail was carefully planned, it is man made and specifically meant for MTB after all.

We were foretold, the trail consist of xc, mild downhill and extreme downhill, we really couldn't differentiate one from the other all the while we're there.

We came across some steep downhill segment, but the banking of each turns were nicely calculated, there were some parts with small bumps for jumps, and some steep uphills too. The routes were intertwined, basically we were going in circles around PCP which eventually ends up at the top of the hill.

Dean and me, heat and fatigue..

Dean, Lan and CD, MTBing after the fall of CD.

A View From The Top

Reaching the top for the first time is somewhat an accomplishment, you can see PICC and most of putrajaya from the small shack at the top and to view that after going through the trails, it was almost like a goal accomplished.

PCP was a done deal now, well, not really, but we completed it. Next stop, Wandy's house at Telok Panglima garang, where Wandy's parents prepared some very very delicious dishes for us (chicken and prawn), it was like a prayer answered, we were so hungry by then and to have a meal like that was a blessing. Thank you uncle he he he.

And to conclude the day, we went to a nearby bicycle shop, quite famous as i was told by Wandy. Had Lan's bike fixed, and yes, CD got himself a spanking new RoxShox Dart3. After a lesson in pain using RST cAPA? trying to negotiate one steep downhill at PCP. Good call man. The bike mechanic also were kind enough to show us a few trick riding and damn he was good, I even learnt to jump from him, appreciated.

We had our adventures, we lose some, we learn some, and I was rather satisfied for the day. It was time worth spent.

CLIP: Pictures of our night rite around KL City 23rd March 2009. Me, Dean, Faisal, CD. Ali joined earlier but got off early for his swimming lesson.

Taman Tasik Perdana Night Ride

2009-03-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 19th March 2009

Allright, so we didn't make it to FRIM on Tuesday, when Faisal text me of his FRIM plans, tired I may be, but my answer was a definite YES.

We decided to scout the pipeline route we saw on the map days before. The plan was set, simple, RV at Taqwa (our habitual meeting place) at 3pm and we start from thereon.

Prep my self and as usual, always add 45 minutes to suggested meet up time. I had a quick lunch at Taqwa, enjoying the view, and at 3:45p.m, Faisal arrived. After the ritual "loading of the bike on the car rack" ceremony, we drove off to FRIM, a short 15 minutes drive from Taqwa.

We followed our normal route initially, which was the rover tracks (or also formally known as the canopy walk), and moved on to the Dream Trails. It felt a bit better this time, I guess all that cycling does improve my endurance after all. After the FRIM routines, we diverted our course towards the supposed "Pipeline tracks", and when I thought steroid hill was hard, well this was a paved version of steroid hill, smoother ride, but harsher on your heart and lung. I paddled slow, but steady and sure and the test of endurance really made me think of the "uncles" who are regular on these tracks. Salute to them!!

After an agonizing 20 minutes or so of uphill paddling (for me at least) we reach the entrance to the pipeline track, i repeat, the ENTRANCE.

We rested for some pic and the time was already showing 5:30pm. The route was scattered with loose rocks, and the pipeline (yes, that's why they call it the pipeline track) was rusted and covered with moss, at times we need to cross over it, it was very slippery. I slipped sideways more than twice trying to manouver across it.

We couldn't complete the tracks though as I need to work that night. Time was rather envious of us hence we made the wisest decision...

Turn around and head home before we get to the PoNR!!

The home run was more relaxed, downhill all the way, despites some obstacles along the path, Faisal and me was taking turns lifting a tree blocking our path.. kidding, but we snap a few pic along the way down.

Pictures are worth a thousand word, I would be laughing when looking back at these in another 10 years ha ha.

Faisal lending a hand

Me lending a shoulder

Catching our breaths

Home.. work.. home.. work..

We reach Taqwa back at about 6:30pm or so where we gathered with Dean and Lan. The day is done, and we chatted and laughed at our little adventure. Putrajaya recce ride on Sunday, so, Dean, Lan, prep your bike.

2009-03-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 17th March 2009

Woke up rather late that day, but was rather refreshed, spent half of my Monday cycling with Dean. Poor guy, had to put up with me, but again, he enjoyed cycling too. After exchanging a couple of SMSes, the deal was done, cycling in FRIM at 5p.m. FRIM, well, I love that place, the air is fresh, the surrounding is serene. A good way to get your mind off of things.

At about 6p.m, was SMS'ed by Faisal, the poor chap had an accident, nothing serious though, just his car. I was already at the RV point, all geared up and set to go, well, had to forget FRIM then. SMS'ed Dean, and our destination, Kepong, I don't know what's the place named, but if you're driving along MRR2, you'll see it alongside the road, with lots and lots of kites hovering above it.

So, new RV point at Petronas Batu Caves, wasted no time, the both of us cycled to Kepong. The trip was roughly around 6km one way, and we weren't disappointed, it was a nice place to relax.

We cycled around the lake (an ex tin mine I believe) the place was quite crowded with people, but it was big enough to accommodate them all.

The only annoying thing are motorcyclist, don't get me wrong, I ride too. I love fast bike, and i love to ride fast, but there, a few groups of motorcyclist were sprinting their cheap machines with no regards for the safety of others, the path was crowded with joggers, old folks, childrens. Race on the streets, and put your own life on the line idiots.

Maybe they should reconsider allowing motorcycle in the path. I saw some makcik and pakcik who like to cruise around the lake, enjoying the scenery and fresh air, but while we were there, we only came across a few bikes cruising and enjoying themselves. Majority of the motorcycles were ridden by school kids (and a few grown ups with the mentality of a five years old) doing at least 60kmh on a narrow 4 feet wide pathway meant for joggers and bicycles. They really made bikers look bad.

Enough of my rants, the return trip was most rewarding, the sun was setting when we came across a crossing bridge, still under construction, but I guess strong enough to support me and Dean (I'm not big). We stop a while and snap a few pic, the view was majestic, and it somewhat made me glad to be here and alive, still, of course.

Looking at the setting sun, for me, is very calming. I don't like the bright sunrise, that just made me remember all the things that must, have, needs to be done. Sunset, is different, it reminded me, even the sun needs to set, giving way for us all to rest, to replenish our strength, mind and body alike... Made me enjoy living.. I think.. I guess..

Mr. Deanmalakian

Bike death throw!!