Sunday, January 31, 2010

Trail Jelajah Meru


Distance : 37.58km

I've arrived at the location, Padang Awam Meru 4 at 8 am. I knew the tentative said ride will start at 8, but I'm very sure it would be delay if not late. So what so ever it will start l(8)ate. As expected they didn't take off yet, waiting for police traffics who will escort along the ride.

No harm, I got time to resemble my bike. It just to attach front wheel and the seat. Brakes check, shifters check, derailleurs check. Tyre pressure check and absorber pressure check. Put on gloves and helmet, everything is green to go and I'm ready. Join the crowd and I took the last place to start.

35km in one shot, I've to be clear, focus and at full capability. This event is not a competition, so the motto today 'To complete not to compete'. But in other way or some, this is a competition between me, myself, i and the bike. Good luck!

Take off at 0830hrs. From Persiaran Hamzah Alang we turn into Jalan Nenas, the Malay village. The trail is flat jalan tar kampung, served with typical kampung view. Couples right and left have took me to Jalan Dusun and to the first and second climbs which is mark easy. Jalan Dusun had took us to main road of Jalan Meru Tambahan.

Get back into the village on Jalan Iskandar. This is Felcra area and settlement if I'm not mistaken. Turn right in front of Masjid at-Taqwa to Jalan Haji Abdul Latiff, skipped Jalan Abdul Wahab. I took my first 10km break at Jalan Setia Jaya. Refuel my body, check my porch. Average speed so far 25km/h and I'm far behind.

The trail ahead back to Jalan Meru Tambahan had served me with 3 climbs. Easy and moderate at Jalan Batu, Jalan Kempas and Jalan Seri Jaya. And i'm still on my bike, riding it yeah.

The easy climb is over, now here is the Dragon Back almost 45 degree vertical climb for 500 meters. This is real deal, in front of me they are riders who are surrender and gave up. They are side by side push up the bike to the peak. I'm almost KO but still OK. The brain tell the body to push the pedal, little by little. The air intake full up both lung with oxygen and inhale consistently to keep the momentum.

I'm move up and get to the peak in one shot to the assembly point 1. Took this chance to restore and reload for 5 minutes. Distance cover 16km so far. Half way to go.

Roller coaster ? Yeah, the pain climbing up the Dragon back pay off by riding down the roller coaster. I've managed to achieve 58.9km/h the fastest for the bike and I. Roller coaster is not about going down all the way, there are couple moderate climbs which is consider more than easy for me, but still I'm on the bike. But this time, snaking technic required. Assembly point 2, before we get down to Jalan Paip.
 




Image courtesy of ROTOR-X KLANG - Azrin

I took the front position here to be with the lead group. The downhill was smooth and fast and I took the corner to the right in style. But unfortunately, while climbing up at Kampung Idaman, the chain is stuck during shifting to the big crank. Ouch!! Have to give way to other cyclists while I'm trying to lose it on the ride. It lose and i'm back, but my position drop to the middle of the pack.

The route continue with moderate climb of Tembok China 1. A trail along Fairy Tale Park, the Chinese Cemetery. Turn left to Jalan Cempaka and right to Jalan Kenanga and another left to Jalan Kenangan into the cemetery area. Assembly point 3. Most bikers has exhausted. They need more than plain water. I myself dehydrated. Thanks God, the Marshall arrived later with bananas. What ? Bananas !!! Half loaf is better than none.

Last climb of the trail, Tembok China 2, the viewable peak. From the top you could see UiTM Puncak Alam, Shah Alam, Meru town and Klang. This time I've to retreat, after 50 meters climb I've surrender, unable to push the paddle up anymore. I've push the bike, twice here!!! Huh. Get down the hill and headed to off Jalan Paip for last assembly point before ride back to the finish point.

Skip few scheduled routes, the ride just straight to Jalan Meru and turn right to Jalan Haji Salleh. Last right turn to Jalan Haji Abdul Manan 1, I've push harder to the finish line. Cut off few tired bikers. Turn left at Persiaran Hamzah Alang and headed toward Padang Awam Meru 4. End of route. My time, an hour and 58 minutes 14 seconds.

Enjoy ride, be safe.

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