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Several search was made last week for weekend off-road ride. Got two options, either Kota Warisan 0730hrs with PUJMAC or Bukit Kemandul 0830hrs with Kayuhbeb. It's not a hard decision to make when after a week break of ride.
Bukit Kemandul was chosen. WHY ?!! First, the trail is easy. Second, the theme is 'santai' ride. Third, it is nearby. Forth, it start late at 0830hrs. Fifth, the list goes on ..
At 0830hrs, I was ready at the starting point that gathered 41 riders. Short brief was given by the lead of the pack. It is understood the ride would be easy and relax, the route would cover about 20km in distance and will pass thru oil palm estate, tea plantation, guava and starfruit orchards, and 100% off road of dirt and rock tracks. After doa selamat and photo group the pack start moving.
Ali Baba dan 40 penyamun
First section was hassle free, the trail is flat and cool under palm oil canopy with several climbs. About 15 minutes ride we arrived at the tea plantation. The entrance was closed with bushes. New entrance was made and cleared, but riders have to carry their bike to jump the fence. Watching a tea plantation inside oil palm estate was new to many riders including me. Usually the tea plantation was seen on high and cool area such like Cameron Highland, Pahang and Tenom, Sabah.
Ladang Teh Sri Cheding is restricted area, so beware of dogs and guards.
The most viewable peak
Second section of the ride was served with moderate climbs along the tea plants till to the peak. From the peak , we managed to view Taman Saujana Putra and Elite Highway to KLIA. After another group photo at the tea plantation, we continued with downhill back into oil palm estate. Becareful here, because the plant is young and not high enough for cyclist to go through smoothly. Watch out the leaves. There was another road block to cross into developed housing area. Its a construction drain.The ride continued on hot hard rock trail. The sun start to burn all riders from top.
Hot and hard rock track
Last section of the ride. While the surrounding temperature arouse, the pack was moving fast back to the palm oil estate to avoid sunlight and heat. This was the leisure part of the ride this time. Not only the shade of palm trees, but we were heading to famous guava orchard of Banting area. We have been told that the orchard supply to almost all guava and fruit stalls around Telok Panglima Garang and Banting. The guava was fresh and delicious. Eat all you can, but take away is not allowed. How many you can eat ? When one is more than enough!! That was the last pit stop before the pack ride out to the finish point.
The last group photo before going out. Guava orchard at the back
The ride was completed sharp at 1200hrs with total distance 11.09km, 100% off-road. Overall the ride was fun and smooth. The route is suitable for novice, and expert who are making come back to the MTB world. But it is a good practice to start earlier than 0800hrs. End of route.
All images courtesy of Kayuhbeb, and all credit to the official photog - Mr Jinggo. Thank you very much.
Enjoy ride, be safe.
