Despite targeting to ETD just as the first streak of light
hits the land, Team Melaka with Seng Kiat were visibly delayed this morning.
This allowed most of us to say our final goodbyes before dispersing.
As VT and Claudine had a train to catch, they choreographed
a breakfast meet with early birds Herbert and Uncle Meng at Yuan Kee before
riding off, on their own. They were the second group to leave Bentong, after
Team Melaka. The departing duo managed to say good bye to Simon and a hobbling
Cindy who had just arrived at Yuan Kee, just as they were about to
leave!
Following Route 8 for the first 2.5 km, the duo turned off
to Route 68’s Jalan Kuala Lumpur, heading for Batu Caves. The climb to Genting
Sempah commenced from that point!
Not far from the junction, a dog was lying precariously on
the opposite side of the road. There was a curved bend and cars travelling down
the slope were caught by surprise at the creature. The first 2 cars honked and
managed to avoid the animal. Alerted, a lorry coming from behind stopped in time thus avoiding a collision with the suicidal / injured dog. As it was a
busy road with no road shoulders, VT and Claudine could only pray for the safety
of the animal.
After the traumatic incident, the duo were rewarded with an
easy ride all the way to Serenity Sanctuary, a retreat center by the banks of
Benus River. All this while, the river runs parallel to the road, weaving
itself playfully from left to right. At one point, they crossed a narrow
Bailey’s Bridge, controlled by traffic lights on both ends.
The route continues to piqued one’s interest when smoke from
incense looms thickly in the air. Soon they were riding past giant joss sticks
pitched to the ground. One….Two…..Three…..Thirteen…..etc. Approaching Dewa Shan
Ping Gong Association, Rela guards on duty were directing traffic. Continuing
downhill, giant joss sticks took over the sentry posts from the guards!
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| Kolam Air Panas Bentong, a public pool by the roadside! |
Soon cascading water from the hills delighted them. This was
followed by warm thermal water from Kolam Air Panas, Bentong!
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| Just before Kampung Bukit Tinggi... |
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| Just before Kampung Bukit Tinggi... |
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| Just before Kampung Bukit Tinggi... |
A mild gradual climb was next in store, all the way to
Kampung Bukit Tinggi. Rolling down for tea and dumplings, the duo were totally
unprepared for the 20% climb from the village to the junction of Janda Baik.
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| Downhill view of the slope from Kg Bukit Tinggi to Kg Janda Baik |
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| View of the signage from the junction |
The slopes continue to challenge but was worst after Genting
Sempah’s R & R. Thankfully it was only a short few km distance. Right after
was an exhilarating downhill glide that went on for more than 15 km!
Midway downhill a big signage, “Kawasan Riadah Basikal” alerts motorists on the cyclists' haunt. It was put up
after
Winnie Choong Suet Theng died in a road accident back in August 2017. Almost 2
years on, the sign is rusty and the area strewn with coconut husks and rubbish!
Arriving in Gombak close to 11 am, VT and Claudine proceeded to
Batu Caves KTMB. Lord Murugan’s golden statue does attract a lot of devotees
and tourists alike. The station was jam packed!
It took forever to get to the platform due to the large crowd. This must
have caused them to miss their earlier 12.47 pm train that goes directly to
Pulau Sebang. Boarding the 1.12 pm train instead, they had to get off at Sg
Gadut, its final destination and wait for the next train coming from Batu
Caves. All in all, they were delayed by an hour!
Once at Pulau Sebang, they made their way back to Paku Pakis
Farmstay to collect their cars. Taking the google walking route, they were in
for some adventure, arriving at dusk, just as Abu was going out for dinner.
Thank goodness they caught him on time as the gates were already locked!!!
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