Pink Pedals, Ride for Pink October - Part 1 ( 8 October 2016)

Our booth

"Lost"

Pinkz Ladyz and her friends

Support Pink

We support Breast Cancer Awareness

Go Pink!

Pink Supporter

We support you, ladies!

I support Breast Cancer Awareness

HRC marshals sporting the pink ribbons

HRC's honcho, Stephen Ngu with fellow riders

Go Pink!

Bite cancer at the root!

Thumbs up for breast cancer awareness

Pink supporters

Family that supports breast cancer awareness

Pin a pink ribbon

Men who supports women through thick and thin!!!

Our Pink Angels

I support Pink

Pink October supporter

Ready to ride for the women

Mother and son who walk Pink!

Not shy of Pink

Pink Pedals

Recently, Asia Cycling Network was approached by Breast Cancer Support Group of Johor Bahru (BCSGJB) to help organize a Pink Pedals ride. This ride is in conjunction with Pink October, a breast cancer awareness month. As ACN was given an extremely short notice, they were grateful to Regency Specialists Hospital, MBJB, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Youth HAB, Happy Riders Connect and even Khass Bicycles for their collaboration.

The first kick off for Pink Pedals was at Regency Pedal Quest World Heart Day 2016. Together with the organizers' help, we pinned more than 200 pink ribbons on participating riders. We also took this opportunity to invite riders to join us on our grand finale, a ride from Dataran Bandaraya to BCSGJB's center in Taman Kebun Teh this 22 October 2016.

Amongst the VIPs present today were Datuk Bandar Tuan Hj A. Rahim Hj. Nin, Regency Specialist Hospital CEO Mr. Gan Boon Shan, Head of Social Development Division IRDA Ms Suhaily Abdul Hamid, UM Land Seri Austin CEO K K Wong, a representative from the Singapore consulate, Mr Derek and Swiss Inn Hotel GM Mr. Abdullah. After their warm reception, the participants were officially flagged off. The riders were closely guided by the police force and volunteer marshals from Happy Riders Connect.

The ride itself was a fun ride, introducing riders to the many attractions in JB. The first stop was at Hutan Bandar, JB's very own green lung smack in the middle of the city. Riders had to place their hand prints on the mural before proceeding to collect badges for tasks achieved.

The subsequent stop was at Jalan Pahang, one of the heritage trails of JB. This is where one of the oldest shops and trades are located. Riders had to take selfies at participating outlets in order to collect badges.

Their last quest was at Riders Corner, Swiss Inn Hotel. Being one of the 4 riders corner in JB, a pet project by HRC, it provides basic amenities to riders such as toilets and prayers room. Pre-arrangements can be made with the persons in charge for light refreshments. Today, RSH nurses were present to check participant's heart rate before presenting them with even more badges.

There were a total of 20 badges to be collected during the event. The highest 20 collectors won prizes. We were happy to note amongst the top winners were our friends Susanna, Jimmy and Desmond Loh.

Running concurrently with this riding event was a walkathon and a Zumba event. RSH provided health checks throughout the day. They even gave a demonstration on CPR. The whole event ended with a lucky draw!

Today sees many riders on the road, some as far as Istana Bukit Serene. Leo, Agnes and BG were doing their usual speed training when some of our "lost" riders bumped into them.

While Irene, Zoe, Iris, Lucas, Awie and Claudine went for breakfast at Kinwah Kopitiam, Thomas decided to stay on at the event and was soon lost. Meanwhile, the same "lost" folks finished off their ride at the same coffee shop much later and rode home together!

Anna though took a longer time to get back!!! She had a tyre puncture....not the usual ones but one that requires a jack and brute force! Thankfully, Lady Luck was with her for 3 men decided to give her a hand!

Pink Pedals, Ride for Pink October went well. We hope to see a continuous support to Part 2 - A continuation of Breast Cancer Awareness on 15 October 2016.

"EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!!!"

Pink Pedals' stopover at Hiap Joo Bakery

Hiap Joo still keeps to tradition, wood fire oven!

Craftsman at work

Ensemble from Drums Cafe

"Metamorphosis to Wellness"

Heartstopping Prata Ride at Pendas (1 October 2016)

The Team at Warong Poyot

Some of the riders at Horizon Hills

Pendas Jetty

Don't Fall!!!

Serenpidity

Serenpidity

Serenpidity

Bersih 5

When a ride is faced with a flat tyre and broken chain, do we call it a day or shrug it off as life's many adversities?

This morning saw Yan Ling arriving at Pan Kobo with a slightly deflated tyre. Our damsel in distress received help from Sai Kit and Desmond in the tube change department! Testing out his ride, we then saw TH's chain link break hence marking the end of his ride, before it even begins! After a quick brainstorming session, VT was driven home by Pang to collect his foldie, while offering his hybrid to our Don. Nobody had the heart to leave him behind!!!

We left Horizon Hills when the sun was completely up and baking. As the slower group coasts on the Iskandar Coastal Highway, Matt, Hea, Sai Kit, Desmond, TH and David had long turned and disappeared onto Lebuh Kota Iskandar.

On the Iskandar Coastal Highway, we saw Anna and Jangbu took to the pedals like hamsters on wheels, spinning at high cadence. Mashing on the lightest gears, on a flat road, they naturally failed to attain optimal velocity. However, after receiving a few tips on gears, Anna soon projected forward and even overtook her protege, Jangbu !!!

Heading towards Gelang Patah, the climb on the flyover took a strain on the newbies. All riders were spaced widely apart but a short regrouping was allowed just before the town. We were also surprised to see TH and David waiting at several points, before, at and after the town as the lights kept changing and separating all of us.

Everyone were cautious on the Legend Farm stretch. The road was narrower with lots of cars but all drivers gave us a respectful distance. We rode in a single line peloton most of the way.

Things took a change as we approached Leisure Farm. One by one, everyone started to breakaway. It started with Eva, then TH, followed closely by David. Even Ching Po, left his wife!!!

We found The Fantastic Four waiting at the Pendas Junction as agreed but the poor men had a long wait. Matt was even caught stifling a yawn!

After a short breather, we proceeded to our favourite Heartstopping Prata joint! Also known as Warung Poyot on Google Maps, the whole place was packed on the long weekend of Awal Muharram, celebrated by Muslims as the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The significance of the holy month can be traced back to Prophet Mohammed's journey from Mecca to Medina.

We were shocked when we were told our orders will take 1 hour to arrive! As such, TH decided to lead the riders to the jetty for a sightseeing tour while Sai Kit, VT and Claudine remained to stand guard over our tables.

After wolfing down our sinful pratas, we headed back with arrangements for the fast group to ride ahead without waiting. The rest, were led by TH all the way to Gelang Patah before he too, bid us farewell.

Our late morning saw an influx of visitors to the town while we sipped coconut juice by the roadside. The Bersih 5 convoy had glided in, with their yellow banners, ribbons and t-shirts! The whole town was painted YELLOW!!!

The final segment was easier after a good rest and hydration. We turned into Horizon Hills with a significantly smaller entourage. Eva, Ching Po and Yan Ling had left us at the Southgate to continue home.

Up the slope and midway to Pan Kobo Cafe, it was Maggie's turn to leave us. Returning to the car park, the final four dispersed. Anna and Jangbu took their time at the cafe but VT and Claudine hurried off, chased by strong winds and black cumulus nimbus clouds!

Recovery Ride to Kg Sg Melayu (25 September 2016)

The group, missing out Janet and YL

Three ladies and a lad!

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Hence forth, when life gives you rain, you take a free shower!!!

That was exactly what happened to YL and Janet who initiated today's ride! They were caught in a passing shower at Danga Bay, enroute to meet up point. Frustrated with the morning events, they returned home wet; and as how, YL puts it..."to continue their wet dreams".

Besides The Hung's, Eva had to seek shelter at Daily Grain, Taman Perling. Had she left home a little earlier, she would have avoided the tempestuous storm! The rest of us though, were lucky to be able to sit at home to witness the passing downpour.

Theresa May would probably have made us honorary citizens of Britain had she overheard our obsessive discussion on the weather this morning! We made the perfect weathermen, sharing on wind directions, chances of precipitation, wet areas, photos and even accurate predictions. As good as we were, our ride started 15 minutes off target.

The first meet up point for some, was in Horizon Hills. They then proceeded to the butterfly interchange to wait for the rest. Riding from the opposite direction were Leo, BG, Delta, Chun and their numerous sufferfest kakis. These crazies are training for Melaka Century Ride which involves a 100 clicks of non stop riding!!!

We soon found out that CK and Matt were running late at Khass. They were waiting for their friend Sam who was also delayed by the rain. As such, we changed the meet up point to Kg Sg Melayu and rolled out as soon as Eva arrives.

Kg Sg Melayu is a beautiful route passing by palm oil estates. Our morning riders were rewarded with sights of squirrels dashing across the road. On another standpoint, the creatures of the wood witnessed Hea dashing through the plantation on his new Ridley Fenix and Assos suit!

The jetty was quiet except for the few of us. It took awhile before CK, Matt and Sam rolled in. After a quick photo session, the others who had not had enough, continued the ride to Sunway Iskandar.

 

Meanwhile, the ride had to end for Maggie, VT and Claudine. They had other engagements to attend to. As they rode the final stretch at Lebuh Kota Iskandar, they caught a glimpse of Maui, heading towards JSNAC. The fellow riders exchanged greetings before parting ways...which is the proper conduct of riders on the road!

The Ultimate Climb : Sedenak to Simpang Renggam! (24 September 2016)

Huo Guo Shan temple in Sedenak

Rolling hills

Someone once said there are 15 hills from Sedenak to Layang-layang

Simpang Renggam

I am finally here!!!  Simpang Renggam

 

Lately, a human resource issue on the home front is causing a major setback to Claudine's riding plans. She can only be on standby most weekends. So, when a free day opens up on the eleventh hour, she jumped on it immediately.

However, with many riders on serious training for the upcoming Melaka Century Ride, finding suitable leisure groups to ride with is difficult. More so, if one decided to hit the road on the last possible moment. Thankfully, Bob was gracious enough to invite the Ad Hocs to join him on his usual training route, Sedenak to Renggam.

On the morning of the ride, 5 riders pushed off from Hua Guo Shan temple. They reached Layang-Layang in a little less than an hour.  After a short water break, they rolled out again towards Renggam.

At Renggam railway station and bus depot, the remaining 4 riders had a quick meal of yong tau foo with noodles. Meanwhile, VT who preferred a relaxing ride dined alone at Guang Fatt Wantan Mee in Layang-layang. It was pre-arranged for him to return to base on his own.

As Bob was adamant to complete his training ride to Simpang Renggam, the other three were eventually convinced to go as well. It was arranged for Zoe to give Claudine a lift home, hence relieving VT off his duty to wait . Everything was arranged in a matter of minutes and with that the ride continued to Simpang Renggam.

Simpang Renggam is a new destination for Zoe and Claudine. It was fascinating to note that beyond the railway station lies a major trunk road with wide road shoulders. Besides the usual palm oil estates, coming into town is a huge police station, just opposite the Simpang Renggam prison.

The route from Renggam to Simpang Renggam is a beautiful but noisy one, with cars and lorries plying the road. The gradient continues to be one of rolling hills but more gentle and gradual. Riding down a hill, one could slingshot oneself up the next hill with little effort.

The town came quickly but we did not ventured beyond Rohaizat Mall which stood at a busy T-junction. Still fresh and triumphant, we left quickly, heading back to Renggam.

At Renggam, Jolin was getting a bit worried for the ladies. He suggested refueling from some shops in the area but everyone's water bottle was still full. It was thus agreed that we will refuel at Layang-layang instead.

We pushed off again and the rolling hills continued. All this while, Zoe will draft behind Claudine for 5 km or so before falling back on her own. All this while, the men were 5 minutes ahead of the ladies.

At Layang-layang's 7 Eleven, the cashier cheerily welcomed the riders' return. Zoe had the good sense to get a large bottle of 100 plus for all to top up. This after thought will be very much appreciated on the final segment!

As the finishing run began, Zoe was first to lead! However, it did not take Jolin long to overtake her. Together, they rode ahead with Zoe drafting behind him. However, after quite a few climbs, she lost the advantage. This allows Claudine to overtake her!

Everytime, during a push off, Bob has a tendency to give everyone a good headstart. Nobody can see him for miles and miles behind when suddenly he will appear out of nowhere, overtakes and disappears!!!

The final segment was an agony for Claudine. The shoulders start to ache, the wrists start to feel numb, the back starts to scream! Every 500 meters or so, she had to change her position on the handlebar to find relief!

It was a mind over matter challenge. The 100 plus in the bottle cage kept rattling, asking her to take a swig while it is still cold. She finally grinded to a stop in the middle of a palm oil estate to take a drink and to stretch. Not willing for Zoe to catch up, she pushed herself onwards, inches by inches, slowly stretching them into yards and miles!!!

When the roadworks came as forewarned by VT, a flush of hope came! It signifies the railway crossing is close by and with that the end is near! As she struggled past the tracks, she was startled to see Bob and Jolin waiting by the warung! This time though, the men even had time for coffee!!!

Zoe arrived soon enough, screaming for mercy! The ladies have never done so much hills in a day and today's ride is both mentally and physically challenging! Even Bob's bottle cap popped out from all the pressure built by the constantly shaken 100 plus!!!

In higher spirits, we finished the final 5 km to find VT waiting with victory drinks for all. We recorded a 100 km distance over a 1044 m in elevation gain. While everyone loaded their bikes, Claudine was grateful her husband had faithfully waited for her. Forget the wine and dine, forget the whispers of sweet nothings....sometimes, we ourselves forget that all these small little gestures mean a lot more!!!

Night Ride with Joho Foldies to Kg Sg Melayu (22 September 2016)

Riders at Pan Kobo Cafe

Riders at Marlborough College

Bikes galore

At Kg Sg Melayu

The jetty in the dark

We met at Pan Kobo Cafe, Horizon Hills on a moonless night. Cloud cover was thick hence no constellation can be seen let alone a single star! Our only illumination comes from the few lamp posts on the streets so spotting a friend can be a struggle. At one point, Irene mistaken Leo for Khan!

Riders were still streaming in as late as 8.25 pm but we graciously waited. As for Joseph, he was shouting over the phone pleading for everyone to wait. When he did arrive, we realized being on the road with cars screaming past, it was best to talk loudly in order to be heard!!! Our dear friend had rode all the way from Mutiara Rini on his 7 speed Raleigh foldie.

Mar came with Rostam. She had yet to upgrade her Tern to a double chain ring and related how she suffered the climbs on her recent trip to Japan!

We tried to delay rolling out as long as possible. But after a lengthy photo session and a group of 27 riders started staring restlessly at the photographer we knew it was time to wave the white flag. With that, we started to roll out. We could only hope, Andy's strong legs could carry him fast enough to catch up with us.

We rolled out via the Southgate and started looping on the butterfly interchange. Nicholas' friend on a 2 speed Brompton with seat post too low was already starting to struggle. When he fell back to sweep her, Claudine dropped her sweeper duty. With VT behind, 2 sweepers will suffice.

Everyone started to pump the pedals on the turnoff to Lebuh Kota Iskandar! It was a spectacular show of thunder thighs! The strong climbed the slope effortlessly. Even VT was caught in the heyday, abandoning his duty and even his wife!

At Marlborough College, everyone slowed down for regrouping. Some though, were caught off guard. They cruised further to the entrance of the kampung instead. It was also at this point that Andy caught up with us.

We entered the realms of the kampung in a group but soon separated according to different speed. Thomas, Leo, Joseph and Andy were first to enter. Eva was the lead lady on RB, riding with Anna and Maggie while constantly in check with Jack. VT led Claudine as her 300 lumens front lights was not bright enough.

Every now and then a car will pass us illuminating our path. Midway in the palm oil estate, another bright light came from behind. Thinking it was a car coming from a distance, Claudine was surprised to see Desmond overtaking her, followed by Jangbu and Debbie.

In the dark, it was hard to figure the riders but Debbie came by with her hand phone belting out an unidentifiable rhythm. When she burst out laughing, her identity was immediately revealed!

It was a bit unsettling riding in the dark. More so, when the bike lights are not bright enough. The eyes start to focus on the lights ahead. After awhile, it felt like being in a dark, dark tunnel...

Every now and then, a rustle is heard in the bushes which can be freaky. In the pitch darkness, trees and bushes are illuminated differently and the imagination starts to stir....a man standing by the roadside....

It was so reassuring to see Thomas standing in wait at the junction entrance to Kg Sg Melayu. Keeping him company, VT and Claudine were awed by how dark the place could be. It was almost like having a blindfold over one's eyes.

Finally, the last riders arrived. They were swept by Lucas. Together, we rode up to see Andy and Desmond slightly ahead, warning riders of a road hump. 

 

 

The village was alive at 9.30pm with many teenagers enjoying a game of football. The older folks were hanging out at various warongs. The jetty point though was filled with Joho Foldies riders. 

 

 

Again in the dark, it was hard to identify people. Carl mistaken Claudine for Irene!

Everyone had a very long rest before heading out. Some even had time to "La Kopi" a termed used to describe the art of drinking a hot cup of coffee. You stir and sip your cuppa while chatting up your friends.

Outside, at Marlborough College, Anna was getting anxious for Jangbu. His night shift commences at 11 pm. Some others are early morning risers, having to get to work before the sun is up. They too had to leave quickly. 

 

Sending apologies to Irene and other riders, the first team left in a hurry. They were led by Joseph, followed closely by Leo and Andy. It was an amazing showmanship with the men recording between 31.5 kph to 32.1 kph on the "2nd climb" segment on Strava. All this, leaves the foldies on a higher pedestal!

Photo credit : Ma Mar Rahman

Heritage Trail Ride that never was! (12 September 2016)

Crown Arch, Istana Bukit Serene

Waiting for YL and Janet

Romeo wasn't giving the peace sign but rather he had to wait for 2nd seating!

Eva and her wards

Irene, Lim, Wong and their beloved joined us at Kinwah Kopitiam

Some of the guys that cannot allow their bikes to get wet!!!

Even from the wee hours of the morning, our ride already suffered 2 setbacks. Malcolm was about to leave his home when he discovered he's got a flat. He had to get down and dirty, in the most literal sense, thus slightly delayed.

Meanwhile, YL and Janet with all their good intentions, rode all the way from the city to join us. They fell short of 5 km to flag off point when YL's tyre felt like a cartwheel. A call was made for us to push off without them but to meet at another pick up point. YL too had to get down and dirty....on his bike!!!

We arrived at Petronas Taman Perling, the agreed pick up point for Ollie and Matt, with many having broken the school area speed limit of 30kph. Obviously, Jolin, Monica, Malcolm and Hea held a guilty look for instilling others to ride.......a lot faster than the stipulated average speed! Anna though arrived much later desperately seeking for a sweeper. She did not realize VT was patiently riding behind her!

Before long, YL and Janet arrived at our meeting point. We rolled out again after YL blew his whistle. No, he did not expose any of our illegal racing activity but merely giving the go ahead!!!

Passing by Khass Bicycles, 3 young boys joined our group. Some of their friends were already in our peloton, starting from Horizon Hills.

Soon, our climb began. First a flyover, then another flyover and then another flyover!!! Where there is a choice, the smarter ones rode on the parallel road below. Where the flyover spans a bridge, everyone had to climb over the mound, like it or not!

A quick regrouping was allowed at Grand Straits View Restaurant. Perhaps, while everyone were doing short sprints, nobody really wanted to be the first to arrive at our morning brekkie as it means having to foot the bill.

We made another brief stop at the Crown Arch at Istana Bukit Serene. This was our agreed pick up point for Eva, Wen Han and his sister, plus another man with them. We took a quick group photo before rushing off to meet Lim, Wong and their respective spouses at Kinwah Kopitiam.

Arriving at the entrance to Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Claudine saw CK and Malcom whooshing down from Bukit Timbalan. Meeting Claudine's surprised look, Malcolm realized he was wrongly led up the steep hill only to make a U-turn down again. He jokingly calls CK and the few others, "guys with a sadistic nature"!

In actual fact, there are a few lanes leading to Kinwah Kopitiam. Malcolm was slowing down at a crossroad unsure which way to take, when Claudine cautioned him to turn right. He hesitate for awhile. But just as he was about to make the turn, a Perodua Kelisa following behind at an equally slow speed decided to accelerate and overtake him!!! Fortunately both braked on time with a good 1 foot leeway. However, it was still a close shave for Malcolm.....time to sport a clean cut look!!! Anna and Claudine though, almost lost their voice screaming!

Today is after all Hari Raya Haji, a public holiday in Malaysia, celebrated by Muslims in remembrance of the "almost sacrifice," according to Islamic Scriptures, of Ishmael by Ibrahim on Mount Moriah. While we saw many Muslims construction workers crossing the wide highway along the Iskandar Coastal Highway, around the area of Grand Straits View and along Jalan Bertingkat Skudai around the area of Country Garden, all on their way for their morning prayers at the mosque; we now see a huge non Muslim crowd at Kinwah Kopitiam!!!

It was almost impossible to sit everyone. There wasn't anything much to eat besides the staples of toast, eggs and economy noodles that can add up to a very pricey meal!!! Trying to get our drinks, we were at the mercy of the already stressed out waiters!!!

When the dark clouds that was hovering above us at Petronas Taman Perling caught up with us downtown, the likes of Ollie, Malcolm, Jolin, Monica and Hea scooted off with an apology. No serious RB riders likes to get their bikes wet! Ronan and his young friends that tagged along, left too ..... without notifying us!!!

After a hurried meal, the few remaining riders rode back. Romeo, Wen Han and Matt led the way. Eva rode with her daughter, friend and Joshua. Meanwhile, Anna was sandwiched between Claudine and VT.

Coming to Tune Hotel, Eva who frequently rides this route took us through the inside lanes only to join the Iskandar Coastal Highway at the side of Tune Hotel. Dear Romeo and Matt were patiently waiting for us at the junction.

Spaced out again, we had a final regrouping at the bottom of the interchange at Taman Perling. Eva and her 3 wards turned off for Jalan Belibis while Romeo and Matt rode towards Bukit Indah. The final four of Joshua, Anna, VT and Claudine rode all the way back to base only to see Hea, Jolin and Monica still having drinks and sharing decent chatter at Pan Kobo Cafe!