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| Riders at Pan Kobo Cafe |
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| Riders at Marlborough College |
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| Bikes galore |
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| At Kg Sg Melayu |
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| 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
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