Recently, Asia Cycling Network as a network catalyst, was given the honour to collaborate with many cycling clubs in Johor. Together, they co-hosted more than 100 riders from across the border. Meant as a friendship ride and a means to promote Velo Velo Fight Cancer Ride scheduled for 7 January 2017, this pre-charity ride was an overall success!!!
The early morning thunderstorm on the day of the ride did not put a damper on the riders' spirits. The Singapore riders though slightly delayed, still met at their designated meet up points of Kranji MRT and SPC Admiralty Road. Crossing the border, they were greeted by Johor riders at JB's Shell petrol station. This group then, proceeded to Pekan Nanas to meet the rest of the riders.
As the above mentioned group hit Jalan Skudai, another 2 groups congregating at Starbucks, Seri Austin and Pan Kobo, Horizon Hills started rolling. The former were led by Alvin while the latter, Wayne.
Meanwhile, Joseph, Matt and Terrence arrived minutes after the Horizon Hills group started to roll. The hungry trio decided to grab some buns from the bakery instead of joining in the peloton.
This group was split further at Lebuh Kota Iskandar as only Wei Lun, Kai Weng and Claudine could keep up with Wayne's speed. Thus, it was left to Jolin to lead the remaining riders while VT took sweeper duty. As it was futile to wait, Wayne took the busier but shorter route to Pekan Nanas, passing by Kg Ulu Pulai while Jolin chose the safer road that traversed Kg Jelutong Tengah.
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| Sinn Tail and her group enroute to Malacca |
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| Jolin led the group safely to Pekan Nanas |
Arriving at Pekan Nanas' Shell, KC was spotted with a group of Singapore riders heading for Malacca. Through their updates, everyone were notified of Velo Velo's status. It seems they will take a while more to get to Pekan Nanas. This prompted some riders to grab a bite at Restaurant Gao Yuan, just next to Kedai Basikal Ngee Hoe in the town itself.
Returning back to meet up point, Alvin's group had arrived from Seri Austin. Coincidentally, Epic Cyclists enroute to Malacca also made a pitstop at the station. Their team leader, Clifford came over to give a few words of support.
Soon, the first group of Velo Velo riders led by Koma Lau arrived. While everyone were happy to see them, there were some degree of awkwardness. Claudine finally met Pei Tze, befriended Keena, a half Iron Lady and another Frenchman, possibly named Corentine....some names are difficult to remember!!!
After a long rest and still no sightings of the rest of the Velo Velo riders, the first group pushed off. Everyone left with them just as the second group, led by Calvin Tan arrived! Those lingering behind managed to exchange short greetings before hitting the road.
As the lights changes, the riders were soon separated into smaller groups. One of Alvin's team was spotted with a tyre puncture on Jalan Sawah but they waved everyone along.
While the Singapore riders rode the full 137 km route and some JB riders escorted them throughout the ride, some others turned back at Kulai toll, at Gunung Pulai entrance and some even at Pekan Nanas. Friendships were fostered and our Malaysian hospitality were extended the best we could.
We heard that there were 8 breakdowns and a rider lost his way! Calvin had to ride back in search for him.
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| Tyre puncture right after saying goodbye to KC who was on a quest to conquer Gunung Pulai |
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| First occurence of self destruction |
As for the Horizon Hills team, Jolin had a tyre puncture after turning back at Gunung Pulai entrance. Thereafter, Kai Weng's rear wheel went into self destruction. The spokes broke at the turning to Jalan Ulu Pulai and at the top of the Gelang Patah flyover!
Time to engage a good spokesperson"
Intended pun by a good friend!
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