Today I went to Genting Sempah with Wilson Bak, Hon Wai, Dennis and Ronald. I can see improvement in my performance this week. On Tuesday I arrived early at the regroup point for the Tuesday night ride and able to keep the fast riders within visual range. The climbs still hurts like mad but I'm shaving some time.
Back to todays ride...the climb feels a bit short but I feel giddy after stopping to wait for other riders. At the McDonald's climb I have to use granny ring on the first part of the climb so I will target this as an area to improve. Another thing I have to monitor is my cadence. Sometimes I turn around less than 80 RPM which tax my legs.
Max Speed:53.5Km/H, Distance:49.22KM, Actual riding time :2h 26m, Average speed:20KM/H
29 September 2007
22 September 2007
Interstate 07 Day 3
So it's day 3. Everybody have to be punctual as we will be crossing the Penang bridge. The first for recreational cyclist according to the organizers.
The day started with me locking Wilson's bike in side the room while taking out my bike with the room card inside! I'm smart!
The pace to the Penang bridge was fast and ride on the bridge feels even faster because of the wind. The day was cloudy and wet. After crossing the bridge we were divert to Queensbay Mall to feast on local 'kuih'. After what feels like an eternity wandering aimless there, we were off for our first climb of two. Then it rained a little.
The climb was OK and there's no scary descending involved. I meet up with Mr. Lee and was chatting with him when we were again diverted to a hall for another 'makan fest'.
Again after a loooong wait for the VIP we were served fish curry with rice.
Then we were off for the second climb. The biggest hill awaits us. I was following Mr.Lee for a while and then half way decided to power on. I have to say I didn't suffer much on the climb. It was steep at the bottom but easy out at the top. At the top I was passed bu Mr. Shamsuddin from the yesterday. Decided to stay with him and follow him through the descent. The descent was fun and dangerous at the same time. My knee was out Moto GP style!
After that it's coastal road riding to the hotel. We arrived at 1:20PM with a lot of people waiting outside. Late checkout! So we went to Anandha Bhavan for lunch, watch a girl in really short shorts washing her bike. Dinner was great and I got a floor pump from the lucky draw. I always wanted one!
Overall it's the best vacation I ever had, and it was super fun. No doubt I'll join next year's ride if I can.
Max speed: 51KM/H, Distance: 82.62KM, Time:3h 52min, Average speed:21.3KM/H
The day started with me locking Wilson's bike in side the room while taking out my bike with the room card inside! I'm smart!
The pace to the Penang bridge was fast and ride on the bridge feels even faster because of the wind. The day was cloudy and wet. After crossing the bridge we were divert to Queensbay Mall to feast on local 'kuih'. After what feels like an eternity wandering aimless there, we were off for our first climb of two. Then it rained a little.
The climb was OK and there's no scary descending involved. I meet up with Mr. Lee and was chatting with him when we were again diverted to a hall for another 'makan fest'.
Again after a loooong wait for the VIP we were served fish curry with rice.
Then we were off for the second climb. The biggest hill awaits us. I was following Mr.Lee for a while and then half way decided to power on. I have to say I didn't suffer much on the climb. It was steep at the bottom but easy out at the top. At the top I was passed bu Mr. Shamsuddin from the yesterday. Decided to stay with him and follow him through the descent. The descent was fun and dangerous at the same time. My knee was out Moto GP style!
After that it's coastal road riding to the hotel. We arrived at 1:20PM with a lot of people waiting outside. Late checkout! So we went to Anandha Bhavan for lunch, watch a girl in really short shorts washing her bike. Dinner was great and I got a floor pump from the lucky draw. I always wanted one!
Overall it's the best vacation I ever had, and it was super fun. No doubt I'll join next year's ride if I can.
Max speed: 51KM/H, Distance: 82.62KM, Time:3h 52min, Average speed:21.3KM/H
22 September 2007
Today I meet up with Wilson in Puchong. I cycled from PJ. The idea is to go to Putrajaya but since the rest didn't show up, we decided to ride to Cyberjaya.
I don't if it's my big gear interval training or the Genting Sempah ride but I'm now able to turn in big gears. The lack of headwinds also helped I'm sure. Puchong on Saturday is hell for cyclist. People like to overtake you and take a turn in front of you. Forcing you to hit the brake real hard. One lorry driver did it and bang into a motorcyclist in front of me today.
Back to the big gear, 10KM from home my bike chain started to autoshift. Have to check on that.
Max speed:55.5, Distance:68.33KM, Time:2hr 42min, Average speed: 25.2KM/H
I don't if it's my big gear interval training or the Genting Sempah ride but I'm now able to turn in big gears. The lack of headwinds also helped I'm sure. Puchong on Saturday is hell for cyclist. People like to overtake you and take a turn in front of you. Forcing you to hit the brake real hard. One lorry driver did it and bang into a motorcyclist in front of me today.
Back to the big gear, 10KM from home my bike chain started to autoshift. Have to check on that.
Max speed:55.5, Distance:68.33KM, Time:2hr 42min, Average speed: 25.2KM/H
15 September 2007
15 September 2007
Today I followed Wilson Bak who I got to know from the Interstate ride to Genting Sempah. Later we meet up with Danny who I meet in Interstate with two of his friend. So the 5 of us climbed the legendary Genting Sempah. It's about 16 to 20 KM of continuous climb to the top. Pure torture because there's no opportunity to recover.
After reaching the top Danny suggested we got to Bukit Tinggi for Wan Tan noodles. No big deal, it's all pleasant downhill. What goes down must come up in cycling so the ride back was all uphill. Again the torture continues. I brought water for 20KM only so I was thirsty halfway. My throat feels sore since yesterday and today after the ride I feel like I'm having cold. I did stop about 3 times while climbing back because I feel there's no more power in my legs.
After the climb it's all downhill. Can be dangerous because the road is used by lorries that uses both lanes. We reach our cars around 12:30. No ride data because my bike computer is dead!.
After reaching the top Danny suggested we got to Bukit Tinggi for Wan Tan noodles. No big deal, it's all pleasant downhill. What goes down must come up in cycling so the ride back was all uphill. Again the torture continues. I brought water for 20KM only so I was thirsty halfway. My throat feels sore since yesterday and today after the ride I feel like I'm having cold. I did stop about 3 times while climbing back because I feel there's no more power in my legs.
After the climb it's all downhill. Can be dangerous because the road is used by lorries that uses both lanes. We reach our cars around 12:30. No ride data because my bike computer is dead!.
09 September 2007
09 August 2007
Today I did something like a time trial. Big gear pedaling as fast as I can. Started to see stars after 15min! Cannot sustain it so it became interval training with very short recovery period, did it for 45min.
I notice my lower tummy a bit leaner from sideway. The effect of cycling 365KM in 3 days. Super!
I notice my lower tummy a bit leaner from sideway. The effect of cycling 365KM in 3 days. Super!
Interstate Day 2
Woke up feeling rested and minus the back pain the night before. Today we are heading to Bukit Mertajam 130KM. It was a mass ride towards the main road from the hotel. I was with the main group for about 5 KM and then bang everybody started to pedal furiously. I was doing 30KM and I know I cannot continue at that speed so early in the ride so I backed off and went behind a guy who was doing 27KM/H. My speed. Followed him for a while and we caught up with the guy who I cycle with yesterday...the triathlete.
We stopped for our breakfast at small warung in a small village. Me, triathlete and Mr.Tee was about to pay for our food when the warung owner told us our meal was paid by one of the villagers patronizing the stall. After shaking hands with everybody as a sign of gratitude we were off. The pace was slow and I suspect my ride mates trying to keep their leg fresh for tomorrow's big climb.
We came to the first dimple as describe in the ride profile but it looks more like a wall. Very steep, but thanks to my mountain gears at the back I was able to climb it without pushing. Coming off the hill I shifted to the big gear in front and my chain came out. After fixing the chain I found out my ride mates were off without me!
I began cycling 30KM/H + to catch them. It suck to ride alone. After 15 to 20 min I managed to come up to their back wheel. Todays ride littered with rolling hills but we have to cycle fast because it's getting hot.
Second break at a roti parata stall that don't have ice. Surprised to see faster riders here. Had 1 parata and large bottle of water to fill my Camelbak because there's not much stall after this. Mixed re-hydration salt too because of the hot weather.
After more that enough rest we were off to miles of exposed palm oil estates in rolling hills. Mr. Tee was in front about 500m spinning like helicopter while the triathlete was behind me. I was cycling to my limit in the hot Sun trying to catch Mr. Tee. I have to stop for a minute in the shade to rest before a hill because of the hot sun. Saw Mr. Tee do the same thing after climbing that hill.
Just as I was about to catch him, he slowed down and head for a small stall. Lots of people there seeking refuge from the hot Sun. I didn't eat anything just drinks.
The cycling continues and we dropped the triathelete again but Wilson decided to ride with us. We passed by Hindu temple and houses for estate workers. Mr. Tee decided to slow down which puzzles me because is not that hot anymore. Later he pointed out at the sky ahead of us. A storm was brewing ahead and Mr.Tee and Wilson want to take shelter while I want to continue as it's about 20KM to the hotel. So all three of us decided to continue and upon reaching Kulim industrial area it was raining so heavy. Visibility was less that 50m. Wilson behind us hopped on a support car, while me and Mr. Tee took shelter in a guardhouse. We were greeted by Siti and her cycling partner and we were joined by Mr.Shamsudin.
We waited almost 1hr + for the rain to stop and then we continue. It was cold and wet and feels like a long way to cycle because we pass through lots of traffic lights and small towns. Mr. Shamsudin rode very fast that me and Mr.Tee decided to have our meal at a food court before arriving at the hotel. 1 wan tan mee sup, 1 dry wan tan mee and 1 hot Milo. Heaven!
Arrived at the hotel about 4.30PM and found out Wilson and Hon Wai are my room mates. Today's arrangement is quad sharing!
Max speed: 57KM/H, Distance: 136KM, Time on the bike: 5h 50m, Average speed: 23KM/H
We stopped for our breakfast at small warung in a small village. Me, triathlete and Mr.Tee was about to pay for our food when the warung owner told us our meal was paid by one of the villagers patronizing the stall. After shaking hands with everybody as a sign of gratitude we were off. The pace was slow and I suspect my ride mates trying to keep their leg fresh for tomorrow's big climb.
We came to the first dimple as describe in the ride profile but it looks more like a wall. Very steep, but thanks to my mountain gears at the back I was able to climb it without pushing. Coming off the hill I shifted to the big gear in front and my chain came out. After fixing the chain I found out my ride mates were off without me!
I began cycling 30KM/H + to catch them. It suck to ride alone. After 15 to 20 min I managed to come up to their back wheel. Todays ride littered with rolling hills but we have to cycle fast because it's getting hot.
Second break at a roti parata stall that don't have ice. Surprised to see faster riders here. Had 1 parata and large bottle of water to fill my Camelbak because there's not much stall after this. Mixed re-hydration salt too because of the hot weather.
After more that enough rest we were off to miles of exposed palm oil estates in rolling hills. Mr. Tee was in front about 500m spinning like helicopter while the triathlete was behind me. I was cycling to my limit in the hot Sun trying to catch Mr. Tee. I have to stop for a minute in the shade to rest before a hill because of the hot sun. Saw Mr. Tee do the same thing after climbing that hill.
Just as I was about to catch him, he slowed down and head for a small stall. Lots of people there seeking refuge from the hot Sun. I didn't eat anything just drinks.
The cycling continues and we dropped the triathelete again but Wilson decided to ride with us. We passed by Hindu temple and houses for estate workers. Mr. Tee decided to slow down which puzzles me because is not that hot anymore. Later he pointed out at the sky ahead of us. A storm was brewing ahead and Mr.Tee and Wilson want to take shelter while I want to continue as it's about 20KM to the hotel. So all three of us decided to continue and upon reaching Kulim industrial area it was raining so heavy. Visibility was less that 50m. Wilson behind us hopped on a support car, while me and Mr. Tee took shelter in a guardhouse. We were greeted by Siti and her cycling partner and we were joined by Mr.Shamsudin.
We waited almost 1hr + for the rain to stop and then we continue. It was cold and wet and feels like a long way to cycle because we pass through lots of traffic lights and small towns. Mr. Shamsudin rode very fast that me and Mr.Tee decided to have our meal at a food court before arriving at the hotel. 1 wan tan mee sup, 1 dry wan tan mee and 1 hot Milo. Heaven!
Arrived at the hotel about 4.30PM and found out Wilson and Hon Wai are my room mates. Today's arrangement is quad sharing!
Max speed: 57KM/H, Distance: 136KM, Time on the bike: 5h 50m, Average speed: 23KM/H
07 September 2007
5 August 2007
My first training after the Interstate 07. Don't what I'm training for. For stamina sake I guess. There must be some benefits from riding 365KM over a period of 3 days, so I don't want to lose it. Might as well continue to train and exceed my current level.
I rode for 1 hour in harder gear that I did before IS and I was surprised that I can maintained for a long time. So I set my target to be able to spin in harder intensity for long period of time.
I rode for 1 hour in harder gear that I did before IS and I was surprised that I can maintained for a long time. So I set my target to be able to spin in harder intensity for long period of time.
05 September 2007
Interstate 2007 Day 1
My PCC Interstate ride 2007 started off at around 6.00AM where we have to load our baggage to the lorry and wait for further instructions. At about 6.45AM we were off to Taiping from Ipoh town. It was a bit dark and chilly. By the sun came up we were in the outskirts of the town. I was trying to catch up with Big Mac and The Star writer but they where pedaling at a constant speed. After few traffic lights I lost them and end up riding by myself, entering beautiful farm land and rubber estates. It was all covered mist.
Then I decided to ride with a guy who is doing about the same speed as me. We started talking and I thought we can ride together till the end. Then the first problem of my ride happened. It was minor problem but it was irritating. I usually ride in the middle ring but some how the front derailure cage started to rub against the chain. I don't want to hear the rubbing sound for the next 130KM so I decided to fix it. This is where I lost my "riding partner".
As I was trying to fix the problem (actually I don't know what I was doing because it's been ages since I adjusted the front derailure), one of the support car stopped few meters in front of me. So kind of them to stop for me. As I figured I cannot solve the problem I decided not to waste time (mine and the support car driver) and continue the ride in the big chain ring.
As I decided to go I was passed by Mr. Lee who was friendly to ask if everything was OK. I rode up to him and end up riding with him till the end of day 1. We stopped at a small shop around kilometer 40 for breakfast. The earlier group all the delicious food and left us with instant noodles and 100+. I had 100+, mineral water and a Gronola bar.
We continued to the next stopping point and I ate rojak and 100+ and some plain water. When we continue we have to climb and there were some rolling hills. We passed the German guy in a recumbent and some strong girls on mountain bikes. I learned a lot from riding behind Mr. Lee. To rest your legs a while after a moderate effort, relaxing your arm and hands at regular interval.
Next stop is some old town at kilometer 118. I had mixed rice and 100+. I saw a cyclist with prosthetic lower legs having a break there. He's riding with a different group. When we continued, we faced a huge climb at Changkat Jering. Legs were a bit tired but other that that it was no problem climbing it. After that huge climb, it's time for a great downhill. I was going 40+KM\H when a motorcyclist came beside me and start chatting with me!
The rest of the ride was flat till 10KM from the finish. We have to ride through the famous Taiping Lake Garden and some housing estates to reach the hotel.
I accidentally reset my bike computer but I remembered it's about 6 hr+ spent on the bike, with average speed above 22+KM/h. Arrived at 2.30PM.
Then I decided to ride with a guy who is doing about the same speed as me. We started talking and I thought we can ride together till the end. Then the first problem of my ride happened. It was minor problem but it was irritating. I usually ride in the middle ring but some how the front derailure cage started to rub against the chain. I don't want to hear the rubbing sound for the next 130KM so I decided to fix it. This is where I lost my "riding partner".
As I was trying to fix the problem (actually I don't know what I was doing because it's been ages since I adjusted the front derailure), one of the support car stopped few meters in front of me. So kind of them to stop for me. As I figured I cannot solve the problem I decided not to waste time (mine and the support car driver) and continue the ride in the big chain ring.
As I decided to go I was passed by Mr. Lee who was friendly to ask if everything was OK. I rode up to him and end up riding with him till the end of day 1. We stopped at a small shop around kilometer 40 for breakfast. The earlier group all the delicious food and left us with instant noodles and 100+. I had 100+, mineral water and a Gronola bar.
We continued to the next stopping point and I ate rojak and 100+ and some plain water. When we continue we have to climb and there were some rolling hills. We passed the German guy in a recumbent and some strong girls on mountain bikes. I learned a lot from riding behind Mr. Lee. To rest your legs a while after a moderate effort, relaxing your arm and hands at regular interval.
Next stop is some old town at kilometer 118. I had mixed rice and 100+. I saw a cyclist with prosthetic lower legs having a break there. He's riding with a different group. When we continued, we faced a huge climb at Changkat Jering. Legs were a bit tired but other that that it was no problem climbing it. After that huge climb, it's time for a great downhill. I was going 40+KM\H when a motorcyclist came beside me and start chatting with me!
The rest of the ride was flat till 10KM from the finish. We have to ride through the famous Taiping Lake Garden and some housing estates to reach the hotel.
I accidentally reset my bike computer but I remembered it's about 6 hr+ spent on the bike, with average speed above 22+KM/h. Arrived at 2.30PM.
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