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