Skirting a Gunung

I only managed to catch some sleep at 1.45am and was up by 4.15am. I never felt so mentally drained on a ride that in the semi-darkness of the morning, my mind was threatening to switch off. By the time we turned off Lebuhraya Skudai onto the truck road leading to Pontian, I just wanted to stop and catch forty winks.

With much difficulty and an attempt to wake myself up by eating a sour mandarin orange, we continued our journey to Pekan Nanas. Dad had not rode for more than a month and obviously his fitness had dropped – he was saying that the journey seemed longer than ever.

Bro had settled quite well in his new SPD shoes, not forgetting to un-cleat each time he stopped; and he was also utilizing the speed of his road bike on the down-slopes. I had difficulty catching him on the downs but my optimum cadence ensured I gained on him with relative ease on the climbs. Man, I am starting to love long windy climbs. Perfect to pick out the weaker roadies.

We had “bakut-teh” for breakfast at Pekan Nanas at our usual hang-out. Around 9am, we moved on, buying four spare tubes at the bike shop before getting two boxes of “Ho Yan Hor” herbal tea at the Chinese medical hall. It was starting to look like a shopping trip.

I love the road from Pekan Nanas to Kulai. The windy yet scenic “village road” skirts the breathtaking Gunung Pulai, passing through countless villages and miles of pineapple plantations. The climbs were enjoyable. I forget the ache in my calves and the load on my back. My arms flex easily and I loosen my grip on the bars. I take the climbs face-on, undaunted. I forget about my speed – optimum cadence is the call of the day. Downshifting when necessary, I hold my cadence throughout the length of the climb. The mountain air is fresh, I love the winding road. I meet the curious stares of dogs on one side of the road and the startled eyes of cows on the other. I love climbing.

We pulled into Kulai around 11am. Stopping at Tesco, Bro and I went for a little shopping trip to get our morale boosters such as ice cream, yoghurts and isotonic drinks. We had a little feast at the basement car-park before continuing our journey back to Johor Bahru.

The mid-day heat as out in full force. Dad and Bro started to lag behind as I maintained my cadence. We took a couple of breaks along the busy federal road and decided to head for the Old Woodlands hawker centre rather than have a meal at the Pusat Bandaraya KFC.

I love the sight of the checkpoint. Energy surged through my veins as I sped down the CIQ, giving the motorbikes and cars a run for their money. Race back to Singapore? You bet. I idly wondered the number of times I had approached the welcoming sight of the Woodlands Immigration Complex – the safety of home.

Our favourite ice kacang stall was closed today. Nonetheless, we found a decent replacement. I ate till I was totally full. The ride back home was just relaxing and then there was always the dreadful task of unpacking and servicing of equipment. After a refreshing shower, I lazed on the couch and without realizing it, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I went to the bedroom to get something. I couldn’t help but lie on the bed. The next thing I knew, the sun had set. =P

Total distance: 120km
Money spent: $2.50, RM4.25
Participants: LSH, Dad, Bro