Saturday, April 28, 2007

Klang Gate Ridge

Please click here to view 41 photos taken by Wendy on Saturday 28 April 2007. Work is still in progress to write the report .... stay tune.

click here for all related posting on Klang Gate Ridge.

We will be climbing up Klang Gate Ridge again for the next three Saturdays (5, 12 19 May) in preparation for the 17-day Nepal trekking trip. If you are interested to join us to climb Klang Gate, please call me. Minimum requirement: outdoor shoes (and not your running shoes).

On top of the world feeling

Tan Ay Peng – The legendary marathon runner who run 20 marathons (Yes, full marathon) in 2005. PK Chan is at the background.

The scenic view of Klang Gate Ridge (also call Bukit Tabur).
L-R: KC, TanAP, Normah, Wendy and pkChan.


L-R: TanAP, Normah, pkChan, KC.
Normah climbed Mount Everest in 1999.

Wendy - With the smile that resembles Hollywood movie star

Also the cheerful Team Lead

By KC

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Upcoming Triathlon

I was lazing around in the house this morning as it is a holiday. I received a call from Mr. Chan Chee Seng, whom the runners like to call him affectionately as Coach Chan. He would like to collect the CD-ROMs containing the photos taken by Jason Lee and I in last year’s Port Dickson Triathlon which I was gladly agreed many months ago.

Not able to meet for numerous occasions, I have kept the CD-ROMs for months. This time, he is coming over to USJ to collect them.

Coach Chan with other participants in Port Dickson Triathlon, 23 July 2006


When he arrived at USJ, he said his landmark was in front of Fitness First Centre in Taipan, USJ. I was amused because being active in sports, the meeting place also has something to do with active lifestyle.

As I learned from him, there is no Triathlon being staged in Port Dickson this year. Instead, the International Triathlon 2007 will be held at Bukit Merah LakeTown Resort area, near Taiping, Perak. He is also the Technical Director of most Triathlon races in Malaysia.


Please click here for the website.


Returning to the Transition Area to continue with the third segment -- running.


Bukit Merah LakeTown International Triathlon 2007
Date: 5 May (Saturday) 4:00pm Biathlon: Swim 1km, Run 6km.
Date: 6 May (Sunday) Olympic Distance Triathlon: Swim 1.5km, Cycle 40km, Run 10km
Venue: Bukit Merah LakeTown Resort, Taiping, Perak

Kenyir Lake International Triathlon 2007
Date: 27 May (Sunday)
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Venue: Kenyir Lake, Trengganu (The largest man made lake in South East Asia)


For more information, please contact:
Mr. Chan Chee Seng: 012- 295 9892
Samantha Chan: 012- 225 3243
Email: info@triathlonmalaysia.com

Please click here to re-visit those great photos taken by Jason Lee and yours truly in Port Dickson Triathlon, 23 July 2006.

By KC

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Leading Another Trip up Mount Kinabalu

Tony, a.k.a. Penguin-3, the Mountain Sifu, will lead a group of runners from Pacesetters Kuantan Area Group to climb Mount Kinabalu this Friday, from April 27 to May 1, 2007.

We wish them safe journey and pleasant holidays.

After numerous experience of trekking up Mount Kinabalu, he has established a good name taking friends and runners up the peak. True to his name, he likes trekking up hills and mountains other than taking part in marathons and duathlon races.
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All photos here were taken on 27 August 2005
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To organize a trip up the peak, one has to connect a network of people there from the porters, mountain guides and to the officials at the Kinabalu Park. Tony and a few of the mountain guides there were like brothers-in-arms or long-lost brothers where they meet one another once in six months.

To ensure comfortable journey and more focus in attention, the preferred size of group is about 15 persons. For this trip, the total number is 14.

The regular runners from Kuantan are: Tan Wah Sing, William Chin, Crystal Foong, etc.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 – Kuala Lumpur LCCT to Kota Kinabalu Mesilau Resort
Day 2 – Start trekking up to Laban Rata
Day 3 – Continue up to the Summit and back to Kota Kinabalu town
Day 4 – Shopping or island hopping in Kota Kinabalu
Day 5 – Home sweet home

Due to popular request, Tony is planning another trip to Mount Kinabalu in a few months’ time. If you are interested to join him, please contact him at

klpenguin3@gmail.com

Handphone: 016- 274 2213
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Please click August 2005 Archives (left sidebar of this weblog) to view photos taken by KC in a trip to Mount Kinabalu on 28 August 2005 or click here.

By KC

Sunday, April 22, 2007

POWER Run 10km

Please click here to view 186 great photos taken by Jason Lee.

Deep blue hue
Positive response

Run with power ...

Great blue sky - superb weather for a great event

Photos by Jason Lee






Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Gunung Datuk Challenge

Please click here to view 39 photos taken by KC. Next posting: Monday 23 April.
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Gunung Datuk - Artistic work by nature

On Saturday 14 April, we completed another trekking trip at Gunung Datuk. It is located somewhere in Seremban. The Team Lead, as usual, is Wendy.

We started our journey at 5:45 a.m. from Kuala Lumpur. We have our breakfast at a noodle stall at Pedas (literally translated as chilly hot) town en route to Gunung Datuk.

After a group photo, we began the climb at 7:45 a.m. The start of trail was a steep, rocky bare bed of a dry stream. After a downfall on Friday evening, the ground was still wet and slippery. The team trekked cautiously in order not to slip and fall. After 15 minutes’ journey, we were panting and sweating profusely.
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Mary, Iris, Wendy, CW Ee, KC. Photo was taken by Pk Chan.

One lady member, Iris, bought a big watermelon and I was assigned the duty of a watermelon boy carrying it up. With the extra 2 kilograms, taking on the climb seemed tougher.

It must be a beautiful day to the insects. Throughout the trail, there was lots of sound from them. At certain stretch, the myriad of sound from the happy insects was quite deafening.

There were lots of mosquitoes that followed us too. Luckily, those were not Aides mosquitoes. Otherwise, we would have no place to hide.

After mid-point, the trail tapered to somewhat flat ground and the welcoming sign of earth-based trail was in sight.

KC's hairy leg


Leech Attack

This was the most “bloodstained” trekking trip. Almost reaching the peak, I pull up my track bottom to inspect whether there was any alien creature stuck to my legs. To my surprised, there was a lump of soft tissue attached to my right leg – a fat leech after having a good feast.

I immediately pulled it away with a bit of eerie and yucky feeling. I gave a solid step with my trekking shoe, and the remains of the leech was only a patch of bloodstain on the ground. I was worried whether there were any other leeches that strayed around my lower body that I could not detect. After trekking for the seventh time since last year, that was the first time that I attracted a leech.
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Iris's leg -- being attacked by leech too. Three wound marks were seen on her leg, possibly was bitten by the same leech.


Iris was not lucky either. After being confirmed that the alien lump of soft tissue was a leech that was lurking on her leg, she screamed out loud!

What ensued was bleeding that we both took quite a while to stop.

The Peak

Reaching the peak at around 9:15 a.m., we saw about 10 campers were still sleeping in their sleeping bags. Five girls were sleeping on the rocky bed.
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Panoramic view from the peak
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The peak of Gunung Datuk was uniquely marked by a few gigantic rocks stacked on top of one another. To reach the peak of the highest rock, one has to climb precariously using the rusty metal ladders.

Wendy, Iris and PK Chan -- getting ready with the light refreshment. Notice that the rock surface is sloping downwards.
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The panoramic view at the peak was spectacular and scenic. Standing on the gigantic rock, we could see the distant horizon unblocked by scrubs or trees. It was windy up there and the usual boiling of water by Wendy for making hot drink required a shield in order not to distinguish the flame.

Yeah, time to make some hot drinks, relax and enjoy the view
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We spent about one hour at the peak enjoying the view, the fresh air, the light refreshment and the camaraderie. Yes, not forgetting the succulent watermelon that took quite a bit of effort to transport up to the peak.
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Say Cheese!! Another group photo at the peak
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The Descent

At 10:15 a.m., we started our descent. We met many trekkers who were just on the way up. With smiles, we greeted one another “good morning”. The trail at the upper part of the hill was wide enough for dual passage of trekkers.

There was one Malay trekker who was holding a stick (most Malay trekkers do not trek with stick). Upon seeing us, he greeted us: “Better be careful!” Before we could acknowledge him, he continued, “Same for me also lah!”

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Wendy -- standing high up and looking down steadily
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We descended at quite a fast pace. After a 10-hour trekking trip at Gunung Nuang the week before, the team was quite fit and proficient in manoeuvring uneven terrain.

Lunch

On the way back, we return to Pedas town again for lunch. The Chinese restaurant was only four shop lots away from the stall that we have our breakfast.

The restaurant owners and workers know Wendy quite well. She has been trekking there quite often. She ordered 7 dishes for 6 persons!! With good appetite after a good workout, we finished the food with ease.

When I asked Wendy where will be the next trekking trip, the girls all laughed. They actually discussed earlier (I was traveling in different vehicle) that I sure to ask this question.

Sumptuous lunch at Pedas town. Seven varieties for six persons.
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Countdown

For the team, we have five more weeks to the 17-day Nepal trekking trip on 23 May. Committing to this great trekking trip is just like signing up to run a full marathon. One has to have many training sessions in order to prepare oneself for the big day.

Overall Timing


Travelling: 5:45 a.m. (from Kuala Lumpur for 2 hours including breakfast)
Ascent: 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. (1.5 hours)
Rest at peak: 1 hour
Descent: 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (1 hour)

By KC


Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Pacesetters Bonding Run

Please click here to view 156 photos taken by Chan Wing Kai, Pacesetters Club photographer.

The Brooks - Pacesetters Bonding Run was held at Sabak Bernam (Selangor) on Sunday 15 April 2007.
Starting point

The bonding run -- Yes, Yes, we did it !!


Natural Juice -- Lots of coconut for runners to quench thirst after the run. Courtesy by the organizer.

This is "sifu" (master) skill

A job well done -- Jenny (3rd from Left), Leong Siew Har (SB Area Team Leader), Munning (PACM Club President), Tan Swee Nel (SB Area Team Leader).
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SB = Sabak Bernam
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By KC

Sunday, April 15, 2007

BHP Orange Run 2007

Please click here to view 157 photos taken in Weng's camera in the Orange Run.x


Please click here to view 191 photos taken by Jason Lee -- the pro.

Photos below are extracted from his photo album in the Orange Run.


ChongYF, Weng, Yan, Maryann, Leslie, Vivian, Siok Ling, Joanne.

Big turnout

Yeah, one day, we will be standing at the starting line just like the big sisters.

Orange Run - Everything is in orange, even the table cloth
Karen of Subang Jaya. Click here for her weblog.

Vivian - cool, calm and composed

Agnes Chin - in jubilation

Jason Lee in action -- standing at the overhead bridge to get the right angle. Our phothographer is being photographed.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Gunung Nuang Challenge

Please click here to view photos posted by Tey Eng Tiong in his weblog.
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Please click here to veiw the complete photo album by courtesy of Tey Eng Tiong.


“Trekking up this Gunung Nuang is tougher than running a full marathon,” I proclaimed proudly while Tey Eng Tiong was holding his Canon compact camera for a video recording. After five hours of non-stop ascent to the peak, that statement aptly summarized my achievement while relaxing at the peak.
KC, Herbal Sifu, Tey's friend, Wendy, Chef Chan, CW Ee, Mary, PK Chan, Chong YF. Tey is holding camera.

At that moment, I understood why Chef Chan did not quite agree with my earlier statement that “anyone who can climb Klang Gate Ridge should have no problem in climbing other hills”. Klang Gate Ridge is steep and short in distance much like running a 10km race; whereas Gunung Nuang is like running a full marathon race.

On Sunday 8 April at 6:30 a.m., we stopped for a hearty breakfast at the kampong area en route to Gunung Nuang foothill. At that time, most shops were still not opened yet. Knowing that it would be a long journey, most of us ordered roti canai enriched with eggs and Milo “kaw” (strong) or teh tarik drinks.

Team Members

The group consisted of nine trekkers: Wendy, Tey Eng Tiong and his friend, Chef Chan, Mary, CW Ee, Chong YF and friend (herbal sifu) and yours truly.

After a quick group photo session at the start of the trail, the journey of a thousand steps ahead began with the first step at 7:30 a.m. I was excited at that moment because that trekking trip was planned almost one month in advance.

The mountain guide for this trekking trip was Tey Eng Tiong (pm22). According to him, he has climbed this mountain for countless times. When he took part in the Mount Kinabalu Climbaton two years ago, that was his favourite training ground. The second mountain guide was Chef Chan, who has climbed this mountain numerous times. The group was indeed in the good hands of the experienced trekkers.
Taking a rest to continue with the tough climb
The Terrain

The entire course can be divided into three main sections:
a. from car park to Pondok of Lo Lo River – 1.5 hours
b. start of climb to Camp Pacat passing by Camp Lo Lo – 2 hours
c. steeper climb from Camp Pacat to the Peak – 1.5 hours

The first section was easy as we walked along a wide road meant for vehicles long time ago. Due to soil erosion, this earth-based road is only passable with 4-wheel drive vehicles. The road is gradually sloping upward which was very good for training run.

The mid-section of the course passed by the stream four times. At the lower part, the trail was narrow that overgrown with wild vegetation. Slowly but surely, the steepness of the trail increased. Most of the time, we trekked on the trail of red earth that looked like a water channel or trench. I believe when it rains, the water would be gushing down via the trail and the ground would be slippery hindering movement. Camp Pacat was actually a clearing. Though this spot is literally translated as Leech Camp but we did not find any leech at all – even for the entire trekking trip.
Obstacles along the trail

The third section consisted of steeper slope. This part of the trek was quite windy and cooling due to moderately high altitude. At times, I could feel the pressure was building up in my ears. Towards the last stretch before reaching the peak, the ground was wet and moist, much like Gunung Irau in Cameron Highland. The trail turned into muddy ground with many big rocks blocking the path.
Kem Lo Lo

There was quite a number of camp sites located around this area. With a stream flowing through, that was ideal for camping. One unsightly view was that the camp site was strewn with rubbish! Quite a number of campers were seen camping there. I believe they were having fun watching us crossing the stream precariously trying not to wet the shoes. Nevertheless, a few of the team members stepped into the water.
A group of campers are camping at the Camp Pacat

Kem Pacat

While approaching a clearing, I was surprised to see a banner hanging high up that read: Good Good Mountaineering. I saw a big group of Chinese trekkers were camping there. It was euphoria feeling of meeting other trekkers after having been enveloped for hours in the forest. The feeling was like “all were brothers and sisters”. We happily introduced to them that Tey is a reporter from a local Chinese newspaper. Seeing he was holding a Nikon SLR camera, immediately, I could see them responded with enthusiasm. It was most funny to see Tey promptly gesturing this hand and said coolly: “reporter is at the back” in order to diffuse the focus on him.
Camp Pacat after the campers have vacated the spot. The girl in red is Jean. She came with her friend. She is an avid trekker who has trekked most of the mountains in Malaysia.

I was told by our mountain guide that the clearing was meant for the helicopter to land during emergency situation for Search and Rescue Operation when trekkers were lost in the jungle. With a big group of trekkers occupying the spot, looks like we need another clearing for helicopter.

The Peak
At 12:30 p.m., we reached the peak. It was a clearing measuring about 30 feet by 15 feet with a metal pyramid on one side. On the other end is a small green sign board that read: Gunung Nuang; Summit 1,493 Meters; You Are the Best.
Cheers! "You are the best" Team posing for photo at the peak

As usual, Wendy would set up her mobile gas burner. However, one has to contribute his/her drinking water this time to make hot drink due to the scarcity of water. It would be too heavy a load for her to carry the water for other team members.

That was the only trek that we met many trekkers at the peak and also along the trail. We spent about 45 minutes at the peak having light refreshment that each brought. After a photo session, we started our descent at 1:15 p.m.

The Descent

The descent was much easier and faster. However, to my astonishment, it took almost the same amount of time to return to the foothill, i.e. about 5 hours.

While crossing the stream near Kem Lo Lo, I saw Tey was standing in the stream holding and staring at a plastic bottle. At first glance, I thought he was catching small fish and put in the bottle. Later, when I saw the water in the bottle turned orange colour, then only I realized that he was brewing some secret formula. According to Tey, the secret formula contained minerals plus “kam chuo” (Chinese herbs) that could quench thirst and prevent muscle cramp.

I took the opportunity to clean myself. The water in the stream was chilling that gave me a refresh feeling.
Speical brewing is in progress by Tey at the background

Chef Chan

He was carrying quite a big backpack. With the “kling klong” sound, he could be carrying the cooking utensil and food. He was with me at the last stretch. But I never got to see him reaching the peak. According to one of the trekkers, he encountered leg muscle cramp and decided to descend earlier. Since he climbed with his friends at the same mountain one week earlier, I presume it does not matter whether he reached the peak. Otherwise, we could be having a feast at the peak cooked by a chef from a leading 5-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Mountain Guide

Our gratitude goes to Tey for being the main mountain guide. Tey even double up as the photographer taking photos for all trekkers while we were thick in action negotiating tough and steep terrains. Throughout the journey, one of his hands was holding his SLR camera – readily for action. He has attained the “sifu” (master) skills in maintaining balance during the ascent and descent.
True to the spirit of a committed photographer, he even risked his camera by standing in the stream and continued to take photos while other team members were crossing the stream.
Tey Eng Tiong is a committed photographer; Wendy is crossing the stream

Another commendable effort demonstrated by Tey was that he even brought his compact Canon camera to record video of trekkers when relaxing at the peak. (Note: SLR camera, though huge in size, takes only excellent still frame photos but does not support video recording)

That was the only occasion where I was like a star – I appeared in many of the photos.

Conclusion

We were lucky that the ground was dry and it was a fine weather that day. It was fun though the journey was long.
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Trekking up Gunung Nuang is an excellent training ground preparing one for trekking in Gunung Tahan or Mount Kinabalu. The trek is long enough for tough and endurance training. I also recommend all marathon runners to try Gunung Nuang as cross training. It will strengthen other parts of the leg, which is not able by sheer running on flat ground alone.
All the happy faces

The other good point of this trek is that one can chose whether to trek up to mid-point (Kem Pacat) or to the peak depending on fitness level or availability of time.

By KC