Team Everest Base Camp

The article below appears in The Star newspaper today, Thursday 7 May 2009 – Metro Sports Page M26.
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Click here for article in The Star Online

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By NG WEI LOON
The Star Newspaper Reporter
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14 Raring to Trek up to Everest Base Camp
They are lining up at least one outstantion excursion a month as part of preparations

"Our aim is to complete the outing on a perfect note as a group" - Quote by Team Lead, KC Leong
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The clear blue sky and scenic view along the way are the key attractions driving a group of local adventure enthusiasts to head up to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal in October.

Despite the strenuous physical demands of preparing for their upcoming vacation, a total of 14 climbers, including five women, are game for the 17-day trip.

As part of their preparation, group leader KC Leong said they were lin­ing up at least one outstation excur­sion a month.

So far, they have visited four loca­tions - Gunung Irau in the Cameron Highlands, Pine Tree Trail in Fraser's Hill, Gunung Nuang in Hulu Langat and Gunung Angsi in Seremban.

"We will be trekking for a mini­mum of six hours a day over 13 days to reach the Everest Base Camp at 5,500m above sea level. We need to maintain a regular cardiovascular fitness routine to improve on endur­ance. The air will be getting thinner after the 4,000m altitude mark and it is crucial to avoid mountain sick­ness.

"The element of uncertainty will add excitement to the occasion.”

"But, it would be an anti-climax and demoralizing to the group if someone was forced to give up before getting to the destination. Our aim is to complete the outing on a perfect note as a group," he added.
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Scenic view: The group enjoying the scenery along the Bukit Tabur course.(Note: photos are extracted from The Star Online)
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Bukit Tabur (or Klang Gate Ridge) in Taman Melawati has been the favourite spot for their weekly gathering and bonding ses­sion.

"The location offers two options. We could either negotiate the hill offering the scenery of the dam or tackle the course to the orchard.

"It is a good training ground with gradual climbs for the beginners to overcome their fear of heights. The course could be dangerous with several tricky spots and the more seasoned campaigners are attempt­ing to educate the newcomers and create awareness of the safety measures," said KC Leong, who holds a personal best of 3 hr 51 min in marathon.

The IT department senior manager was also part of the victorious RHB Bank side that captured back-to-back wins in the corporate Rat Race in 2005 and 2006.

After picking up an injury on his right heel from his participation in a series of races over the 42km distance, KC Leong switched to trekking at the end of 2006 for a lower-impact physical pursuit to allow the injury to heal.

Gradual climb: The group tackling the tricky trail at Bukit Tabur.

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In the past two years, KC Leong has trekked up to Cho La Pass and the Annapurna Base Camp, in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

"Currently, I do not run beyond the half marathon (21km) distance. Social runners are very competitive are very competitive in chasing their personal best times. Trekking is a different experience because we can do it at a more leisurely pace and foster a relationship with others who share a common interest,” KC Leong said.

Those interested in joining the group can call 012- 266 8166 (KC Leong).
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Click here to read previous postings on photo-shoot at Bukit Tabur.
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Click here to read all previous postings on Everest Base Camp trek.

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Posted by KC