A Challenging Ride to Bentong

“When was the last time that you ride your road bike?” Sri Ganesh, the team lead asked me when we met at the rendezvous point while preparing to start off our riding journey from an orang asli settlement somewhere along the old Gombak road on Sunday 14 Aug 2016 at 7 a.m.

“RHB LEKAS Highway Ride in the 78km category on 30 April 2016,” I replied. And that was 3.5 months ago!

Together with a few RHB Bank colleagues (Philip Wong, Mike Koh, Paul Yap, Chi Yean) and Team NATO cycling group (CK, Lai, etc), I followed the group without knowing where we were going. They are serious cyclists, and that has to be an endurance ride. Since I bought a new Giant bike for the RHB LEKAS ride, I should be OK. That was the first time – after many years – that I followed a group for long distance ride. Most of the time, I was doing trail running and trekking.

A group photo at the mobile drinks station ... Mike (L1), Philip (L2); KC (R1), Paul (R2), Ganesh (R3), Chi Yen (front) ... photo credit Paul Yap; clicking on the photo would display much bigger picture

The Journey 

We were heading towards Genting Sempah R & R (rest and relaxation area) via the old road. This section of the terrain was gradually going uphill all the time. There was very little traffic as the road is narrow and winding, constructed by the side of the mountains with cliff on the opposite end. Certain parts of the road shoulders are wide, but the irresponsible people dumped and burned rubbish there.

Just before arriving at Genting Sempah, there were a few downhill sharp bends, merging with the same traffic where one is coming down from Genting Highlands. Just before the downhill section under a flyover, there was a mobile drinks station doing good business with the bikers who need to replenish their drinks.

After Genting Sempah, it was going downhill all the way until one passed by the junction to Bukit Tinggi (on the left) and Janda Baik kampong (on the right). Certain stretches of the road surface were really rough, and they were long overdue for resurfacing. It sure was a bumpy ride hitting the groan area by the saddle without any shock absorber.

At one downhill sharp bend towards the right, after going into the bend, then only I realised that the road was strewn with sand. Gaining momentum with the downhill, it was a tricky moment as too much steering towards the right side would cause the bike to skid and fall. With a split-second glance to examine the road shoulder, I decided not to continue the steer but went off on a tangent into shrubs and stopped. Luckily, I pulled through without any mishap. Any cornering scattered with sand or cylinder oil would be extremely dangerous that can cause bikers to skid and sustain nasty fall. 

(photo credit: Sri Ganesh)

At Bentong Town

It was a different experience arriving at the market area. One month ago, I was leading a trail running and trekking group for scaling to the peak of Gunung Rajah and we were having our breakfast at Hooi Kee Wan Ton Noodles coffee shop. We came by cars then. At 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, the coffee shop was packed to the brim; so was the entire market area bustling with activities. We have to settle with another coffee shop with lesser people. 

While eating, we were told by the locals that the ais kacang stall which is just down the road (same row as Hooi Kee coffee shop) was better than the Kow Po coffee shop which is famous with ais kacang or chendol topped with ice cream. When I walked to this new discovery, it was packed with locals enjoying the dessert.

(photo credit: Sri Ganesh)

The Returning Journey

The interesting part of cycling is that cyclists always look for hilly terrains for the challenge -- riding on flat road is deemed unexciting. Recognizing that we crossed the mountainous areas, the returning journey with the tired bodies would be tougher in going up the same mountain, from the opposite end. 

Overall it was a fun, challenging, yet tiring and risky journey considering that we have three riders fell on the road that sustained bruises, and two tyres were punctured.

Fact Sheet (courtesy of Sri Ganesh)

Total distance: 108.6km

Moving time: 5 hr 17 min (total time spent was 8 hours)

Elevation gain: 3,609 meters

Posted by KC Leong

Le Tour de Langkawi 2010

Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly (KC).

For a change, I decided to go to KLCC area to take photos of cyclists in action. I have been at Dataran Merdeka for the past few years: the starting and ending of the Kuala Lumpur final circuit of this great event – Le Tour de Langkawi 2010.

This time, the peloton performs only six loops at the Kuala Lumpur circuit circulating between Dataran Merdeka and KLCC. Used to hearing the sound before the vehicles arrive as in Formula 1 races, the arrival of peloton is just in silent mode with blistering speed – pedal by the amazing human power.

It was a tall order trying to include the tall KLCC building in the photos when the cyclists pass by. Many of the photographers are seen lying down trying to capture the whole building as background. It was quite fun to watch these photographers who are so passionate in taking good photos, at times, risking their lives.



I tried lying down to take photos but it is tough as I would need a pillow to support my head. I may then appear in the newspaper for a wrong reason that read "CCC - camera capturing (of photos) in comfort ... :-)

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KLCC as background
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Posted by KC

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Le Tour de Langkawi (LTDL)

Cyclists in white shorts with blue patch (at the vital areas) standing on a podium? Ah Ha! My attention was directed at this photo when reading the Star newspaper on Monday 16 February 2009. Most cyclists wear black shorts and it is indeed refreshing to see them in white (shorts).

When I read the caption, then only I realised that the event was held a day before (Sunday) at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. Aiyo, why there was not much publicity on this event? That was also true that the organizer closed the highways for this event without much publicity. I am glad that I was not caught in the massive traffic jam a few days earlier when the peloton (large main group of cyclists in a road bicycle race) went through the major highways in Kuala Lumpur.

Unlike the previous few years, we could actually follow the various stages and know where the pelotons were when they took part in the Le Tour de Langkawi event. The photographers (Jason Lee, Weng, Chan Wing Kai, CS Wong, Shukri and yours truly) would then wait excitedly for the final stage at Kuala Lumpur and take photos for the event.
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When I checked in the Star newspapers (after the event was over), then only I realized that the reports of this event were overshadowed by the photos of huge, colourful and exciting football games, and the leng lui playing tennis.

Photos from the organizer: click here for 2009 LTDL; Click here for 2008 LTDL.
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Click here for past photos of LTDL taken by Jason Lee, Weng and yours truly (KC) [scroll down the pages].

Posted by KC

The two photos above are extracted from the official website.

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Le Tour de Langkawi 2008

This is the final posting on Le Tour de Langkawi 2008 (ltdl) with photos taken by WENG on Sunday 17 February 2008 at Dataran Merdeka.

Please click here to view 201 photos.

To view complete photo albums of Tour de Langkawi, please click here to take you to Pacesetters Photo Albums, maintains by yours truly.
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Jason Lee and your truly (KC... in blue)

Posted by KC

Part 4 - Le Tour de Langkawi 2008

The cycling journey continues... Part 2 of 2 photo album by courtesy of Jason Lee in the final stage of Le Tour de Langkawi 2008 (ltdl).

Part 2 contains 148 photos. (press Ctrl and click the URL link to open a new browser page)

Stay tune for the album from Weng.

Tomorrow: ABC Nepal Trekking - Last Call.

To the uninformed passers-by, it will be a surprise to see so many cyclists keenly competing with one another
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Maybe the alternative name is Tour de Kuala Lumpur - where they pass by the streets of Kuala Lumpur

Do you realise that the angle of the camera is very much lower?

Well, this is how Jason Lee captures those photos. BRAVO!! For the courageous act... :-) This photo was taken by WENG.
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Yes! We have a winner (in green). I remember seeing one video where the champion, just before crossing the finishing line, raised his hands jubilantly only to fall down and was overtaken by others. Well, in this case, he is the undisputed champion - no surprises!
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Posted by KC

Le Tour de Langkawi 2008 - Part 3

Please click here to view photos by courtesy of Jason Lee in the Stage 9 (Final Stage) of Le Tour de Langkawi 2008 (LTDL) held at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday 17 February.

Part 1 contain 149 photos

Stay tune for Part 2, and photos from Weng.
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An injured person lying on the floor? No, he is a photographer perfecting a dramatic shot.

The streets of Kuala Lumpur is transformed into Tour de France.

Posted by KC

Le Tour de Langkawi - Part 2

Please click here to view Part 2 of photo album (107 photos) taken by yours truly in Le Tour de Langkawi (LTDL).

More photos from Jason Lee and Weng.

Concentration of participants

In single file

The spectators are just a few feet away cheering the cyclists

The Korean Team

The Champions (in their respective categories). Nowadays, cycling pants are in bright, vibrant colours (more exciting) as compared to the conservative black pants.

Posted by KC

Le Tour de Langkawi 2008

Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly (KC Leong) in the Stage 9 (Final Stage) of Le Tour de Langkawi 2008 (LTDL).

Part 1 contain 117 photos

Stay tune for Part 2, and photos from Jason Lee and Weng.

The parade just before the start of The Event.

I went with Jason Lee and Weng on Sunday 17 February; we arrived at Dataran Merdeka at 2 p.m. With the blazing sun, it was really hot.

We walked around and eventually, identified our spot for taking great photos. The problem was, we have to stand there 45 minutes (under the hot sun) before the start of the event at 3:30 p.m.
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It was indeed an exciting event. The cyclists were moving in fast speed - minus the thounderous sound as in Formula One car racing in Sepang Circuit.

There were lots of spectators at Dataran Merdeka. Whenever the cyclists went past, they cheered out loud to give the support.
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The whole race took 1.5 hours to finish. At 4:30 p.m., the sky was cloudy that provided the much needed shade. However, with the excessive clouds, there was a risk that it might rain. Luckily, it did not rain and the race completed smoothly. When we left the scene after prize presentation, it was 5:30 p.m.

In unision: The handles of the cyclists can even form a straight line

The starting and ending of Le Tour de Langkawi - Final Stage

Posted by KC

Le Tour de Langkawi 2007

Please click here to view 168 great photos taken by Jason Lee.

Press F11 key to expand viewing area; press F11 again to return to normal view.
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Date: Sunday 11 February 2007
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Criterium (Dataran Merdeka)


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A Cycling Enthusiast

Would you consider changing the existing standard sports rims of your car to another four new JRD sports rims for more than RM 1,000-00? Read on …

I am glad to know that Wendy of Ipoh will be taking part in the coming Duathlon race on Sunday 23 April. My participation of Duathlon adventure last year was inspired by this young lady. This time, she is taking part in the Individual event – run 10km, cycle 45km, run 5km all by herself. Last year, she was doing the Team Relay event where running and cycling are done by different racers in a team.

She rides her bike (term similar to bicycle) quite often these days in preparation for the Duathlon race. She takes part in long range rides every Sunday in Ipoh for a distance between 50km to more than 100km. Her longest ride at the moment is only 114km with 20 killer climbs in less than a short distance of 25km.

She is using Fuji road racing bike of Roubaix model (as in the photo). This bike is high performance value that is just a blast to ride. It came with Shimano 105 groupset with 9 speeds, high tensile strength alloy, carbon fork, X-Fusion front triangle, Ritchey Comp wheelset, Ritchey handlebar and stem. Welcome to the jargon of racing bike. Now, who say the computer jargon is too much to comprehend?

Maintaining a road-racing bicycle requires constant upgrades to the accessories. So far, she had changed the pedal (Look PP206). Recently, she upgraded the rims to Mavic Ksyrium Elite (www.mavic.com) – much like changing to better sports rims as in cars. With the specially designed aluminum rims, the weight is lighter with better road control; together with the reduced spoke count, the bike can go faster.

This is another sports that can burn bigger hole in our pockets. The two rims alone cost RM2,000 to RM3,000 – probably as expensive as four units of sports rims of cars! As for tyre, she is using the original one – Continental Sport 1000. According to her, it is quite a lower range one but is okay with her since she is not a pro.

Welcome to the Duathlon in Kuala Lumpur: Wendy and your group of cycling friends.

By KC

Le Tour de Langkawi

To view 102 photos taken by KC, please click here.

Stage 10 or the final stage of the cycling race was held on Sunday 12 February 2006 at 3.30pm in Kuala Lumpur. The starting and ending point is at Dataran Merdeka.

I arrived there early at 2pm while CS Wong, a photographic friend was on his way traveled there by taking LRT since the station is near to Dataran Merdeka. This is also to avoid traffic jam due to road closure.

Walking towards the starting area, I could hear the announcement from the huge loudspeakers. Though the race was to start at 3.30pm, there were already huge crowd of spectators at the scene. There were lots of activities involving race officers, photographers, support crew, etc.

The entire area was well cordoned off. To ensure spectators do not run across the path (that would be fatal accident), both sides of the road were erected with cast iron barricade of four feet in height. To cross to the other side of the road meant having to walk a distance away.

I was able to take quite a number of photo shots without any race officers questioning my presence. With the SLR camera and huge telephoto lens, it was like displaying the license prominently to walk around.

It was cloudy with the rain clouds forming, however, it was hot and I was sweating profusely.

Just before the start of the race, there was parade of police riders, mascots and the sponsors. It was indeed a grand event comparable to world-class standard. Of course, compare to those running events, running events look humble and simple.

I was excited to see the top cyclists racing at Kuala Lumpur and I was standing so near to them. All these while, I have to view major cycling events via Internet.

The race was started at 3.30pm as planned. There were 102 cyclists participating in this final stage. All were donning stylish and colourful jerseys. With the tight jerseys and sunglasses, they all looked macho and cool. I guess 95% of the racers were mat salehs; I could not see any Malaysian cyclists.

While in the race, it was amazing that the cyclists followed very closely to the cyclist in front. It was awesome that they negotiate corners at maximum speed. I could not imagine if the racers in front were falling down. The racers at the back would sure ram into them; that would be quite a mess.

The drizzle started at 4pm and the race was still continued. I actually fear for the safety of the racers. When the road is wet by drizzle, there would be a thin film of oil on the road surface. Negotiating corners at maximum speed would be uncontrollable when the driving wheel hit the oil. A few minutes later, it was reported that two cyclists fell down. At 4.15pm, the rain was getting heavy and eventually, the race was stopped.

The announcer was saying: “Not only that the racers have to compete among themselves, they have to overcome the forces of nature.”

I was waiting in the tent seeking for shelter while watching the big TV screen to view the latest updates.

While there was still slight drizzle, I left the scene at 5pm. Walking to my car, I began to feel the tireness and stiffness in my legs muscle after a 30km training run this morning with Meng, Weng and LimFW.

Note: there will be no posting on Tuesday. Not free on Monday evening.

By KC

Cycling Passion Revival

I was analysing why I encountered sleepless night on the eve of recent Johor Duathlon race and the profound feelings lingered on even a few days after the race.

For my maiden attempt at the Lumut Duathlon on 15 May 2005, it was even more bizarre: three days before the race, I felt dizzy and was given half a day medical leave to rest. But on the race day, I was perfectly okay. Penguin-3, who went to the Lumut Duathlon with me, can attest that.

So on two occasions, the symptoms showed there were tensions before the race and pleasant feelings after the race.

On the eve of Johor Duathlon, though I was sleeping on a firm and silky smooth bed in a comfortable hotel room equipped with air-conditioning, it did not help. I woke up every two hours to check the time passed.

After more than 48 hours of deep thoughts and self-analysis, I somewhat found the answer as follows. It is similar to those artificial intelligent robots that diagnose problem themselves through DIY.

Childhood Days
During my childhood days, I spent most of my years running around the entire neighbourhoods with Tang Chee Loon as the Team Lead. He is now a marathon runner with one of the Johor running clubs. Back then, we went fishing at the nearby rivers, catching fighting-fish at the padi fields, flying kites during windy months, going to the nearby rubber estates for some outdoor quests, etc. Most of the times, it involved riding bicycle.

At that time, there were no BMX bicycles and no mountain bikes, just the normal Phoenix branded bicycle made from China. Since there was no gear system, we have to push the bicycles whenever we cycled up hills. And when the bicycle was taken up by the family members, we just made do with whatever bicycle: we even have to ride those black, heavy and huge bicycles meant for carrying goods. It was really a test of manoeuvring skills.

There was one day when I saw a teenage boy riding a racing bicycle with gears system (only three gears!). I was captivated by the machine and I said to myself that one day I would own one. Yes indeed, I owned one. With the advent of technology, my entry-level racing bicycle comes with 18 gears. And now I am into the Duathlon racing circuit.

No Speed Limit
Imagine buying a car with big engine capacity able to do 200km per hour only to be restrained by the speed limit of 110km. However, in cycling race, you can go as fast as you want to your heart’s content, and the authority would not issue you any summon. So, while on the racing bike, I have the “I want to break free” feeling. Obviously, I wish that I could cycle as fast as Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Le Tour de France champion.

Hearing My Name
I must admit that the Duathlon race is the only race in Malaysia where the organizer, Quick Release Adventures, take the trouble to announce your name when you were finally approaching the finishing line.

Two hundreds meters to the finishing line, I heard it loud and clear over the speakers that: “Number 170 from Pacesetters Kuala Lumpur Penguin Runner, KC Leong.” Well, that was the sweetest statement that I have ever heard. The power of that announcement lifted me up. The last 200 meters were run in the most effortless and blissful manner. At that moment, whatever complains on leg pain was just vanished.

It would be the icing on the cake if there was followed by big round of applauses. Since Malaysians are so busy, the moment that mission was accomplished, most of them left. Obviously, there were insufficient masses to generate the audible clapping sound. I think my profound feeling would double if the organizer could play those pre-recorded applauses. Just like those fire-crackers sounds played through the loudspeakers during the Chinese New Year festive seasons.

By Penguin-1 :-))