Monday, October 29, 2012

Sedili The Third Time........Well Almost

Our 11 cyclists - the most so far

Hari Raya Haji on 26 Oct 12 was another good oppotunity for our EZriders to enjoy a long ride to Sedili.  We managed to have a big group of 11 cyclists.  Again we have the great support from Tommy and Stanly who provided us with hydration, lunch and peace of mind that someone is supporting us.




10 of us took the ferry


getting the bicycles out from the ferry


Waiting to clear immigration


After clearing immigration we meet our support vehicles and Derek who came by car with Tommy.  After a short briefing, we broke into two groups.  One group will try to reach Sedili and the other group will try to go as far as possible.  In any case, both groups are to turn back latest by 1pm no matter whether they can reach their destination.

After a short breakfast break at Sungai Rengit, we set off to Sedili.

A very rare shade

There's mostly no shade


This time it proved to be a grueling ride for all of us.  The weather was extremely hot and there was a strong head wind.  It was brutal.  We had to pedal very hard and even on downhills we managed to get up to only 30 km/h.


Notice the top right reading?  Yes it reads 40°C


At last the hot weather and head wind proved too strong for us.  We struggled to reach the first beach area, some 30km from Balau.  We were glad to be able to reach the beach area as it was already past our turnaround time of 1 pm.  This was the only place where there were some shade for us to stop for lunch.  We were actually too hot and tired to eat lunch.  Tommy bought packet lunch for us.  We were also told that the other group has already stopped at Balau.  They managed to rest at a makan place.  Although all the stalls were closed, it was a great place to rest and wait for the packet lunch.  In fact some of them even got to take a nap and enjoy the cool breeze.


Nice big place to rest at Balau

With tables and chairs..good place for lunch

Lots of space for the bikes

Best of all....a great place to take a nap


The four who ventured 30 km further

This is the only shady spot for lunch....no tables and no chairs

I'm so hot and tired..how to eat?

Our only reward..... a great view of the beach

One more photo before we head back

After lunch and a bit of rest, we had to force ourselves to start riding back.  It was still extremely hot but luckily there was a bit of tail wind.

After resting at Balau ..... we are refreshed

No sweat...I can run with the bike

We are having a good time



















Since we are back early...lets have some beer to cool down







































After a hard day's ride, it was time for a good meal.




At Good Luck restaurant



Yummy looking pig trotters

The food sure is good

All eyes on the food










Nice refreshing Thai coconut

Prata breakfast




































Waiting for the ferry to take us back home

This was the toughest ride we have ever done.  All of us were tested to the limits.  Overall, it was still a very enjoyable trip.  Once again a big thank you to the support team of Tommy and Stanly.



Photo credits : Dennis, Derek, Jason and Chee Hwee