Guning Lambak

The twin peaks of Gunung Lambak

The Seven Climbers at the 800M point

On 18 May 2013, Tommy brought seven of us to Kluang to climb Gunung Lambak.  We thought that the climb should be quite a relaxing one considering it is not that much higher than Bukit Timah.  However Gunung Lambak presented us with a greater challenge.

The initial part of the climb was easy and scenic.

The starting point

Nice Stream

Nice easy trail....climbers in good spirit

At the 800M point

Raymond showing us the route to take

It was after this point that the real climb began. The terrain became tough. Some parts were quite steep, but fortunately there were ropes to assist our climb.  All of us did not expect to see this kind of terrain and gradient of the slope. 

It is steeper than it looks in the photo

some parts need the help of ropes

Stop and pose for the camera

Are we there yet?

Finally we reached the peak

Although we experienced some difficulties, we managed to reach the peak. As the terrain caught us by surprise, we did not have enough time to climb the second peak.

View from the peak

The locals say this is an elephant foot print

The next morning, we managed to climb the second peak.   The second peak was a disappointment though as there wasn't any views at all.  In fact it just ended at at dead end.

At the second peak



No view at the peak

Overall it was a good training climb for Mount Kinabalu.  We all agreed that it was well worth the trip to Kluang and we all enjoyed it very much.  A second trip there should be in the pipline soon.

Thanks to Tommy for recommending and bringing us to Gunung Lambak.

Photo credits : Dennis

Ride for Rations 2013

We have six EZ Riders who have signed up for this charitable cause.

The ride will be from Malacca to Singapore on 6 & 7 July 2013.

The objective is to raise funds that would provide a substantial amount of monthly rations to needy families as identified by Sunlove Neighbourhood Links, which is a project set up by Sunlove Abode for Intellectually Infirmed Ltd (commonly known as Sunlove Home), an organization registered under the Charities Act.

Most of the residents include: senior citizens; having no sources of income; suffer from and, or are recovering from medical and intellectual infirmities; and are dependent upon minimal financial help and handouts to cover rental, conservancy, electricity and basic food.

Each cyclist has to pay S$250 for all the expenses for this trip.  In addition each cyclist has to raise a minimum of S$500 which will go entirely towards the purchase of the monthly rations.  The target this year is to support 250 families and to raise at least S$220,000.

This is definitely a worthy cause for all of us.  Please help us achieve this target.  

You can approach any one of the participating riders should you want to make a donation.  

Thank you.


The six riders are: Victor, Raymond, Chee Hwee, Dennis, BC and Chee Hua.

Another adventurous ride to Sedili

Our group, consisting of 4 guys have targeted our destination at Balau, whilst the ladies group of 3 to Sg Rengit and the 1^st group of 5 to Sedili. This arrangement was well planned prior to our departure from Changi Point. Upon reaching Sg Rengit and after further instructions were given to the ladies, the 1^st group resumed their ride to Sedili. It was quite some time before the support vehicles appeared and the 2^nd group moved off towards Balau.

The morning sun was soothing, quite cloudy with slight wind which we took it as an advantage and an opportunity to ride faster but not speeding, hopefully to reach our destination earlier, but as the hours passed, the weather became hotter. Fortunately we were mentally prepared for the hot weather and that change in temperature did not affect us very much. The 1^st group was no where in sight, probably they were 30km to 40km ahead of us and that did not bother us as our destinations were different. 

Even though this was not our first ride on this route, while cycling and looking ahead, far beyond the horizon, the steep road reaching towards the sky is always testing our mental attitude and endurance. If both or either is weak, it will sap our energy and make it very difficult to reach our destination. We overcame this misconceived perception and we journeyed on.

Within our group it is quite normal that it was split into 2 smaller groups, with Victor and myself leading, Soh and Tham behind. Two of us had about 2 stops for rest and quenching our thirst before we reached Balau. That’s where John came along to provide us with some water and bananas and at the same time, informed us that Tham had a punctured tyre. 

Tham's bike minus the punctured tire

Soh & Boon Hiang helping to change the tube

Both of us have a long rest while waiting for Soh and Tham. Finally they came and four of us did enjoy a peaceful rest especially in a shaded area away from the sun. We did not wait for Tommy to deliver our lunch as the resting place also served as a food centre. We had our lunch there.

 

Riding back to Sg Rengit was similar as coming, climbing uphill and worst, under the scorching sun. Victor and I made it back by 3.00 pm. We were told that Tham got cramps about 10km from Sg Rengit and both he and Soh came back later. We had a good rest while waiting for the 1^st group to return.

Adventures are challenges defying the odds, and adventurers pace with challenges all the time. It can be rightly said that our group are the adventurers and knowing what lies ahead, we have the mental attitude, endurance, perseverance and energy to accomplish our mission. 

 Written by Raymond

A Tough Grueling Ride !!!

The Twelve Cyclists



A Good Friday weekend is a good opportunity for another long ride to Sedili Besar. On 29 Mar 13, we managed to gather twelve riders and two support vehicles.  The plan was, the ladies will cycle to Sungai Rengit, four guys will ride to Balau and five guys will attempt to ride to Sedili Besar.

The twelve of us took the ferry at changi point to Pengileh Jetty and started our ride to Sungai Rengit. As there was a huge traffic jam at the causeway, our support vehicles did not arrive early as planned.

At Sungai Rengit, the three ladies waited for the support vehicles while the first and second group continued to ride northward. The first group will head to Sedili Besar while the second group targets Balau.

Fortunately, there were some clouds and haze and the weather was not as hot as we had expected.

There were much development slightly after we passed Ramunia. There were heavy trucks and alot of earth works which made certain parts of the road dusty and muddy as the workers sprayed water to clear the earth from the road.

As we moved along, the weather became hotter and hotter. When we reached the Desaru circus, the support vehicle had not arrived and we carried on, with our water running low. Eventually, Tommy's support vehicle, with Karin and Lim, arrived and replenished our liquids.

With our support team - Tommy, Lim and Karin

All smiles when the support arrived

Bananas to replenish our energy

Karin and Lim, hard at work distributing bananas and drinks

With our subsequent climbs and the hot hot weather, the casualty starts. BC had to get into John's support vehicle due to suspected heat exhaustion and did not want to take a chance.  As John's car did not have a rack, Boon Hiang took over his bike and rode for about 5km to meet us and Tommy's vehicle at the beach car park. At the car park, we loaded BC's bike onto Tommy's car and the remaining 4 riders proceeded to Sedili besar.



I cannot carry on

Boon Hiang took over and rode BC's bike here

With the two support vehicles

One good shot before the bike goes on the rack

Preparing the rack

Yes, that's my bike on the rack

OK, top up your water and let's go

After lunch at Sedili Jetty, the 4 of us began our journey back to Sungai Rengit. The sun was scorching hot and the road was emitting heat which sapped our energy.

As we began our climbs again, more casualties, as Dennis and Chee Hwee felt that they did not feel very well to push on. In the mean time, Tommy had left to pick up Tham who was suffering from cramps. He decided to send both BC and Tham back to Rengit then come back to support us.

When we found a good shade, Dennis and Chee Hwee decided to wait for Tommy's vehicle. At that point we were about 50 over km away from Rengit and the plan was to have Tommy bring them forward by 30km.

While they waited, the remaining 2 of us rode on. Our intention was to meet Tommy on the way, replenish our water and ask him to pick up the 2 riders waiting for him. We also thought about having Tommy bring us forward after he had transported Dennis and Chee Hwee.

By the time we met Tommy, we had already passed Balau.  We topped up our water and after letting them know where to pick up the 2 riders, we continued our ride.

We kept plodding along and did not stop to rest as Jason was feeling the cramps coming on and decided that if we kept going at an easy pace without stopping, he should be able keep the cramps at bay.  Once we passed all the slopes and had only 20 km left, we decided to ride all the way back.  Tommy finally arrived with the 2 riders shortly and the 4 of us rode the rest of the way back to Rengit.

After 9 hours and 45 minutes, it was pure joy and relieve when we reached our hotel.  It was also great to be greeted by the rest of the team.  The second group had completed their ride more than 2 hours earlier.

It was definitely the toughest ride we ever had and one that had the most casualties.  It was also good that all of us came back safe and sound.  In the words of Dennis, "we should know our body and know when to call it quits and live to ride another day."

We have to thank Tommy, John, Karin, Lim and Boon Hiang for their wonderful support.  They kept us well hydrated, helped to ferry the casualties and, most importantly, kept us safe.

The day ended on a high note as we celebrated Chee Hwee's birthday at the seafood restaurant.

Happy birthday to you...Happy birthday to you....



I've not cut a birthday cake for a long time

Lim helping to cut and distribute the cake

At the hotel

One more photo before we leave Sungai Rengit

Photo credits:  Dennis and Karin