Temerloh 'Bandar Ikan Patin'

Did you know that Temerloh is known as Bandar Ikan Patin? I looked up and there was this signboard trumpeting this! Wish I could have taken pix. But I was still in shock and awe :P.

Made it to Temerloh

We made it to Temerloh by 5.30pm. Will upload pix when oxygen returns.

End of Day 1

85km Medan Selera Felda Mempaga

110km Spg Kg Bolok

125km Petronas KM10 Jln Karak (3rd stop)

138km Regroup – abandoned petrol station outside Temerloh

150km Hotel Seri Malaysia Temerloh

Ominous

What’s this? My guess – sup ekor sold here. Or it could be tribute to a favorite kerbau. Anyhoo, it’s ominous. Next to the abandoned petrol station

How hot is it here?

The riders must be from another planet like Mercury because it is so hot and they are still at it. How hot is it? From a thermometer in one of the support vehicles it read 38 degrees Celcius.

Take a look at the ground – its parched crust all around. No rain, and the heat from the road bakes you from below, while the heat of the sun roasts you from above.

Get a feel of the hard life. Find a hot seat. Join the Malakoff Charity Ride.

My inner salesperson takes over sometimes.

Desolation Row

Abandoned petrol station outside Temerloh.

Cheesy Pix of the Day

Here’s one of the seriously out of shape blogging team being given a helping hand.

The Leaders, The Pack and Those That Just Won’t Be Left Behind

The Malakoff Charity Ride 2008 has riders of many different levels. But none were left behind. Shakiman battled cramp in both legs on the first day, and kept at it. That says a lot about what you gain from participating.

Bentong

Downhill and a straight stretch – major relief!

After Genting Sempah, which was very green and untouched, aside from the road which will be swallowed by the jungle if left untended for some time, Bentong was a return to semi-urban-ess.

Despite the flatter terrain, there’s more traffic and being very new to biking, its kind of scary.

Lunch Stop Medan Selera Felda Mempaga

This was our lunch stop. The owner, Pn Siti is a canny entrepreneur. I learned a new saying ‘Hujan emas di tempat orang, hujan batu di tempat sendiri’. But Pn Siti is out to prove that it can be profitable to set up shop in your own backyard.

Did you know that a national futsal competition is held yearly in Felda Mempaga. Pn Siti told me that she catered for that event too.

She's serious about making a lasting impression including having a dj, welcome banner, product display and providing karaoke equipment.

The clip of Inul, the famously infamous Indonesian dangdut singer leading a sing along to shake your moneymaker will not be forgotten anytime soon.

The day so far

0 SMK Teknik Gombak
6.5km Muzium Orang Asli
22.1km Genting Sempah
29 km Janda Baik
41.8km Kolam Air Bentong
56km Bentong
85km Medan Selera Felda Mempaga

Up the hill we go

I like this ride because the worst stretch is right at the beginning. Like heading up Genting on narrow winding roads, with deep-ish, dangerous looking falls on your left.

Here’s the bike eye view.

And here’s how it looks when you’re going really fast.

Remember safety first – do not take pix with your mobile phone when riding. I did mine from a moving car.

Aside from the beginning of agony in the thigh muscles this is a beautiful stretch. You need to be hear to appreciate how cool and clean the air is, and the silence aside from the crickets and birds. And the panting of the tiring riders.

Ready, Set and Go

Well we set off about 8.00am.

Ready, set and go.











There's always time for smiles. And a quick sms or is that GPS?












Some prefer the face of determination!











More smiles.












And now to get on my bike and catch up with the rest of them.

Making It Official

YB Iskandar Abdul Samad was a real sport to turn up really early - like 7.00am to officially launch the first leg.

Here he is after giving us a (very) brief pep talk.

And off course there's always time for a group shot. Recognise anyone? Send them a shout out in the comments.

Warming Up

Shahrom lead the riders in a warm up. Graceful, no? Like ballet!

Always check if you're heads on straight.












Warm ups are always a blast because you know what's coming but you do it anyway.

Starting Em Young

Riders, crew and supporters were out in force including the very, very young.

How's this for inspiring the future generation of riders?

What's it like for young children who are orphans? It must be a tough life growing up without parents to care for them.

Last night I spent a few hours explaining to my kids why I wouldn't be around this weekend. One has a concert on Sunday, and the other has viral fever, and neither was pleased that I wouldn't be with them.

Who cares about, worries about and generally nags orphans? I was thinking about nagging this morning...thank you mama.

I'm going to remind my kids that I nag them because I love them.

Here we are at SMK Teknik Gomabk

This is the flag off point, Sekolah Menengah Teknik Gombak.

And another view.

N e r v e s

Right, I'm all set. Packed and counterchecked. Brought a large stock of nerves along. This is my first time in a ride this distance and with a so many riders.