Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009

PCC, Your Perfect Cycling Companion

A Note from the Editor This issue

Note from the Editor P1
What a weekend it was, be it if you were recce’ing, playing The week ahead M+D P2
mud or just melting rubber on tarmac, it was full of activities. The week ahead T+G P3
The week that was P4
The Roadies continue to crank out the miles as they whacked Interstate 2009 P7
out Bentong with another very interesting ride coming up this
Upcoming Events P8
weekend. I’m even tempted to join them, but blasting past in
Spare wheels project P9
a bike weighing twice as much with rubber 3 times as wide
wouldn’t be too flattering. So I guess, I’ll just stick to Club membership P9
recce’ing for the Presidential coming up in June. Pedal to Crank: The Interviews P10

Muddies went in two separate groups on the weekend, one

hitting the first ride + camp for the year, and the other
working out more ways to make Presidential more enjoying
for all. Heeding requests to make it easier on the legs and
lungs this year, we decided to add a few more hills in.
Looking at the Telemung ride photos, didn’t the news report a
croc around that area a while back?

All in all...enjoy your rides, and don’t forget Earth Hour at

8:30pm this Saturday. Should be an interesting hour, I
wonder how many January 2010 babies we will have next
year...

Ed

Contributions this week

Articles
Malcom Beaumont / Yellow Manta

Photos/Images
James Yap / Jon Zafrul / Bok
/Malcom B
 Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009

The week ahead – M + D Sunday ride 29 March 2009

Mud + Dirt by The English Nose

This weekend, we’re heading from Kajang Perdana over the hill
towards Nirvana memorial park, but avoiding the actual park as it
will be busy with all the Ching Ming.

Starting at the good old Kajang Perdana Shop lots and doing some
of the old Presidential loops, be prepared for a good hill climbing
session.

Date: 29 March 2009

Time: 7:30am
Meeting Place: Phoenix Toll on the Cheras Expressway, Kajang-bound. Pay toll and park by the roadside for
convoy to Kajang Perdana at 7:45. Those who know the place can meet us there at 8:00am.
Park outside 7 Eleven. Ride starts from here.

Route Details: A combination of single tracks, plantation tracks and forest trails and a bit of tarmac. There’s 1
gruelling hill to conquer with a fantastic view at the top. Some of the downhill sections can be
quite rocky so beware. Suitable for all level of riders as long as you are fit. Bring 3-litre water
packs and plenty of titbits.

Ride Leader/Contact: Pete (012 227 4443)

Upcoming M+D Rides

Date Ride Distance

29 March Kajang Perdana or KLMBH @ BTP 23km

5 April Sg. Pusu 25km

12 April No ride

19 April Earth Day at KDCF – trail opening

 Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009

The week ahead – T + G Sunday rides 29 March 2009

Tar + Grime by The Don

Leaping for Air in Pee Dee...
Single-filed riding when we leave MTDC. Roads are narrow and quite a few
cars. But it should taper off once we turn right. From Lukut to Kopitiam,
traffic will be moderately heavy, so please ride single-filed & predictably.
Remember to bring spare tubes, a hand pump, tyre levers, 2 water bottles
(loaded w hydrating salts), muesli / energy bars, money, & handphone. Sun
block is recommended. It’s gonna be hot so do come prepared. Remember,
it’s a self-supported ride.

Date: 29 March 2009

Time: 7:15am (please be ready by 7am)
Start/End: Bangi MTDC car park to Kopitiam in front of Le Paris Hotel, Port Dickson

Route Details: Mostly flattish secondary roads before Salak Tinggi with low vehicular presence. Salak Tinggi
Petronas will be our first regrouping and refuelling point. After Salak Tinggi, expect some climbs
as we head on to Lukut town. Lukut is our second regrouping point, and after that we shall ride in
a group to our destination. We will refuel at the Kopitiam before starting on the return trip. It’s
not an easy ride by any means. Fitness-challenged riders should opt to turn back at Salak Tinggi
town. 45km / 125km.

How to get there: Take the KL-Seremban Highway , exit at Bangi toll. Go straight past first roundabout, turn right at
next roundabout and make a right at traffic light junction. MTDC carpark is about 500metres
from the junction on the right. Park there outside the security booth.

Ride Leader/Contact: Don Chan (017-883 0538)

 Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009Impromptu
/ Issue Number: 433-12-2009
Saturday M + D rides

Spare Parts Choy with his ever willingness to ride, be it morning, noon AND night will be taking calls with his mistress
Rachel from the Yeti Clan by his side, he would certainly ride anything and everything as often as he can. So contact him
for the Saturday Goodness at +60123955255. All levels and ride suggestions are always welcomed.

Weekday T + G rides

TUESDAY NIGHT SPECIAL – TAMAN TUN (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)

Ride distance: 25km (TTDI – Damansara Heights – TTDI) NO HELMUT
Time: 830pm (check in 15mins before)
Meeting place: In front of KSH (Taman Tun Dr Ismail) NO RIDE
Contact person: Kevin (012 354 7181)

THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE – NEW (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)

COMPULSORY TAIL Ride distance:
Time: 700pm (70km) / 830pm (35km)
LIGHTS FOR ALL Meeting place: Putrajaya Mosque Car park
Contact person: Vong 016 287 2066
NIGHT RIDERS Ride Guideline: Well maintained flat to undulating roads.
Objectives: Improving endurance,leg strength and road bike skills (eg.
Drafting technique, signalling, road safety)

The week that was (22 March 2009) – T+G

BENTONG OR BUST by Malcom B

Its Sunday again, so that means up at the crack of dawn and
another ride with PCC! It’s now a couple of months since I have been
riding with this jolly bunch and I am now getting more comfortable
riding with a group of 50 or more. Over the last couple of weeks I have
successfully managed 100+ km rides, including last week’s 130 km
marathon. So I thought this shouldn’t be too bad. After all I have
already cycled up to Genting Sempah and down the other side so I felt
pretty confident. However on my last outing up this monster climb I
had turned round at the swimming hole so my total journey was only
80 km. More of this later.
Anyway we all assembled at the AWE and Don had us all up and cycling
just after 7.15. It was a beautiful cool morning; just right for tackling the
ascent that I knew was coming. It was great to get into the forest and
start the climb. My legs felt good so I managed quite a pace for me, but
boy! By the time you get to the 19km mark you know you are tackling a
big one. I kept grinding away and eventually was very relieved to see
the cluster of bikes and chattering riders at the top. A quick break and
then it was off again on the 35 km sprint to Bentong. Still nice and cool
but with the sun shining now this was a very pleasant trip - even had
time to gaze around at the lovely scenery, such a contrast from the city
which we had left only 30 km behind.
Managed to stick with a group and the kilometres whizzed by, past the
swimming pool in no time and on to Bentong, downhill all the way and
pushing the big chain ring! We made it in good time and headed for the
Shell station for some much needed refreshment. Had a good break
and a munch and it was time to start the journey back – only 35 km up
to Genting Sempah, no worries! A nice ride back for the first 15 km or
so, nothing too strenuous, following the river and again very pretty. It’s
a great feeling to be sucking in all that fresh air while managing to keep
cool and keeping up a steady pace. Then we started slowly winding our
way back up the hill still knocking off the kilometres, but I had forgotten
how steep it was to get as you climb and by the time I had ridden 85 km
I was pretty well out of gas and needed to have a rest. I still have to
learn to pace myself on the hills in the midday Malaysian sun! Only 4
km from the top but it seemed an awfully long way still to go. This is
where Don and a few others stopped and gave me some
encouragement and assistance, including a good drenching near the
top where the water tap is (this diatribe is the payoff!). The cool
mountain water felt so good! So I finally limped into the Petronas
garage for another refuel. Now I know I only had one hill to climb and
then a 23 km cruise home. That proved a little tricky and required a bit
of walking but eventually I made it to the very top.
The final ride home was then great, there is nothing like belting down a
hill that you have already climbed knowing you won’t have to tackle it
again, at least until next time!! So we finally made it back to the AWE
and the nasi goreng never tasted better. So another great day for those
that like punishing themselves, and no doubt I will be back again to
master the run to Bentong (and back!!) – MB
 Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009
The week that was (21 / 22 March 2009) – M+D

We broke camp at 10 the next morning and commenced pushing our

Telemung Ride-n-Camp by The Yellow Manta
Date: 21-22 Mar 2009 bikes up the deeply rutted first 500m. The wreckage of a truck was
Weather: Couldn’t be better! there for all to see, 2 of its doors could still be seen 20 or 30ft down a
Ride distance: 15km one-way ravine next to the waterfall. Apparently it was climbing out from the
Elevation gain: 1500ft campsite when it toppled over the side of the trail and into the ravine!
Trail condition: Wet mostly & muddy in last section Nobody was badly injured but we understand the owner had since
Campsite: sworn off 4x4!
Happy campers: Pete, Simon, Fong, Bok, Albert, Vincent Lim & son,
Lam, Leong, Jon, Nagai-san, James Yap, Danny and At the start of the descent, I warned all the first timers to take it easy,
Andrew.
especially on the steeper and rocky sections. More so when conditons
Hikers: James Bak, Ivan, Annie, Demi, Soh & Selina.
Day tripper: Yong were slippery. Albert drew first blood when he skidded sideways on a
loose sandy descent. Fortunately nothing serious except for some cuts
and bruises. Nagai-san wasn’t so lucky. He had no more rear brakes
If you pit the two legs of a hiker against the efficiency of a
27-speed MTB and the might of a hardcore 4x4, where the elevation (pads completely worn) when he hit a rocky descent, slipped into a rut,
gains in excess of 1,500ft, who do you think will make it first to the squeezed the front brakes a little too hard and endo’d. We were told
waterfall at the end of a 15km trail? A 4x4? Nah. A MTB? Not even he needed 7 stitches to close a deep cut on his right hand but
close. Last Sat, our hiking friends beat us bikers to the waterfall by otherwise nothing broken. At least he now has the perfect excuse to
more than an hour! buy a new bike…. We wish him a speedy recovery!

I could blame the slowness of the MTB’ers on the fact that we all had a All in all, it was a perfect holiday, thanks to the fine weather we had.
heavy pack to carry on our shoulders. At least 30lbs extra weight for
Now everyone is looking forward to the next ride-n-camp. Vincent Lim
each of us. Make that 100lbs each for Vincent Lim and Lam! Being the
novices that they were to bike camping, they had brought their whole has promised not to bring his kitchen sink next time. He knows better
kitchen sink along! But then again, the hikers were carrying equally now….
heavy packs. Actually it boiled down to the fact that the trail had at
least four or more horrendous climbs where we all had to get off and
walk. And of course it helped that you didn’t have a bike to push too. It
helped the hikers too that they drove and park their trucks at least 5km
further into the trail….

We started our ride from the grounds of Chow Kai Peng Enterprise just
about 10am, half an hour ahead of schedule. The first 3km to the
trailhead was on tarmac which was perfect for a good warm up.
Fortunately or unfortunately, another 2km of the trail are now tarred
st
all the way to the 1 orang asli village. So this helped us gain more
time. Overhead we had a cloudy sky. Perfect!

We made good progress, stopping intermittently only to let 3 4x4s to

pass us which we overtook again and again when they came upon
obstacles like deep ruts and huge rocks which posed no problem to us
bikers at all.

Yong and I were the first to reach the campsite after our happy hikers.
There were no one else there so we booked the whole island for
ourselves. As before, Danny came in the evening but this time he had
the company of James Yap and Andrew. But horror of all horrors, they
told us that they passed a convoy of more than 20 4x4s, all headed in
our direction! And when they eventually reached the campsite, they
provided us with great entertainment watching them struggling to get
the 4x4s one by one across the river and to get to the campsite on the
other side of the river. It was amazing how they could get all 22
vehicles into the site which when lighted at night looked exactly like a
pasar malam in the jungle, all with gen set and karaoke…. But thankfully
they were not loud or noisy to the extent of being annoying.

At night, we were thankful for a sky full of twinkling stars. As usual our
President and official firestarter Ivan had a great campfire going while
we sat around drinking whiskey and brandy and talking cock until close
to midnight. And boy, was it freezing cold that night! Guess the
temperature were just in the high teens…
Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009

The week that was (22 March 2009) – M+D

 Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009

IS 2009

Yes, Tar & Grime’s biggest event is drawing near! The Interstate 09 : Seremban- Gemas- Gunung Ledang- Melaka.
It’s gonna be different. It’s gonna be challenging. It’s gonna have something for everyone.

And it’s only 64 days left to go…..

IMPORTANT POINTS
1. FULL PAYMENT OF RM 350.00 is required, regardless of who’s friend you are or whether you show more
leg than the other guy.
2. Return bus ride on Monday 4th of May 2009, please ADD RM 50.00 extra to your payment. No extra
money, no seat.
3. Latest registration date is the 31st of March 2009, or when we have reached our MAX participants.

HOW TO REGISTER AND PAY

1. I only deal with 0s and 1s. I download everything. We’ve uploaded it to 2 servers for your convenience.
- http://www.pcc-cycling.freeservers.com/IS2009_Form.pdf
- http://www.goforth.com.my/IS2009_From.pdf

2. I haven’t bought the Internet, so I need a hardcopy (you can submit your filled forms and $ to these guys
too)
- Bike Pro in Taman Megah (+603 7805 1989) – Tan Boon Foo
- KSH in Taman Tun, KL (+603 7727 5173) – Leong

3. I only own a fax machine, live too far away and haven’t bought the Internet, plus I don’t like Boon Foo or
Leong.
- Go to the bank, and bank the money into the account stated on the form.
- Fax the deposit slip (write your name on it) AND the fully filled out form to +603 9221 1899

If you have any queries, please forward them to Dennis Soh(016-212 2696), Ivan Chan(012-379 2979) or Don
Chan(017-883 0538). There will be limited places due to hotel constraints, so we do encourage you to confirm your
saddle time with us ASAP.
possible. It’s first-come, first-served basis, so do hurry.
 Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009

IS 2009 - Update

Accomodation on 30 April 09 at Klana Resort Seremban

This will be the starting point of Interstate 09. Cars will be parked here in the hotel carpark. The bus
from Melaka will drop off participants here upon the completion of IS09 on May 4th.

Please be advised we have managed to book some rooms at the above hotel at special rates for PCC members for
the eve of IS09.

A double-bed room is RM161 nett, excluding breakfast. Extra beds will be additional. Please call Dennis Soh at 016-
212 2696 or email him at thsoh76@yahoo.com to book your rooms with him.

Please make payments to:

"Soh Tze Hong" Maybank Berhad A/C No : 114133088434 and fax deposit slips to 603-9221 1899.

Please indicate your name & contact details on fax.

Link to Hotel website: http://www.klanaresort.com.my/html/intro.html

Map to hotel: http://www.klanaresort.com.my/html/map.html

Please direct any questions you may have to Dennis Soh at the above hp no. Thanks.

Upcoming Events

Are you ready to rumble?

The 2009 'Rumble in the Jungle" KLMBH EPIC is here.

35km of heart stopping, action packed fun and quality Kampung, Palm and Rubber trails. Three
completely new sections in Batang Kali and Ulu Renning. 100% ride-able trails and climbs hard
enough to test the strong.

Hares : Ying How, Scott Roberts, Ai Ling, Reme, Paie, Ajis

Date : Sunday 26 April 2009

Time : 9:30am

Location : Batang Kali to Ulu Renning and back.

http://klmbhash.ning.com/events/klmbh-2009-epic-bash-176

http://fakawitribe.com/home/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=29&func=view&id=9044&catid=51

http://www.facebook.com/editevent.php?success=1&picture=&eid=57679861724&new=&m=1#/event.php?eid=57679861724&ref=nf
 Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009

Spare Wheels Project

Your friends have heard you rant about the drops and
the endos and have seen the breathtaking scenery
from your flickr, Facebook and not to forget the fridge
door photos.
They finally want to get off their bum and join you for
a ride but running behind you, sitting on your top tube
or dinking them are probably not the best ways for
them to experience it with you. Of course, he/she
could be shit hot, then no one would probably say
anything.
In all SERIOUSNESS, if you have someone who wants
to join us for a ride, please do not hesitate to drop us
a line and we WILL do our best to get them a bike for
the next suitable ride. Take note that there will be a
$15.00 charge to cover expenses such as ferrying the
bike around, washing it and of course its ongoing
maintenance.

In any regards, PCC has the SPARE WHEELS PROJECT

underway. Currently made up of generous owner's
bikes, they are available for people to borrow and
ride. Some of them have been ridden more than the
village…er…never mind. They've been ridden a lot.

Boon Foo has recently offered his assistance to put

Rob (012 6191 308) / Peter (012 227 4443) /
together a few hard tails, and together with what we
have now, we should be able to cater for height Alvin (012 3070 830) / Adrian (012 383 2618)
ranging from Snow White's pals to the Yang Mings
who want to give this ago.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL US AT THE 11th HOUR ASKING FOR A BIKE. ALLOW 2 DAYS NOTICE MIN

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Be a member of PCC. Sign up at our site at http://pcc-

cycling.freeservers.com by downloading the form and mail the
Membership is FOC, no subscription fee. All
completed form to pcc_news@yahoo.com. or sign up by that is required is your commitment to Ride!!
simply joining our yahoo groups site at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pcc_newsletter which also (bicycles that is…) Welcome onboard and
automatically subscribes you to our weekly newsletter Spokes
n Nipples. have fun.
The ‘Spokes & Nipples’ is the official newsletter of the Pedalholics Cycling Club. Unofficially, it’s the medium by which members and regulars will ‘kay
poh’ amongst themselves! Target is to publish it every Wednesday but do not be surprised if you receive it only on Thursday or, worse still, Friday. After
all, we got another job to tend to which unfortunately demands more priority from us.

We welcome ride stories and articles from everybody as well as your feedback but do try to submit them to us at pcc_news@yahoo.com before noon
each Wednesday; otherwise we’ll pin the blame on you if the newsletter is delayed! And of course, like they always say, we may edit all articles
submitted for publication. Just to make sure you say nice things we like to hear! The ‘Spokes & Nipples’ is distributed via the eGroups.com portal. If
this newsletter has come to you unsolicited and it irks you like heck, please unsubscribe through the address listed below. Otherwise, we welcome you
with open arms and legs to our little circle and, most of all; we look forward to riding with you!

Group URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pcc_newsletter PCC Website: http://pcc-cycling.freeservers.com

Group Email Address: pcc_news@yahoo.com PCC Forum: http://pcccycling.forumup.com
To subscribe: pcc_newsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com PCC on Facebook: PCC Malaysia Group
To unsubscribe: pcc_newsletter-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
 Weekly Newsletter – 25 March 2009 / Issue Number: 433-12-2009

PEDAL TO CRANK – Get to know your PCC Riders....

Tey Kiat Hong

After taking some time off, Kiat Hong is now back as one of the now regulars at PCC’s M+D rides. Fuelled by
determination, sustained by stubbornness to give up, she’s one of the girls that certainly doesn’t mind mud on the face
instead of blush and mascara. Here’s a little bit about her...

1. When did you start riding and who got you involved?
Can’t really remember when..I think I was brainwashed sometime in year 2004 by my outdoors gang
from FYC.

2. Why did you start riding?

It started out as one training session for the AXN urban race. Later, we decided to try mountain biking for
real instead of cycling on the road. Then, we suffered some permanent brain damage-which is why I’m
still riding after 2 young kids and 1 big one.

3. Why do you continue to ride?

Aside from the brain damage, you mean? I did stop riding for 2-3 years during my stint as a ‘baby factory’.
After a lot of encouragement from my factory ‘materials supplier’ and a desire to relive the good old days,
I started biking again.

4. What (or who) do you ride now ? (i.e MTB / Road or both). Give us the juicy details of your ride...
Now I’m riding my spanking new (bling bling) white Yeti 575, hereforth (albeit temporarily) known as
Rachel’s sister. Why bling bling? Come for a ride with me and you will be able to see for yourself. Why
Rachel’s sister? Go ask Choy.

5. What and why (is it) your favourite trail?

So far, that would be Broga. Nice views, good company, delicious food and the luck of having good
weather for my first time there.

6. What type of rider would you consider yourself?

The scared-of-pain type. Prefer cross country trails that don’t require too much technical skills so that I
can enjoy the ride without being too preoccupied with the fear of falling.

7. What is your dream bike?

Hmm...a beautiful light bike with long travel to give me THE experience in mountainbiking. Eh, kinda
sounds like my Yeti.

8. What is your favourite ride food (include drink)

Don’t eat much during the ride but the post ride binges are quite indiscriminate.
Anything good goes ☺. For drinks, plain water is the best. Though I’ve been
known to fantasize about ice kachang when the weather’s hot.

9. Do you fantasize about riding when you are not?

Don’t do that normally but since I got my new bike....

10. Do you or did you sleep naked with your bike?

No more room in the bed, kids occupy too much space.