Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010

PCC, Your Perfect Cycling Companion

Bentong to Gap ride, Jan 10, 2010 By Lee Yu Kit

PCC’s first official road ride started off on a cool morning from Bentong with some 28 riders turning up. Tycoon Tan had brought the wrong
pair of shoes to go riding, but instead of throwing himself onto the ground and howling and flailing about, he did the decent thing and stocked
up his van with water, Hundred-Plus, bread rolls – and provided the support car!
Once off the main Bentong-Raub road, we were onto a forgotten backroad and cycling back in time, past small villages, smallholdings and
unused land. The temperature was in the mid-twenties, there was very little traffic and we rode under a painted blue sky streaked with high-
altitude clouds.
Some 30 km later, we were at Tranom, a place time forgot. It is a small T-junction with large trees providing dappled shade over a few
buildings and empty roads. Nearby was a big police station, a reminder of the times when Tranom and the Bentong district were among the
‘blackest’ of ‘black’ areas and armed nasties prowled the forest in an earlier period called the Emergency.
From here, the road wended upward to the Gap, 21km of twisty tarmac set into a steep hillside of towering verdure. Fallen leaves, the smell
of the forest, slanting sunlight spearing onto the road, the cool morning, air so fresh that your lungs hurt, and an incline just steep enough to
be challenging – take these ingredients, shake well and you get cycling bliss.
We came across gurgling streams and small tumbling waterfalls that disappeared into the tenebrous forest, and occasionally heard the hoot
of monkeys in the treetops. There was only the very occasional other vehicle, otherwise we had the road, the peace and our little slice of
cycling paradise to ourselves.
There was a muddy patch three-quarter way up, where road repair has been going on for over a year, and where the stream spills across the
road, providing some anxious moments as I cycled across the mud, but otherwise the road was in good state, although roughly surfaced in
many places – and I liked its narrowness, with the forest bearing down close, and exhaling its cool breath across our path.
At the Gap, tour buses and cars were waiting for the hour for the ascent up to Fraser’s Hill. Tycoon Tan was there in his van, cheering
arriving cyclists and giving each one a can of Hundred-Plus and a bread roll like a well-earned trophy.
There was also plenty of bottled water in his van for refills, so thanks to him, we were well-hydrated and well-fed, for there was no other food
or drink source at the Gap since the resthouse closed down ages ago, and the small occasional stall there ceased operations sometime last
year.
It was cool and windy, and we started the descent before core temperatures dropped too much. The quickest way down the successive
esses was to flick in and out of switchbacks, watching for sand at the apex of corners or upcoming traffic and just caressing the brakes.
Halfway down, I heard a flatulent hiss from the cyclist in front, but it was only a puncture.
After a few minutes struggling to peel the tubular tire off the carbon rim, succour appeared in the form of Tycoon Tan – again! – in his support
van, so it was into the van for the stricken bike and cyclist, while I continued my downward journey on an empty road.
We regrouped briefly at Tranom and started the long haul back to Bentong, the close phalanx breaking up at one of the long uphill stretches
into ragged lines of cyclists supporting each other.
Roadkill: A flattened Paradise Tree snake; a magnificent leopard cat with beautiful markings looking unblemished and as though it were
sleeping in the middle of the road, and an unidentified animal, turned into a bloody mess of pink entrails, soon to become a bloated heap in
the midday sun.
It was suddenly back into the real world at the Bentong-Raub main road, dust, heat, lumbering traffic, noise and broken road conditions.
Good-bye, cycling dreamland.
We had clocked some 100km upon arrival back at the car park in front of the ice kacang shop at Bentong town. I speak on behalf of all the
riders in saying a big “Thank you” to Tycoon Tan for providing the support car.
 Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010

The week ahead – M + D Sunday ride 17 January 2010

Mud + Dirt by The English Nose

As ever with Batu Dam over the last few years, it can be a step into the unknown. We’ve not ridden there for a long time,
mainly due to the higher water level and overgrown trails. In fact since we did the last maintenance day there I think we’ve
only ridden it a 3 or 4 times.

So, let’s go see what’s happening there. Be prepared to hike-a-bike, wade and bush whack!

Date: 17 January 2010

Meeting Time: 7:30am

Meeting place: Batu Dam Carpark

Ride distance: 15km

Ride description: Great single-tracks initially running along the lake’s edges before veering off into secondary
jungle. Mostly under tree canopy with a series of long hard climbs, all rideable if you’re fit. A
couple of river crossings so expect to get wet and – leeches! As usual bring plenty of snacks and
titbits for R&R at the river break. Suitable for all levels of rider

Directions: Turn off the MRR2 at Batu Caves and head left, away from the caves entrance, over the train
tracks. Come to next traffic lights at shop lot area and turn right towards Ulu Yam. Continue
straight, Petronas on your left about 3km down and then past a Rapid KL Bus depot on right.
Continue straight as road narrows and follow all the way to the end which is the Batu Dam gates.
Park just outside.

Who do you call: Rob on 012 6191308

Date Ride Distance

17 Jan Batu Dam 15km

24 Jan RRI 18km

31 Jan Sg Pening Pening 21km

 Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010

The week ahead – T + G Sunday ride 17 January 2010

Tar + Grime by Don

Overall fun: Opt A:

Opt B:

Climbing difficulty: Opt A:

Opt B:

Road conditions:

Traffic:

Option A is for people who need to get back early & yet wish to have a nice workout. A short and doable loop of 54km.
Ideal for newer & returning riders.

Option B is for adrenalin junkies. Come get your endorphin-kick with Peres, Tekala & Bkt. Hantu climbs.

Roads are in good nick & vehicular traffic is low off Jln Ulu Langat. Do be careful on the fast down hills after cresting Bkt
Hantu & Genting Peres. Speeds past 70kmh are not unusual. Single-file riding is recommended.

The sugar cane drink as you enter Ulu Langat town is to die for….in fact, it’s compulsory.

Date: 17 January 2010

Meeting Time: 7:30am sharp (Be there 15mins earlier)

Meeting place: Ulu Langat Community Centre (ULCC), Bt 14 Ulu Langat GPS Coordinates: N03deg 6.715’ E101deg48.900’

Route: Option A: ULCC-Bt 18-G.Peres-U-turn at peak-Bt 18-ULCC (54km).

Option B: ULCC-Bt 18-G.Peres-U-turn of peak- Semenyih Dam-Sg Tekala food court (refuel)-Bkt Hantu-ULCC (65km)

Directions:

Take the Jln Cheras / Kajang highway. Take the first left after Batu 9 Cheras toll and make another left at police station and head
toward Hulu Langat, park at the Community Hall on your left. It is just after a football field.

Notes:

Please bring a spare tube, tire levers, hand pump, cash, hp & your helmet as well. Make sure you hide anything of value in your car
from prying eyes and park considerately.

This is a self-support ride, so do come prepared & be self-sufficient.

While we welcome new riders, if you invite a friend along; kindly be their Ride Buddy (yes, we have a buddy system too). Besides
making it entirely enjoyable & motivating for the newbie, you are doing the Leader a big favor as he will have his hands full.

Who do you call: Dennis d Incredible Menace (016-212 2696). See yuh Sunday!
 Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010

Rules of Road Riding – T + G

Change positions correctly Rules of Road Riding

• Slower moving traffic stays to the left; faster traffic to
the right. Never overtake on the left of the group! By The Don
• Pass slower moving vehicles on the right; announce
your intention to do so
Announce hazards
• Most cyclists do not have a full view of the road while
riding in a group
• Announce potholes and other hazards so others can
avoid them
• Call out the hazard and point down to it, either left or
right. No need to yell like a maniac tho.
Watch for traffic from the rear
• The last rider should frequently check for overtaking
cars
• Announce "car back" clearly and loudly
• It is also helpful to announce "car up" on narrow
roads or when riding two abreast
Watch out at intersections
• Leader should announce slowing or stopping at
intersections, if necessary Practise Good Peloton Etiquette
• Cyclists should not follow others through
• Everyone in the peloton has to contribute to the
intersections without first looking for themselves
workload. That means taking your fair share of pulls at
• Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if
the front. It’s ok to do shorter pulls, especially if you are
you must stop, signal tired. Just do a token pull, indicate and pull off to the
Leave room for cars right & back after you’ve established it is safe to do so.
• On narrow road or during climbs, leave space • When you go to the front, always keep a constant &
between every three or four riders steady speed. Do not accelerate or show how fast you
• Motorists will utilize the shorter passing intervals to are. It is not a race, moron!
pass the group • Typically everyone climbs at their own pace. So after a
• Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of climb, recover & regroup before setting off again.
every cyclist. Remember, we share the roads with • Do not pull too long at the front. Always reserve some
others; it’s not our Grandfathers’ road. energy
Stop off road Ride single file
• When stopping for mechanicals or regrouping, always • It is illegal in some areas to ride more than two abreast.
move clear off the road Avoid doing this.
• Always indicate you are stopping with your right hand • In our country, the roads are narrow and winding. It is
asking them to overtake you on the right. better to ride single filed in this case, unless it is safe to
• Always yield to traffic in the roadway ride a double pace line.

Impromptu 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)

NO HELMUT, NO RIDE
Ride distance: 25km (TTDI – Damansara Heights – TTDI)
Time: 830pm (check in 15mins before)
THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE – NEW (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)
Meeting place: In front of KSH (Taman Tun Dr Ismail)
Ride distance:
Contact person: Shang(016 209 2999) / Amanda (012 659 3838)
Time: 700pm (70km) / 830pm (35km)
Meeting place: Putrajaya Mosque Car park
Contact person: Vong 016 287 2066
COMPULSORY TAIL LIGHTS Ride Guideline: Well maintained flat to undulating
roads.
FOR ALL NIGHT RIDERS Objectives: Improving endurance,leg strength and
road bike skills (eg. Drafting technique,
signalling, road safety)
 Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010

Guidelines to Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette

FROM VARIOUS SOURCES IN RELATION TO SHARED TRAILS AND NON BIKE

SPECIFIC TRAILS.

PERSONAL SAFETY
- Wear a brain bucket (yes..that’s a helmet) whenever you ride.
- Do not travel into remote areas without informing others
- Ride within your capabilities. Ensure that if you want to push your
limits, your buddies are around to support you.
- Know your bike and bring the necessary/essential spares.

RIGHT OF WAY IN RELATION TO OTHERS (NON RIDERS)

- Give way to non motorised trail users, i.e. hikers, horse riders, because
people judge all cyclist by my actions.
- Give way to motorised trail users, i.e. motor cross bikes etc, because
generally we will end up worse off in a an accident.
- Alert others when approaching. Get a bell, or “Excuse me” works quite
well.

RIGHT OF WAY IN RELATION TO OTHER RIDERS.

- Riders have the right of way. If you are pushing your bike, leave the
riding line open for others to go past.
- Rider up hill has the right of way.
- Allow faster riders to past

SPEED
- Approach turns and bends in anticipation that there’s someone there.
- Make your presence know when approaching someone or any turns.

IMPACT ON THE TRAIL

- Leave the wildlife and fauna alone. Magic mushrooms are bad for you.
- Stay on designated trails and avoid destroying vegetation if possible
- Don’t take short cuts over/around technical sections. If you can’t ride
it, walk it.
- Learn how to use your front brakes so that you minimise skidding your
rear wheel. If you refuse to learn, then ride only in bike parks where
people are paid to maintain the trails.
- Do not litter. Take out whatever you take in.
- Practise minimal impact riding, take only photos and memories with
you.

FUN
- You are to have loads of fun, talk lots of cog, and make good friends on
your ride.
- Develop of sense of humour. Some people say it’s good for the soul.

FEEL LIKE YOU WANT TO ADD TO THIS? DROP US A LINE. WE WILL ADD IT IF IT MAKES SENSE.
 Weekly Newsletter – 13 January 2010 / Issue Number: 475-02-2010

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 (only if you are riding with us), 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

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n Nipples. have fun.
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all, we got another job to tend to which unfortunately demands more priority from us.

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