Round Island

Route: BJI -> Yeap Chor Ee -> Green Lane -> Scotland Road -> Gottlieb Road -> Tanjong Tokong -> Tanjong Bungah -> Batu Ferringhi -> Teluk Bahang -> Titi Kerawang -> Balik Pulau -> Tun Sardon -> BJI
Date: 16/May/2010
Distance: 62km
Riders : Ang, Mei Ling, Ch'ng, Freddy, CC Teh & his oversea counterpart (from US)

Ride out from Parkview at 7:00am & meet up with CC and his colleague at Teluk Bahang for breakfast. CC & friend rode out from G Hotel. Surprisingly, G Hotel got 3 Mountain bikes that they allow their guests to use for FREE. Although only 21 speed, it was enough to travel round the island. Well, at least in the hands of an experience rider from US.

As usual, we had our breakfast at our usual spot in Teluk Bahang. Our next stop will be at the rapid station for a quick drink and then view at Jalan Tun Sardon.

We reached at the View around 11:30am. We had a little rest before proceeding home. It was a tough and exhaustive ride for me as I have not made any long distance ride for some time.

CC and colleague continue with their ride back to G Hotel via Air Itam.

Kayuhan "Penanti Kambing"

Date: 11th, April 2010
Route: Ghani start from Teluk Kumbar, WoeiTong start from Bukit Jambul Indah, TK start from Jalan Perak.
Main route : Ferry -> Kuala Muda -> Penanti -> Respective Home
Distance : Ghani ( 124 km ), TK Tan ( 83.5 km ), WoeiTong ( 94 km )
Duration: Bloody 9-11 hrs ride
Note worthy : Ghani first attempt to pedal over 100 km; Discovered "Penanti Kambing" restaurant. No support car required for this trip.

My MTB cum Touring Bike:



Initial thought for Gahni and me just want to pedal to Kuala Muda then back to island, this is a test run for us to see how things goes for our June Kuala Perlis trip. But, on Friday we heard that Penanti have a restaurant that prepare delicious mutton meals, this restaurant even put lamb milk in their coffee and "air bandung". We decided to give it a try since Penanti is not that far from Kuala Muda and Butterworth ferry terminal. TK decided to join as well due to this "Penanti Kambing"

We don't have any dramas reaching Kuala Muda, just bounced to some riders who joined the Pendang Jamboree today.

Confidence and Happy Faces:


At Pg Ferry Terminal:


In Ferry, TK and Ghani get excited since both of them didn't take any ferry trip for few years now:



At Kuala Muda Beach, and main motivation factor to have this trip:


Friendly local pakcik, he get some "shock" when learned we come from Bayan Lepas area:


Reached Puncak Mutiara Cafe in Penanti:


I love the environment and the set up, pretty cozy even we reach there at 12pm:


Getting ourselves comfortable:




Appetizers:


Gone in 60s:


Main course: Nasi Briyani Paha Kambing




Our problem start when we leave Penanti for Ferry Terminal at 1pm. Ghani and TK having problem just even to continuous pedal for 3km under scorching sun, there are frequent stops, a 15km distance take us 2 hours to reached Butterworth ferry terminal. Talk about heavy lunch + scorching sun, this is a big no-no. But I do pitty them especially the BKE stretch, it is hot and challenged the weak minded. Luckily both Ghani and TK able to tough it out.

Overall this is a exciting trip, three of us love the Penanti Kambing and also help me realized, I might over estimate myself able to pedal 190 km in a day when come to June trip. Last but not least, three of us became "orang arang". Well, need to go back to drawing board see how to do ~450km in 3 days. As for this restaurant, definitely a big thumb up from three of us.

G Club Round Island Nite Ride (Kah Kean Cycle Shop)

Route: BJI -> Kah Kean Cycle Shop(meeting place) -> Sungai Ara -> Teluk Kumbar -> Bukit Genting -> Sungai Pinang -> Titi Kerawang -> Teluk Bahang -> Batu Ferringhi -> Gurney Drive -> Green Lane -> Yeap Chor Ee -> BJI
Date: 27/Mar/2010
Distance: 76km
Riders : Freddy, Woei Tong, Ang, and 57 more rider (total ~60 riders)

Me , Ang & Woei Tong ride out from Parkview about 8pm to meet up with the rest of the riders at Kah Kean Cycle Shop.

In contrast to last month ride when only 20 odd rider turn out, there were about 60 riders who took part in tonight's ride. Partly due to the fact that last month, it was held on a Sunday whereas this one is on a Saturday.

After some photo shoots & briefings the ride begins. Believe me, its tough trying to control 60 odd riders from different teams, groups & backgrounds. I would say Pak Nasir and team did a good job keeping the riders together although there were instances where riders stray off and go ahead on their own. Credits also goes to the 2 police escort cum cameramen who escorted us all the way on their motorbike.

There were several stops along the journey namely, Bukit Genting, Teluk Bahang Dam and Gurney drive. This is where all riders get a chance to regroup before continuing on.

The only setback was the heavy downpour at Teluk Bahang Dam and Batu Ferringhi. All riders were soaking wet. Luckily the rain was only for a short while and we were able to continue the ride.

We did not regroup with the other riders at Gurney but decide to continue our ride back. We reached Parkview around 1:45am.

Overall it was an enjoyable ride but a tiring & exhausting one for me.

For photos go to G Club website

1200 Steps Ride

Route: BJI -> Relau -> Paya Terubong -> Air Itam -> 1200 Steps -> Air Itam -> Dato Keramat -> Pulau Tikus -> Dato Keramat -> Terengganu Road -> Batu Lanchang -> Greenlane -> Jalan Yeap Chor Ee ->BJI
Date: 13/Mar/2010
Distance: ~36km
Riders : Mei Ling, Ch'ng, Freddy, Ong, CC Teh, Woei Chyang, Wai Jia, Jason & Ang

Ride out from BJI at 7:15am and meet up with CC Teh, Wai Jia & Jason at Relau junction. Then we proceed to Paya Terubong and meet up with Woei Chyang & Ong. From there we proceed to Air Itam and ascend up 1200 steps via Kek Lok Si temple. This time, we did not stop for breakfast before ascend coz we were planning to take our breakfast in Pulau Tikus.
As usual, some rider have no difficulties ascending the slope but some of us struggles with the slopes, including me. Its my 3rd time up here and although my bike pushing is less now compared with my last 2 trips, I am still unable to ascend without some pushing.

After a brief rest up the temple, we decide to descend and proceed to Pulau Tikus for breakfast.
We ended up in an Indian restaurant where we enjoyed some Capati, Tosai, Murtabak & Roti Canai with Fresh Milk, Coffee and Coconut water.

After breakfast, we head for home with the sun already very bright & hot on us.

Nite Ride to Georgetown

Route: BJI -> Jalan Sungai Nibong -> Jelutong Coastal Highway -> Jelutong -> Dato Keramat -> Burmah Road -> KSH Cycle Shop(Lorong Selamat) -> Burmah Road -> Anson Road -> Jalan Data Keramat -> Terengganu Road -> Jelutong -> Jalan Yeap Chor Ee ->BJI
Date: 10/Mar/2010
Distance: ~36km
Riders : Mei Ling, Ch'ng, Freddy & Ang

Me and Ch'ng ride out from Parkview to meet Ang & Mei Ling at Sungai Niboung police station at 6:15pm as both Ang and Mei Ling cycle to work.

From there we head towards USM and exit into Jelutong Coastal Highway and head towards the Greenlane roundabout. From there we proceed to Jalan Jelutong then make our way towards Jalan Dato Keramat and stop at Tong Hooi Coffee Shop(beside former Federal Theatre) for dinner. The speciality there was Tai Lok Mee.

After dinner we proceed to KSH Cycle Shop at Lorong Selamat. Ch'ng had his bicycle chain check for any sign of worn out. It turn out that is is still good. He ended up buying a front bicycle light.

After spending some time talking to Vincent, we decide to push out. From there we headed to Counter Hall for Thong Sui but the stall was closed. We the proceed to Jelutong Market for the Thong Sui there.

From there we use Jelutong road towards the roundabout the to Yeap Chor Ee to head home.

Short ride to Titi Kerawang

Route: BJI -> Relau -> Jalan Tun Sardon -> Balik Pulau -> Sungai Pinang - > Pantai Aceh - > Titi Kerawang -> Balik Pulau -> Tun Sardon -> BJI
Date: 06/Mar/2010
Distance: ~49km
Riders : Mei Ling, Ch'ng, Freddy, Ang & Kevin

Ride our from Parkview at 7am and ascend Jalan Tun Sardon and head towards Rapid Bus Station in Balik Pulau for breakfast.

After breakfast, we head out to Pantai Aceh just to survey the area. But to our disappointment, there were no beach in sight and the name suggested. It was just a small fishing village populated mainly by chinese fisherman. At the end of the road, there is just a small round turn that leads us back to the road where we came from. From there, we decide to a another acsend to Titi Kerawang.

We took a rest and our usual photo shots and descend back due to time constrain some of our members are facing.

From Titi Kerawang, we ride non stop all the way till the View at Jalan Tun Sardon. After a brief rest, its time to head back home.

Photos will be downloaded once available to me.

Round Island

Route: BJI -> Yeap Chor Ee -> Green Lane -> Scotland Road -> Gottlieb Road -> Tanjong Tokong -> Tanjong Bungah -> Batu Ferringhi -> Teluk Bahang -> Titi Kerawang -> Balik Pulau -> Tun Sardon -> BJI
Date: 26/Feb/2010
Distance: 62km
Riders : Mei Ling, Ch'ng, Freddy, Woei Tong, Ang, Jason, Wai Jia & new member CC Teh

Ride out from Parkview at 6:30am & meet up with Jason, Wai Jia & CC at Asia Hill Residence Junction, Bukit Jambul.

It was just a normal relax ride for all of us as it was just after Chinese New Year and some of us have not been riding much during the Chinese New Year holidays.

As usual, we had our breakfast at our usual spot in Teluk Bahang. Then we proceed to Teluk Bahang Dam to have some photos taken before proceeding. Our next stop will be at the view at Jalan Tun Sardon.

Unfortunately, Jason's Santa Cruz had a puncture tire around Balik Pulau town. Fortunately, there is a bicycle shop nearby which were able to fix the problem.

We were all finally at the View around noon time. Here we all take turn to check out CC's new bike which is a Lynskey twisted tube(Titanium). This is a hand crafted frame from USA. It was also fitted with some very good components, among others, Hope Hub and Brakes, XT Crankset and DT Swiss Fork. It sure was a very good bike. We then, take a rest and a little chit chat before proceeding home.

Photos will be updated once available to me.

Penang Hill

Date: 31/1/2010
Riders: Ang, Freddy & Ong
Route: BJI -> Paya Terubong -> AIr Itam -> Hye Keat Estate -> Penang Hill -> Botanical Garden -> Bukit Gantong -> Riffle Range -> Farlim -> Paya Terubong -> BJI
Duration -> 5hrs

Me and Ang ride from BJI at 7:30am to meet up with Ong at Paya Terubong Shell and proceed to ride up Hye Keat Estate. Initial ride was not that tough but gets tougher as we ascend further up. Me & Ong have to push our bikes quite a distance before reaching Tai Soo Yea Temple. Took a rest before deciding to ascend up to Penang Hill via the middle station.
Before reaching the middle station, there was a steep descend by the flower farm. It was too intimidating for us so we decide to push down instead of riding down.
On reaching the middle station, we have to carry our bikes some distance to cross over the middle station before ascending up Penang hill.

Again, me & Ong have to do some hiking with our bikes as we are too tired to ride up slopes.
Well, actually, we did a lot of hiking. But the reward was satisfying. We finally reach Penang Hill and the scenery was awesome.
We rode around Canopy Walk and took some photos before stopping for lunch. The Ice kacang and Nasi Lemak tasted especially delicious when we are hungry.

Did some sight seeing around Penang Hill before descending down via the tar road to Botanical Garden and headed back for home.

As we were looking for shortcuts thru Taman Jesselton we ended up at a dead end junction with some very old trees. Since we were already there, we thought we look for some opening near the dead end that we can squeeze through.
As we approach the locked gate, we heard cracking noises. We thought there were some small branches falling down as the tree looked really old. Then the sound gets louder and I started turning around. As we were turning around, there was a very big cracking sound and a big branch came falling down right in front of us. We quickly bolted out of there.
Thank goodness we were wary of the cracking sound and turned back. Otherwise, I might not be typing this update now.......or maybe doing it in the hospital......
Too bad we did not stop to take some pictures...or maybe, we were too scared....anyway, we live to ride another day.

Relax ride for new members

Date: 30/1/2010
Riders: Chng, Freddy, Ang, Mei Ling, Kevin, Ong, Jason, Wai Jia & Ah Aun
Route: BJI -> Vistana -> Bayan Lepas -> Teluk Kumbar -> Balik Pulau -> Jalan Tun Sardon -> BJI
Distance -> 36km
Duration -> 4.5hrs

Three more new members joined us for a relax ride to Balik Pulau. They are Kevin, Jason and Ah Aun. Kevin joined us for the first time although he has been cycling for some time. Our cycling group is getting bigger & bigger. Todays ride is the biggest group ride we had with a total of 9 riders.

Ong ride from Paya Terubong to join us at Parkview before setting out at 7am. We they proceed to Vistana to meet up with Jason, Wai Jia and Ah Aun.

It was a medium to slow paced ride as we have new members cycling long distance for the first time. From Vistana, we proceed to Balik Pulau via Bayan Lepas and Teluk Kumbar with few stops in between.

Took our breakfast at Rapid Bus Station in Balik Pulau before proceeding to ascend Tun Sardon while Ong, Ang and Kevin took the offroad up Bukit Nonya and meet up at the View.
Initial plan was to stop by Pantai Pasir Panjang but decided not to as we are behind time schedule.

As usual, ascending Tun Sardon and Bukit Nonya is not an easy task especially for beginners. With some bike pushing for some members, we all finally meet up at the View.

Although this is only the second time Wai Jia ride with us on the same route, I noticed that she has improved tremendously. I'm sure must be due to some serious weekday practices around Equatorial area. I better put in more practices too or she will beat me soon......hahaha....keep it up, Wai Jia!

Took a rest and a group photo at the View before descending Tun Sardon and head home.