20 Feb '07 : short ride = short blog

As the title says it, 20 Feb '07 was just a short ride for us ; Keat, Jackson and myself. We went Kiara for our short ride. Actually stuffs that happened before the ride is more interesting than the ride itself.. So before I get to the ride, some history lesson is required...

It was a 4 day weekend holiday for me, as it is the Chinese New Year. We actually planned to ride on Saturday morning, FRIM Dream Trail. Anxious to ride is Jackson with his newly built bike.. KHS Alite 500d, if I'm not mistaken, in nice blood red ! Thus his nick, RED DRAGON.. Which actually comes from his previous frame, rite ?
Anyway... waking up on Saturday morning to a major disappointment, as it was raining heavily ! SMS was flying between me and Andrew (BR), contemplating on whether to go ahead with the ride or not. Ended up no ride.. Not a really good start to the long weekend holidays.

But apparently, there were others who did ride the Dream Trail despite the heavy rain. Which lead to quite a heated exchange of words in the FAK forum. So if you haven't known about it yet, here is the link : http://www.fakawitribe.com/tribaltalk/viewtopic.php?t=1564
Should bring you up-to-date on what happened...

Now.. Back to the ride in Kiara.....

As I've mentioned above, it was just the 3 of us that morning. Me and Keat reached TTDI at 8am, so while we've waiting for Jackson to arrive. Chat with Omar, who is now a proud owner of a new KHS XC full sus frame. Oh.. also Aserk joined us soon after. I think it was a good deal, they (both Omar & Aserk) bought the frame + X9 RD + X9 shifter, all for under RM2000 each. Tell that isn't a steal !

Once all suited up, Jackson arrived in due time. So we made our way up to tarmac X-junction.. Try as I may, still I ended up last reaching the junction. No worries... From there proceed on to Tokong. Jackson of course went off 1st.. Me and Keat slowly made our way up the off-road climb.. This ride, I pushed myself to ride up rather than push up most of the way. Didn't want Jackson to wait up there for too long mar..

Upon reaching Tokong, Jackson was already sitting down resting waiting for us. I think he gone up to Janis Junction and back down again. But damn I was tired... Well, it was suppose to be a quick stop for a smoke and then proceed back down to SC junction. But then soon after, Tony arrived with another guy.. pretty soon Pat also reached Tokong, also with another guy. Seems like each of them are trail guiding a newbie to Kiara. New to trail, but not new to MTBiking. One of them was using a bike with internal gears hub. Cool ! And a real rare item...

The 1st thing Pat said to us was, "Who was the one that said, shove the shovel up the ass ?". I just smiled widely and pointed to Keat, who already had his hand up in the air. Hehehehe... "Nothing like being straight to the point", said Pat. Then Tony admitted that they did ride the Dream Trail in the rain also, but then again, they were the ones who built the trail. So they would know where is ridable, where to push and what not.. We just laugh it out.. And then Pat explained how bad damage the few days of heavy rained has caused to the Dream Trail.

Oh well, after our smoke.. Pat, Tony and gang headed up.. It was downhill for us, back down reverse and then to SC and complete off the short ride. Letting Jackson go 1st, cause don't wanna hog the trail.. I went down 2nd and Keat followed behind. This is where my fun starts.. After pushing myself to pedal as much uphill, now I get to enjoy the downhill part of the ride.

But.... sadly it was so... Half down from Tokong, I started to feel fatigue at my knees and my wrists. Never felt like that before.. Thought that I'll enjoy the downhill, like on 4th Feb. Sigh... Had to slow down quite abit, my legs weren't able to take it. Reaching to SC enterance, I decided to head out to the tarmac, giving SC a miss. Oh well... Live to ride another day..

The usual after ride TCSS took place at the mamak stall beside KSH. But this time we were joined by John (riding KBB's Klein ; another rare item). This round of TCSS was quite a long one, we discussed about riding tips and skills. How to climb uphill better.. Practically it was Jackson sharing his knowledge and experience. I, for one, has picked up a few tips and eager to try it on the next ride ! Especially during uphill climb, I have the front fork bobbing problem. Need to learn how to manage my pedal power transfer. If not memang wasting energy only...

Another thing I wanna share.. After ride, after everything lar... Went back home and I took a short nap. Thought wanna ride round taman again in the evening. But when I woke up, oh damn ! For the 1st time, both my wrists were aching, kind of sore and no energy feeling. Made me think that it could be time to invest in a carbon flat handlebar.. Only few days before I was proudly telling CS that I'm happy with my bike set up liow. Can't put all upgrading plans on hold 1st.. Guess I spoke too soon liow... The problem could probably be solved, by (minor) adjustment to the Vanilla preload. That is what CS suggested, no harm trying. Since now don't have to budget for the Easton cockpit and seatpost yet..

See how the next ride goes.. Which is really just around the corner..

Signing off...

~::NK the wOOfer::~

FRIM Dream Trail ride on 10 Feb 2007

Even before the completion of the Dream Trail in FRIM, many riders have been looking forward to give it a try. But with the wet season, many of us have put it off till the dry season (I hope).. Now that the CNY dry season is here, and also with the green light from Pat. If you have not already know, Pat is the mastermind behind the Dream Trail and also our beloved (soon-to-be-demolished) Kiara. So this blog is specially dedicated to Pat..

So... The RV point in FRIM was at the car park in front of the FRIM primary school. When we (me, Keat and CS), together with Riz (guy we met on FAK) reached the RV at slightly after 8am. This Riz is actually a UNITEN grad, like me.. And if you guys are in Bangsar, drop by the Subway Super Sandwitch. Look for Riz, and you might be in for a treat (??). Hehehehe... Well we just waited for the rest of the group to arrive. There we met up with Kelolo, and some other riders, who I didn't managed to get their names. Jaz arrived the latest, no worries.. Better late than never..

The group actually broke up, with Me, Keat, CS, Jaz and his nephew, started out 1st. Leaving the rest of them still chatting and getting to know each other. So the 5 of us headed to try and look for the Dream Trail... Heading the pack (as always) it was CS. Never thought that we would find the trail, as none of us knew exactly where the trail started. CS only knew roughly where it was, from Pat if I'm not mistaken...

The first impression of the Dream Trail is great ! Cause leading into it, you'll be riding through very shaded and scenic trail. Which got us thinking if we were on the right track or not ? It was more like a super highway.. Nice open trail..

<~Wished I brought a proper camera~>

<~One of the main junction you'll meet leading into the Dream Trail~>

<~More photos of the junction ; which is gonna be our unofficial TCSS spot~>

So from the junction, we continued on.. From the junction onwards, it was just a short short uphill wide switchback climb. At the end of the climb, we crossed path with few walkers.. CS asked them for some directions and SURPRISINGLY they were able to direct us to the Dream Trail ! NOW... this is where the FUN starts... Even to the naked eye, you can see a tight narrow singletrack.

The whole built of the Dream Trail, gives a real good well balanced flow.. Goes up and down.. I would say that they 1st half of the Dream Trail is really a test of your balanced. Singletrack is really narrow and tight, just like how Kiara used to be.. And how the trails were made which rocks, roots and boulders.. MAN ! As if Pat have cheated nature, it is like Precision Engineering ! Like an artist, who can create a masterpiece with rubbish or recycled products. Best part is, it is a singletrack.. So once you can get to the entrance, you'll NOT get lost.. Proper tape or makings have been made, so that you do not drift away from the trail..

The 1st half of the trail is much more challenging, there were some short but steep killer climb. Where you'll need momentum and high pedaling power to pull through it. Then at the top of the climb, there are boulders which narrows your path even more. Good balance and trackstand skills are somewhat required.. Of course if you are like me, who haven't mastered it yet. Can always safely land your 2 feet on the ground, catch a breathe and PEDAL ON !

To me, there are 3 landmarks on this Dream Trail.. 1st is the short triple descent, it is before a big uphill climb. From there it leads to a small short wooden bridge, which serves as the 2nd landmark. The 3rd landmark, which you cannot miss is the long bridge. Which seems to be going across a stream, could be from a waterfall above. But I think it was due to the dry season, there wasn't much water flowing. Also we didn't stop.. Too enjoy liow.. OH yeah ! CS crossed path with a black bout 4feet long snake, which arguably could be a Cobra ! Definately don't wanna stay around to find out.

Note that I didn't mentioned any downhill section in the Dream Trail. I'm not saying that this is a trail just for XC riders. But the descent on the Dream Trail is not as much technical to be labeled as a downhill section. Except at the exit to Rover trail, that big rock / boulder acting as a "bridge". From there on, going Rover reverse would be a fun long fast downhill.. BUT please I can't stress this enough, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE lookout and becareful of on-coming riders or trail walkers ! Just 1 little mishap might just get us MTBikers banned in FRIM. Again, please be careful and be considerate to all trail users..

Oh... Forgot to mentioned that we ended up going for a 2nd round. After exiting to the Rover trail, we bumped into (not literally) another 2 riders. Where we chat awhile, small talks and praises of the new Dream Trail.. Continued on down Rover reverse.. Headed back up to Jalan Bukit Bujang and WHAM ! Chain stuck on Jaz's nephew's bike ! CS our un-official bike mechanical was ready to offer his services..

But then let me divert your attention to the next photo... Look at Keat sitting down, on the far right of the photo. He was tired out... That was how good the Dream Trail is ! hehehehe...

Short break and rest, just to get the RD tuned up and fixed.. Then we were on our way again. Once again, we were back on the wide shaded trail.. Love this part, it is like the BEST introduction to the Dream Trail.. Something like, calm before the storm.. Reaching to the junction, we made our stop and rest. Gather back some energy before the next round ! TCSS awhile.. Soaking in the view and the fresh air of the wilderness.. Sadly sound pollution was caused by us laughing and discussing how great the trail was.

Before starting out again, WHAM ! again, chain stuck.. No worries... Just a small hiccup.. For this 2nd round, we have made it a point to shoot some photos if not videos. And yeah we did managed to record some videos.. Both of it was recorded at the switchback section. Which I personally think that it is bit too tight of a U-turn, but the wide area made up for it.. Smooth as silk... LOVELY !

On the 2nd round, I had to endure a little mishap. At the short triple descent, I was paying attention to trail.. Next thing I know, I endo and landed on the ground. But don't matter, adrenallin still pumping. Got up.. I mean as you can see, nothing serious mar.. Just skin deep only.

And pedal on... From there, we came to the switchbacks, which I think viewing the video clips below is better than me explaining..

There on we completed our 2nd round of Dream Trail.. Exitting to Rover trail, all smiling and happy. And some what SATISFIED ! In midst of riding in the trail, feels like you were brought back in time.. To how Kiara was... But that is not the end yet.. Once again, we headed on Rover trail reverse. I wanted to test out the rolling of the hubs, so just let the bike roll without any pedalling. Then I realised something is not right, my front wheel seems to be all over the place - not stable ! Quick look, and to my HORROR ! Damn ! Rim bengkok ! My RED Mavic 317 front rim bengkok ! Carefully applied brakes and made my way down Rover safely.

At the resting place, we were still high from the ride. CS was laughing and smiling.. I pulak turned my attention to my dear rim.. But still very satisfied with the day's ride. Never had such a good ride in a very long long time ! So we parted ways with Jaz and his nephew, and headed to have our ever deserved wan tann minn. All 3 of us, were very hungry..

<~Bikes also need rest~>

Ride over... FRIM Dream Trail gets 11/10 rating ! Kudos and praises to Pat, also to all those who contributed their time, energy and sweat to making the Dream Trail what it is now...

Now, I've gotto settle my rim.. Headed straight to Project Maheez, knowing that Armin will be around. Cause I sms-ed him earlier, right after the ride. In high hopes that the rare RED 317 can still be saved.. Sigh.... But it was hope against hope.. I was just able to use the rim for 3 weeks only. Sigh...


What to do... So now, the rear wheel will still be red but the front will be black (Mavic 223). Was thinking of respraying the rims, both rims.. So that it will be of the same red. But that would take up too much time, sacrificing another weekend of ride. Priority set straight, I would just go for the odd colored wheel set up. But not willing to sacrifice the ride time, now that I've found back the enjoyment and satisfaction after ride feeling.. No way I am gonna lose it again..

With that being said... Anyone up for ride this long CNY weekends ???

~::NK the wOOfer::~

We're The Riders

We're The Riders (tune We are the World)

There comes a time
When we hear a certain call
When the riders must come together as one
There are people clearing
And it's time to lend a hand to save
The greatest trail of all

We can't go on
Pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon take a stand
We are all a part of
A biking family
And the truth, your presence is all we need

[Chorus]
We’re Kiara riders
We’re mountain bikers
We are the ones who ride the trail
Let's start associating
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own trails
It's true we'll try to make it safe
Just you and me

Give them your vote
So they'll know that someone cares
And their fight will be stronger and real
As Pat has shown us by turning dirt to trails
So we all must lend a helping hand

[Chorus]
We’re Kiara riders
We’re mountain bikers
We are the ones who ride the trail
Let's start associating
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own trails
It's true we'll try to make it safe
Just you and me

When it's down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fail
Well, well, well, well, let us associate
Then a change will only come
When we stand together as one

[Chorus]
We’re Kiara riders
We’re mountain bikers
We are the ones who ride the trail
Let's start associating
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own trails
It's true we'll try to make it safe
Just you and me



Thx to XTCboy aka XTCgozilla !!!!

For Kiara Riders only? Think yourself

Currently, the latest topic is about Kiara Trail? Will we lost the most exciting wonderland? "I'm not Kiara rider, and I don't need to give a fuck to it." Think before you said this!! See what my friend said, and see if he can convince you.

"""The horsie and dbkl try to rob the trail away from us.Well everyone now is the time for us all to united ,created an association to prevent they will rob any other trail in future. Anyway for those who don't ride in kiara think that this is non of their concern, they r wrong. For year's Pat and other riders have build trails for us to ride from kiara to frim. Do u think they will last? Maybe like now they build some nice dream trail and tooks years for then to finish but later the owner ban us from riding just a snap of fingers bcoz we r disturbing the animals or etc,etc. Anything will come out from them if they want to monopoly the place. Do u know who build those trail and maintain them and now they wanted to consficated it bcoz of some horsie ?Of coz is us the mtb bikers. If something like this happen to kiara it will later happen in any other places too. U all shall know that the goverment have declare that this piece of land as reserve forest but still there is some construction working on and its getting bigger and bigger. This piece of kiara left not much for us to ride anymore and maybe yet later it will be victim for the developer.I here now say that i,m sorry to all of u .What i have been saying that make u guy's piss off. I just only want to save our piece of land to ride. Even though i,m not keen to ride cross country nowdays, just like to bomb down hill but all of us have the same point is to save what we all have been achieve to make mountain biking more interesting and to ride.We have Fakawi, Pcc, Klmbh, freeridemalaysia, malaysian osab downhill and why don't we form out an association to protect the land we ride.Its time now for everybody to make a move to voice out or we just give up. As stan says pcc ride have form out 600xc riders, yet we haven't even count dh or fr yet and do u think 25% only r concern? Kiara's faith is indeed in our hand. All for one -peace"""

Quoted From dh @ Fakawi!!

Friend, it is for you and me in future!! and not only for Kiara. Show your support. Let mtbiker can get a better status in the society. Okay? Hope you guys turn up for that!!


@}:::CS @ Hardtail'ers==={@

BOMB @ Esso Station, Taman Connaught

A bomb was discoverd inside the women's toilet of Taman Connaught petrol station today. It was about 9am a staff from the station noticed the package inside the toilet.
There were about 5 police cars, 1 police van, 1 forensic van and 1 fire engine were there at the scene. Minits later reportes can be seen around the area. Police has closed all road surrounding the petrol station as well as the main road (connaught highway).
About 10+, 2 unit of bomb squad enter into the building to survey the senario. Discussion can be seen at the main police van to finalized the movement. The bomb was then brought out by the bomb squad safely.
Finally at about 11, the robotic machine was deployed to defused the bomb. At 11.30am sharp the bomb was defused.

Alright here are some ugly shot i took with my lousy phone. I know i miss a lot of important shots









!!Nkeat @ Tweeter!!

Are you ready to associate?

Article below quoted from Penghulu, as we might lose our wonderland Kiara. Read it and show your support by turning up on coming Saturday!! We need your support!!



As you have noticed, Kiara is under seige. Many of the trails we love are in the midst of being co-opted by the horse riders. Recently three of us (me, Joe Adnan and Huang Ying How) met with DBKL's planning department to find out exactly what is going on and what the future of mountain biking is in Kiara. This is what we found:

- DBKL has a master plan for Kiara, at least the 300 or so acres that they have jursidiction over. There does not appear to be a firm timetable for the plan, but there appears to be firm commitment to it.

- The plan does appear to incorporate a "Jungle Trail" but in no way does it seem to include mountain biking the way we think of it. Under the existing plan most of the trails would disappear. Kiara would be cleared of Rubber Trees and replanted with native Malaysian trees in stages. In essence it would get a complete makeover.

- DBKL has real idea what mountain bikers want for trails or that Kiara has become one of the top places in Malaysia to ride.

- There is some degree of flexibility in the plan and if we state our cause and show support for it there may be ways to get involved with implementing it.

- If we want to be taken seriously then we will get more attention with a common voice: an association.

- If we don't get involved we are likely to be shut out entirely.


With all this in mind, do you think it's time to give riders a chance to speak up for Kiara? How about an open meeting? Soon, like 8 PM Saturday night at Devi's corner in Sri Hartamas? Open to all. Spread the word. Items to be discussed:

- do we have enough interest in this to form some kind of association?

- do we have someone who wants to lead?

- should the association be only for the sake of Kiara or perhaps all of the Klang Valley?

- is it capable of speaking for all mountain bikers? XC, Freeride, Downhill? Should it?

- should it be constrained to only riders or all trail users?

- any other pertinent topics


To put it bluntly, the days of mountain biking as we know it in Kiara are numbered. The only hope of retaining any trails at all is to get involved and fight for our place. Those of you who think because I helped create and maintain many of the trails that I will fight DBKL for all of you, think again. I'm not going to fight this fight for you. I will do what I can to get things rolling, from that point forward it will be up to you.

If no one want to take up the challenge then that's the way it is but at least we will all know we had the chance and passed on it.


@}===Cs @ Hardtail'ers==={@

LATEST UPDATE !!!

Open Mountain Bike Meeting:

Time: Saturday February 10th, 5 PM
Place: Taman Rimba Kiara parking lot

This is the quiet little park up the road from KSH where we started the July Bike Hash in Kiara. Directions as follows:

From KL: Proceed towards Taman Tun via Jalan Damansara. At the Damansara Sprint Toll near Phileo Damansara/Eastin Hotel keep left for Toll Plaza A (Taman Tun). Zero tripmeter at toll.

- After toll keep to the right lane and at 2.0 km exit right on to Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, TTDI.

- You will pass a row of shoplots including KSH bicycle on your left, then the (ex) IBM tower (now VADS) on your right.

- At 2.5 km turn right into Taman Rimba Kiara and park there.

~::NK the wOOfer::~

Short ride @ Kiara (4/02/2007)

For this short ride in Kiara, it was just both twEEter and wOOfer. Gonna keep this blog short, don't wanna take away too many space.. So that you readers will read the next blog below.. And do send your regards to Brave ol' Alex, who I was told is recovering well at home.

Now, back to my ride in Kiara.. This ride almost tak jadi, cause woke up late. Was only up at 8am, Keat was out till 4am - but that is another story. I also didn't quite fell asleep till around 3am. When we actually reached Kiara tarmac X-junction was already 930am.

The weather that Sunday morning was nice.. Cool windy Sunday morning. Rested for awhile and then headed our way up to Tokong. I was just pushing + riding up, pushing more than riding. On the way up, I saw the nice sign of "Wildlife Crossing". Very very cool... Well, Keat made his way up, leaving me behind. He actually made it up (almost) to Janice's Junction. I stopped at Tokong, cause when I reached, Keat came back down liow.

There was a group of riders jumping there. So let them do their thing, while we watched.. Once they are done, let them go down 1st. Only then we headed down, en route to Shriner's Convention. NOW... This is where my FUN began !

All the way from Tokong, I headed downhill 1st. All the way.. not really wanting to pull the brake levers, until I reached a place where a rider was sitting down at the side. Decided to stop there and waited for Keat to come down. Once Keat reached.. start again.. all the way down to Shriner's enterance.

I feel the bike is much faster. Maybe cause of the smaller frame, gave me better control over the bike. Doesn't feel so clumsy. Also going back to flat pedal, kind of gave me back my confidence. Could the faster speed be contributed by the new Tank Lights hubs ? I sure hope so.. Maybe this is what CS meant by "rolling".. Hmmm...

Before finishing our ride through Shriner, Keat had a try on the Tank Fobia. It was smiles at the end of it, same expression I got too. Now... before I continue, while we were at the enterance of Shriner. SAD man.. real SAD ! Seeing those riders, 1 after another - locking their rear wheel and skidding down. Felt like shouting and throwing my helmet at them ! But they are in a group... and just the 2 of us. Hokkien say, "pressing your own balls, nobody knows". Oh yeah, forgot to mention that I met Lienster there as well. He came riding his Kona Cowan, with XTR RD.. foo yor.. bling bling ! hehehe...

Sigh... Then we head down Shriner's carefully, no wanting to damage anymore of the trail. Looks like all the switchbacks need some repairs.

We decided not to go down to Carnival, and exitted to the tarmac. WHY ? Cause we hear sounds of motorized chainsaw. Didn't want any timber to be falling on our heads.. So out to the Chinese shop for a nice hot bowl of Prawn me. Happy smiles throughout the rest of the day... Now, that is what weekend rides is all about !

:: I've found back my after ride JOY ::

~::NK the wOOfer::~

No Sign for BadLuck!

Make the story short. 3rd Feb, I had rode Frim with Danny + Alex. Alex pickup me up @ 6:30 in the morning and we went for breakfast. Reached to Frim about 8:00am, and i change tire for Alex. Since the ride start 8:30am. Oh ya...Danny reached about 10 mins after Alex and I.

Then, we start our ride. Finally i found the track's name along the way to steroid hill. It is Bukit Hari Track. How i know that? You just don't have interest to know rite? Continue the story, as usual climb and decent. Some where steroid valley, i look back and i found no body was coming. Then i feel there is something wrong. after that phone rang. Yap. Bad News!! Alex suffer from serious knee injuries. Clip my helmet nicely, bomb all the way down.

Reach to Alex place, his face didn't have any blood colour. What do i mean? His face looks white. Probably from the shock. After some rest, he still manage to walk out to the entrance. But somewhere half way, he able to got back on his bike, and continue bike back to the entrance. Wow!! Good determination and impressed!! Joking all the way. I know he worried about something, just to make some joke so we can reached car park faster.

Quickly pack up everything, then we look for the nearest clinic. And now we realized that how important to know where is the clinic. If there is any emergency, you need a clinic. After the the visit to clinic, Alex said he still feel something weird. So, we had went to the X-ray. Let see the pic + Xray and the helmet.






Again, the helmet save another man's life!! Wear your HELMET!!

:::Cs @ Hardtailer's:::