Kuala Lumpur Mountain Bike Hash

Kuala Lumpur Mountain Bike Hash, the only place for MTB fanatics in Kuala Lumpur - Point the bike down, damn' it !

[klmbh]

DIRECTIONS TO KLMBH BASH #299 - ULU RENNING - JUNE 2020 - A SELF-DIRECTED RIDE

We trust that everyone continues to stay safe and healthy in our KLMBH community, as well as your family and friends. Due to the on-going need to maintain social-distancing, the committee and our band of hares came up with a plan that would ensure that you could still ride new trails further afield than just Kuala Lumpur. That entails providing you with a link to download the track files, along with a ride description and directions, and letting you ride with a small group of friends whenever you want!

The hares herein have a couple of sites we have been recce’ing, and this is a start. Other hares whom were planning rides may do similar until we are once again allowed to all congregate at a bash.

In case it needs emphasizing, there will be no hares, committee, registration tent, sweepers or paper! Just head out with your friends and enjoy the terrain around Kampung Ulu Renning. Please make sure you download the track files and have a decent GPS to follow the “digital breadcrumbs”!

Hares:

Linus

Tits

Two Dogs Fu**ing

Slow Cow

Mike

Morris

Johnny

Foo

Date: Whenever you want to go!

Venue: Kampung Ulu Renning

Directions:

Follow the links below to get you to the parking venue. This is alongside the football field in Ulu Renning, and if you know the kampung well, you can park elsewhere. The shoulder of the road is wide enough to park completely off the tarmac.

Waze: here

Google Maps: here

Link to Download All Track Files: here

Ride Descriptions:

Long Ride With River Trek - this follows in a counter-clockwise direction, is 23.3-km long, has a 700-m river trek and about 589m of climbing. Aside from the river section, the rest is fast and flowy.

Please pay attention to the river. Under normal conditions it is clear and shin-deep. In sections, if you do not know how to read the water colors and currents, it can get deep, and in other sections you can pedal down the river!

The above is what it looks like on a normal day

If the river is like this (above), just cross over to the other side and follow the directions without the river hike!

The above is an image of the map. Follow the loop in a counter-clockwise direction.

Long Ride Without River Trek - this trail is clearly as is ... no river hikes. You will cross rivers though! Total distance is 21.6km, is around 538m elevation gain and you also ride this in a counter-clockwise loop.

This is a map of the long ride without the river trek (counter-clockwise)

Somewhere on the long ride!

Short Ride With No River Hike - Total distance is 9.7km and climbing 239m. If the river is shallow, or your kids are not afraid of water, it’s suitable for all ages! Ride this in a clockwise loop back to the cars.

Map of the short ride.

Post-ride cleaning/ cooling off!

And if you don’t like the ride ...

Signed, Your Hares!

[klmbh]

DIRECTIONS TO KLMBH #291 @ BATANG KALI - SUNDAY, 26 MAY 2019

Pic: TDF easily wading his 1.91m tall body across a river!

Hares: TDF, Linus, Tits and Mike Phoon

Date: Sunday, 26 May 2019

Time: Pre-Brief at 9:15 am sharp/ Riders off at 9:30 am sharp

Venue: Batang Kali/ Ulu Tamu/ Ulu Renning

GPS Coordinates: 3°27'48.1"N 101°40'51.5"E

Google Directions: click here

Waze Directions: click here

Note about Parking Venue: this is on a dirt road that crosses over a river. When you turn off of the main road, go past an abandoned guardhouse and piles of trash. The road is smooth having been recently leveled, and there is plenty of parking both before and after the bridge with wide shoulders. The canopy, committee and Hare’s vehicles will park on top of the cement bridge. Please park at an angle or perpendicular to the road where possible.

Preamble

You will be going through the usual orchards, kampung roads, bamboo, rubber and palm estates that this area is well known for, plus an orang asli settlement or two! If you see a trespassing sign or two, ignore them! If questioned by anyone, plead ignorance and continue on saying that we have authorization from the manager to be in there.

Pic: No entry. Really? Pffffffff

The short ride is 11.8-km with 334-m climbing and is together with the long for the first 8.5-km of the ride. The long ride is 29.2-km with 742-m climbing. While it sounds daunting, it’s not. The ride is quite easy. However, caution: if you are afraid of water, don’t like pushing/ carrying/ swimming with your bike, you may want to recalibrate your mind and still join us!

Pic: those are piranhas aren’t they?

Unfortunately, thanks to recent tree clearing, the ride will be in the open in a few sections. Put on sunblock, and put more on after each water encounter! Same applies to mozzie spray which you will need an abundance of inside the Ulu Tamu area!

Pic: Linus and Mike rubbing on mozzie spray!

Detailed Directions:

From Jalan Kuching / Batu Caves

Take Jalan Kuching north towards Selayang

4-km after the Duke Highway overpass, take the left ramp/ exit towards Kuantan/ Kepong

At the traffic light at the round about above Jalan Kuching, take the 3rd exit (3 O’Clock) towards Kuantan/ Batu Caves

Proceed 250 meters and take the left slip road

Go over three or four speedbumps and at the fork go straight (not left).

Proceed 200-m to the T-Junction/ traffic light and turn left on Jalan Batu Caves

Proceed 250-m to the next traffic light (four way intersection with a mosque on your right) and turn right onto Jalan Sungai Tua

Stay on this road passing numerous traffic lights and speed bumps, and about 3.5-km later you will see a Petronas station on your left. About 150-meters later turn right where it is sign-posted “Ulu Yam Baru”

Stay on this what-used-to-be-a-lovely-road-until-they-blocked-the-dam-with-a-fence (just like Kiara) for 22-km.

At the T-Junction just over a small bridge, turn left and enter into Ulu Yam Baru

Turn right in the heart of Ulu Yam Baru (900 meters after the T-Junction)

Proceed for 2.2-km to the first major intersection and turn right towards Genting Highlands

Go another 2.1-km and turn left onto a slip road.

Meander past some lovely palm trees.

1.4 km later you will turn right into the parking area

Alternative Direction (Via Rawang/ Serendah)

Take Jalan Kuching North past Templer Park (on your right)

As you pass Commonwealth Park (on your left), keep to the right for the Rawang Bypass sign. It should be signposted “Serendah”.

Follow this elevated highway all the way to Rte 1, keeping right as it ends ... still heading towards Serendah.

Go through the sleepy town of Serendah

Go past the Antara Gapi housing estate

About 2-km past this you will see the right turning for Ulu Yam Baru… follow the signs! You will go through Ulu Yam Lama first, and when you enter Ulu Yam Baru, turn left towards Genting

Pick up the directions from #12 above!

Alternative #3 – follow the Google or Waze link at the beginning of this article!

Pic: a bridge on the River Kwai!

A little note about the trail markings. We will be using square and shredded paper, and flour. Shredded paper will be used in places where we want to make sure you make a turn or where someone may pick up the paper. Flour will be used in the kampung. Signs will delineate the long/ short/ on-home trails. Keep your eyes open unless you have an itch to do the wrong trail ;-)!

Pic: Mike enjoying the day!

Pic: damnit man. More sand in my shoes :-(

Pic: Lost. TDF last seen here!

Signed,

Your trusty Hares

[klmbh]

Directions to KLMBH #287 @ Bukit Hijau, Puncak Alam - Sunday, 27 Jan 2019

DESCRIPTION FROM THE HARES

Date: Sunday 27 January 2019

Time: Briefing 9:00am, On On 9:15am

Venue: Bukit Hijau, Puncak Alam

Parking: Please park responsibly along the road shoulder

Hares: The Panda Ghost Riders ~ Alpha hare Bala, Leng, Peow, Eric, Youngman, Bryan, Ian, Kiat

GPS Coordinates: 3.227689, 101.408899

Google Directions: click here

Waze Directions: click here

GETTING THERE: Follow google map or waze you should get there without any hassle.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

For the first bash of 2019 KLMBH hash, we’d like to throw in a bit of surprise. Bukit Hijau is a beautiful trail to get the year started. KLMBH #287 bash at Puncak Alam may sound familiar to some riders but we assure you this is a completely new trail.

For this bash, there is only one loop of track covering 18km of off-road mostly a mix single and doubletrack through palm and rubber estate surrounding Bukit Hijau, which is a popular hiking area with a nice view at the peak.

With slight elevation gain of 430m, the bash will take you through the natural dragon back hills of Puncak Alam.

Trail gradients are moderate with a wee bit of short steep sections.

The ride will bring you through the beautiful scenery of the surrounding hills.

You can either ride the full 18km loop in one go like a championship racer, or take it easier taking in the sights for fun riders. As Malaysia is currently experiencing hot weather now, it would be wise to bring more water.  

Although this trail is rideable with minimum technical terrain, it is NOT recommended for newbies and/or kids. There is a mini Redbull Rampage downhill section and there are no chicken loops.

What do we always say? Always follow paper! On on!

Important:

Do join and listen to the morning briefing before starting the ride.

BRING PLENTY OF WATER (3 LITERS MINIMUM) and some trail food/snacks. There are no water stations along the ride.

No helmet no ride!

Mountain biking is a potentially hazardous activity carrying a significant risks. It should only be undertaken with a full understanding of all inherent risks.

[klmbh]

KLMBH Hash #286 @ Bandar Emstek, 25th of November 2018 - SCRIBE REPORT

Pakcik Yuzaini and friends led this illustrious community of mud and sweat loving individuals to an early start around the outskirts of KLIA for the 286# hash. Still thundering and lightning at the horizon and swimming-pools of water still on the ground Dato Johan assured us that this would promise to be even more fun – and so it was. Already here a big thank you to all hares for a great day out in best Malaysian riding tradition through plantation dwellings, single track and Kampung.

However before we hit the “On-on” let me quickly remind you about our upcoming KLMBH annual lunch, which is held at Cobra club this year and quite easy to reach. From the (trail) head simply follow the snail pattern to the next bend from where you can already see the next bend in the other direction and so on…though we might be more interested in crawling the way out after all that free flow….Thank you, Caesar.

Let me continue to report that any death and mud defying rumors of about only three checks, a horrendous “no-choice policy” of only one loop option and certainly no falsies were greatly exaggerated as by day’s end about 45 MTB activists proudly reported breaking a check the first time, doing multiple loops ranging from 12 to 45 km in various orders depending largely on mud depth and personal believe.

On the first “on-on” the thin cut paper – or should I rather say thinly cut paper - guided us over open karst hard bed into plantation, where much of us were restaging groundhog day, “oh, hello again!?!”. GPS savvy individuals were competing for fellow-and leadership with traditionalists, who were promoting the old wisdom that if lost, just follow paper. With one of the leading packs breaking check #2 out of 45 before check #1 is but a small numerical detail, but led to some truly underground mud episodes of above mentioned little animal.

Some personal technical difficulties were providing me with additional weight on the ground and more  mud inside the tire than on the outside (thanks to Chi for the tube). Luckily this episode eventually did not prevent me from successfully finding my way out of the mud maze – a privilege, which not all of us enjoyed and are probably still circling in groundhog mode to this day.

Whether it was satellites or “stay on paper”, either one proved the right strategy to eventually venture onto flowy singly trails between thick rubber jungle. And flowy it surely was, not only the water in my shoes.  Out in the open we were greeted by the welcoming grin of Dato Johan putting out some freshly shred for our continued re-assurance being on the right trail. Not long after though the paper was becoming scarce, and a tiny paper sprinkle led our fate-and fortune bound ad hoc riding group up a cruel hill under the meanwhile blistering sun. Arriving dehydrated at the top our paper fortune ran out and we realized that we were tricked by a 95%-broken falsie. Ahh, this explained the little 5% paper trickle! Back-track! Down again our guardian angel Johan pointed us back into the leafy green.

From here it was all single track, painting the third mud layer on our faces and bikes, drying off on the last stretches of Kampung and compound open road before homing in on target. Ahh, beer. Thank you, Tarik for guarding the camp!

Once again a big muddy grin and thank you to the hares!

[klmbh]

DIRECTIONS TO KLMBH #286 @ BANDAR ENSTEK, 25TH NOVEMBER 2018

Hares: Pakcik Yuzaini, Nazim Saili, Johan Shadzli (a.k.a Cejo), Shahril Awas, Fin Iskandar, Wan Shuhairi, Ajib, Quhar Salleh  

Date: Sunday, 25th November 2018

Time: Briefing 8:45am sharp, Start ride 9.00am

Address: Mercato Bandar Enstek, 6/2D, Jln Timur 5/1, Bandar Baru Enstek, 71760 Bandar Baru Enstek, Negeri Sembilan

Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ErYFzMxHRwt

Waze Link: https://waze.com/ul/hw22reu1n4

For this bash, Virolasak and Lasak ProRide guys will take you to ride though some pristine single tracks in Bandar Enstek, Sepang.

To get there from KL town, take Sungai Besi Toll onto PLUS highway and continue South.  Thereafter take exit 215 – Towards Nilai/Pajam/Sepang. From here head to Persiaran Pusat Bandar, Persiaran Negeri, Persiaran Korporat, N163 and Persiaran Miilenia 2 to Jalan Timur 6/2D in Bandar Baru Enstek. Best best is to use waze and gmaps as above.

Key points for the trail:

There’ll be NO SHORT OR LONG ROUTES – just one route that is suitable for all adults and teenagers (probably too Camel Trophy for younger riders!).

The length will be ≤20km, depending on the routes. Proper signage will be marked between route length.

Trail difficulty will vary between 3 over 10 if it is dry, to 8 over 10 if it rains the day before.

Terrain will mainly be rubber plantation, so expect soft loamy soil. As comparison, sawit / palm trees will be red laterite soil, which is reddish, quite hard and rocky when dry. If it rains, it WILL be mudfest.

Wear shoes that you wont mind getting muddy and dirty, as even dry, there will be swamp crossing, mid-knee depth. The distance is only a few feet, but your shoes WILL be get soaked and muddy. If you like to keep your five tens and 2fos in pristine condition, don’t wear it here.

The Trail is mostly canopied, so the ride will be cool for most of the ride. Yesterday was fairly cloudy but it didn’t rain.  Non the less the canopy prevented the trail from drying up hence at some sections, you will be riding through a bit of mud. On the plus side, the ride recce and clearing of the trail in preparation of the upcoming bike hash wasn’t taxing being under a canopy prevented your brains from boiling up.  

Being a rubber tree plantation, mosquitoes WILL be an issue. Bringing mosquito coil is not overkill, and please, wear mosquito repellent if you can. That place is full of mosquitoes.

Climbs will be mellow and rolling, with not much challenge. This will be a scenic ride, not really challenging in terms of inclines and descent. Should be relatively rideable for capable kids.

Starting point will be near the shophouses in Bandar Enstek.

There will be a few eateries open around the area for food, but do take note that having a proper breakfast earlier is also a good idea.

Ample parking space near and around the shops.

Bike wash is available at a nearby bike shop called Lasak Pro Ride, but limited. A car wash should also be in the vicinity. Any bike repairs, if needed, can be done at the shop after the ride.

[klmbh]

KLMBH #285 @ KAJANG PERDANA, 4TH NOVEMBER 2018 - LONG SCRIBE REPORT

After 3 years long hiatus from bash, I was excited but nervous at the same time since my KL friends plan for a long ride.  Arrived at starting point early as it was easy access, not the usual bash that I used to where getting to the meeting point was an adventure itself.   So much development and so fast, I wonder how the next 3 years scene would be.

As more fellow bashers pouring in, it is good to see quite a number of familiar faces from my early bash years still going strong, looking fit and vibrant as ever.  Briefing started at 8.45 with the usual info:  Long, Short, checks, falsie, river crossing, safety. By 9 On! On!

The first 4km was an access road passed Kajang Prison, future construction sites, Kajang SILK underpass before we were greeted with our first climb.  It was a short and sweet ascend with even sweeter descend, a twisty raw and fresh single track.  For those with less knobby tires and fast rolling thread it requires some bike handling skill, especially at this early stage where the pack  still tightly together.

After 2km on a rather flat gravel road, we saw the truck that marked the km8 split between Long and Short ride.  The Long ride goes into the plantation with a climb that lead to the first Check.  At this juncture me and my buddies were in the front pack, checked within the 100m radius and couldn’t find anything and after few minutes of “ Are You?” calls, we heard “On! On!” coming from the foothills.  Turn out the connection is a short but steep climb, a carry-your-bike up.  my buddies and I caught a glimpse of our fellow E-bikers face and decided to help one of them up the climb.

The second hill was a 200m elevation with undulating up and down while climbing as well as at the peak before we crossed the other side of the hill reaching the plantation guard house. I’ve already dropped to the middle pack and we kind of lost the paper trail.  We scattered around searching for clues.  The guard was not helpful either and was in fact trying to usher us out to main road.  After quite a while of headless chicken situation and as the guard obviously becoming aggravated, one of the riders decided to use the map, which helped point the right turns despite no paper trails.  Within few minutes of climb after the turn,  we met a group heading down informing us that they hit a falsie 100m up.

We backtracked after “On! On!” call, the connecting trail was a grassbed that lead to the river crossing.  Few riders managed to pedal up till the river bank.  After the river crossing it was a rather flattish and uneventful ride until ....”The Bitch.” I guess this is where I end my scribe as all of us experience it.  There is no in between, you either love it or hate it.  For me, The Bitch reminded me why I fell in love with KLMBH Bash in 2015 so much so that I did solo day trip from Penang just to attend KLMBH Bash.

Written by Sufian Idris, who rides a Yeti.

[klmbh]

KLMBH #285 @ KAJANG PERDANA, 4TH NOVEMBER 2018 - SHORT SCRIBE REPORT

It was raining the days before and then the night before, which would surely make it a lovely, muddy bash. For several a hash since April we haven’t had a much dirt on our bikes.

The short loop was about 18 Km and undoubtedly more than 500m elevation gain.They did say the trail is NOT for kids but I saw 2 other children finish and also some men giving up! Not macho at all.

Everyone arrived early and busied themselves preparing. Briefing was about the annual dinner and T-Shirt sizes and then about the trail. The checkpoint at 8 Km is where the Short and Long loop splits. At 8:57am we started.

The start was an easy offroad till we reach the first hill that slowly turned into the slipperiest uphill ever. Progress was slow but the climb wasn’t too long before we reached the muddiest downhill. It was so muddy that soon the tyres looked like donuts with thick icing.

Then out we were on to kampung roads for a bit till we met the 8 Km checkpoint. He was making sure everyone was safe and sure of where to go.

Maybe we could have gotten a ride from him for the next hill.

This one was a climb like no other. An hour of relentless ascent to the top, climbing 260m and covering 4 Km in the blazing sun. Our hopes of arriving at the top shatters at every turn as it reveals another long uphill. At last, we met rest at the very top.

Everyone here was happy. Probably the descent was next. They promised the longest descent in ever!

The descent this time was rocky. The organisers has made the most challenging bash yet that had everything mountain biking is about. And they were right about this trail being not for children. Cheers! This means I can have a beer to celebrate.

This scribe was written by Clayton and Arthur Check.

[klmbh]

KLMBH Annual Lunch 2018

[klmbh]

DIRECTIONS TO KLMBH #285 @ Kajang Perdana, 4th NOVEMBER 2018

Hares: Benjamin Tan, Steve Bike Corner, Peter, 3G, Daniel and Naga Cyclist Sg. Long

Date: 4th November 2018

Time: Briefing 8:45am sharp, Start ride 9.00am

Coordinates: 2.9975558881486033, 101.81458085775377

Address: Behind Jalan TTDI Grove 7/1, Taman TTDI Grove, 43000 Kajang

Google Maps link

Waze link

Directions:

Drive towards Kajang from Kuala Lumpur using Cheras-Kajang Expressway (CKE). Do not enter Kajang town. Drive straight towards Kajang Prison, yes go to jail. Exit into the slip road immediately after Kajang Prison. Gathering place is behind the shoplots of Jalan TTDI Grove 7/1.

The ride:

Hand’s up those who’ve never committed a crime !! As you drive past our infamous Kajang Prison, do resist the temptation to bunny hop over the walls, the usual suspects or the guilt of your last hash ride, your numerous trespassing on private land. This is our last prison-centric ride, so gather up your rolling passion, and muster all your energy, we’re headed for the Kajang Perdana trails!!

This is a ride you will not forget for a very long time. You will ride through some single tracks, oil palm plantation, long climbs, some direct exposure to the sun and an unforgettable (ecstatic) downhill.

The short is about 18km with more than 500m elevation gain. It will feel longer. We rewarded your last hash with such a kiddie and short, but this trail is NOT for kids.

The Long adds an 8km loop in between the short, little over 26km with around 800m elevation gain. The long and short ride will split early at km8, re-joins again. There will be a river crossing for the long. Only knee deep, even two dogs on an e-wheelchair can overcome…

Special Note: The short and long ends with an ascent far above the rest. Put on your Marvel gear, we’re expecting you to climb like Superman, it’s not too gruelling 3 hills, then decent like Spiderman, rewarded with one of Selangor’s longest downhill trails. FRBs and e-bikers can hang a tow line for rest us mortals.

There will be no cut off time and there will be no sweeper. Just follow paper and you’d be right.

A few cautions:

We recommend you bring a minimum of 3 liters of water. Also lots of mozzie (aka leach) repellent, sunblock, spare tube, Walkman, and a good sense of humor. Last but not least, NO HELMET NO RIDE!

Stay on paper and have a great ride !!

[klmbh]

KLMBH #284 @ SG BULOH PRISON WEST - 30TH SEPTEMBER 2018 - FRB LOOP SCRIBE REPORT

When I was told that the hares for the September Bash were going to have a third loop for those who were super fit and for those on ebikes, I was elated.  Forty plus kilometers of riding!! This would certainly test the limits of the battery of my pedal assist ebike - the Specialized Turbo Levo. 

I quickly sent out messages to those who owned ebikes to join me. Most were just as excited on hearing about the third FRB/ebike loop. However, the one thing that was on our minds was whether our battery could last the entire ride.  Since the hares had taken the trouble to create the extra loop and because we were super curious, we all agreed to give it a go. 

During the briefing, we were reminded to follow paper (this is a significant point as we will all soon find out).  When we were flagged off, I followed the main group of riders towards the trail head.  I had already set my bike to complete 40kms with 10% battery remaining using the Specialized Mission Control app. This will ensure that I WON'T run out of battery as the battery will regulate the motor's power output during the entire ride. 

One group of ebikers had already sped off to avoid the customary bike jam at the trail head while I cycled along with the main group of riders.  At the first hill, the first casualties were seen pushing their bikes up while I "powered" up past them and other riders, one hand on the handlebar and the other holding my GoPro. 

The first part of the ride was generally uneventful with undulating hills, wide roads and lots of sun.  And I mean lots!  We rode through oil palm plantations with young palms which provided no cover whatsoever from the scorching sun.  Apart from the fresh and wet cow dung, the ground was fairly dry.

Upon reaching the crossroads which had a sign indicating LONG to the left and FRB/EBIKE to the right, I stopped to assess the battery level of my bike.  By now we had already travelled close to 20kms and I had only used 40% of my juice so the group of us decided to press on.

Feeling confident of finishing the ride with enough juice, I upped the power output of the bike from 20% to 60% (trail mode).  It was time to have some fun

With eyes on the trail making sure that we were following paper, we blasted our way through the plantation roads UNTIL WE REALISED there was a similar type of paper on the trails left by Hash runners.  Upon closer inspection we realized that the paper left by the Hash runners was clearly printed with the Hash logo whereas the KLMBH paper had comb binding holes in them.

Funnily, we came across riders going in the opposite direction and assumed that these riders were either riding the other loops which intersected with each other or they were lost.  What was more funny was when we came across friends who were also riding the FRB loop but was coming from a different direction.

By then, I realized my juice was running low and anxiety kicked in.  I decided to switch the power output on my Turbo Levo back to eco mode (20%). It felt like we were going around in circles as we tried to decipher which paper belonged to KLMBH and which belonged to the Hash runners, until we bumped into Peter Wong (one of the hares who was instrumental in convincing the committee to allow the hares to create a third loop). From there on, we just followed Peter for the next 10kms back out to the registration tent.

It was just past 1pm when we rolled to a stop at the Specialized tent. Close to 45kms of riding and I still had 1 bar of battery power left.  It was a really fun ride and I wont hesitate to do it again.  Well, that's why they say the Specialized Turbo Levo ebike gives one the power to ride more trails. 

[klmbh]

DIRECTIONS TO KLMBH #284 @ SUNGAI BULOH PRISON WEST, 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

Hares: Mark Boogaers, Patrick Lew, James Bukovsan, Karen Goh, Peter Wong, Suerd Polderdijk, Phonn Srisongkram

Date: 30th September 2018

Time: Briefing 9.15am sharp, Start ride 9.30am

Coordinates: 3o14’46.20” N  /  101o28’27.84”  E

Address: Jalan BSC 2B/1, Bandar Seri Coallfields

Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/S2D4uchqN1q

Waze link: https://waze.com/ul/hw284mngqm

Directions:

Coming from KL city center drive to Sungai Buloh then on towards Kuala Selangor. Keep going and cross under the Guthrie highway. About 2km after the Guthrie highway there is the famous prison. After the prison another 3km then turn right. Gathering place is behind the shoplots on your right.

The ride:

The upcoming KLBH ride will be held at a place we have called Sungai Buloh Prison West. We thought it would be fitting to draw a bit of your attention to the nearby former home of opposition leaders and hopefully future home of world’s most wanted whale. Apart from that the real name of the place is just too boring.

The ride will go mainly through palm tree plantations and was fine for most of the time we did the recce rides in the dry. This Sunday expect it to be a bit slippery here and there. The climbs along the ride used to be 99.9% rideable with gradients that even two dogs with one leg in a cast would be able to get up cycling. Let’s hope the rain, which will likely come down the afternoon before the ride, will not make this a lot harder so we can all go for a longer ride. The areas with direct exposure to the sun are limited to about 3km in each of the loops. Places where you might get your feet wet or do some cleaning on your bike are a few crossings of a small streams with water just over the ankles before the rain season started.

When you follow paper the way we intended there are 4 flavours to choose from this Sunday:

Kiddie is about 10km with 250m elevation gain. The split is at km 5

The short is about 18km with 400m elevation gain.

The Long Has the nicest bits of single track and adds another 12km, with 250m elevation gain. The long loop starts at km 13.

An extra long FRB loop has also been added as we noticed the FRBs are back from the ride way too early. So for the quickest 10-15 riders there is a possibility to extend the ride with another 12km, 250m elevation gain. E-bikers showing up in larger numbers every ride should also take this loop so they will have some idea they have done some exercise.

Cut off time for the long and the FRB loop will be 11.30am. After that time there will be no signs at junctions so you will be on your own. Before that time you are also on your own as we have no sweeper and limited manpower on the trail.

A few cautions:

A cow and/or cow herder encounter is quite likely during the ride. Although cows are generally not dangerous they can behave erratically. Sing your favourite rock song as loud as you can to let them know you are coming and you will be fine. The herders usually just smile and wave at you.

Around the places where the estate workers live there are quite a few dogs running around who have taken up the hobby of chasing cyclists. A good shout seems to scare them off.

The plantation workers will be working during the ride so expect to see them riding on motorbikes or tractors. The tractors seem to be equipped with extra turbo boost button so be careful especially on the wider roads going downhill.

Repeating that there is no sweeper so you are on your own if you are at the back

Expect it to be hot and sunny so bringing at least 2ltr water packed somewhere on the bicycle is not overkill. There are no shops and restaurants anywhere near the trail.

Stay on paper at all time !!!

[klmbh]

KLMBH #283 @ SEMENYIH - 26TH AUGUST 2018 - SHORT SCRIBE REPORT

Michael Phoon brought to my attention that the hare for August would need assistance in setting the bash. My question was “What did they need? He replied, “The hare have been setting it alone with some help from his friends as and when they could but mostly riding it alone”.  I was gobsmack.

Kudos to first time KLMBH hare Ben who took up this challenge and persevered to see it through. I was later informed, he eventually found hares who came in to assist and to ensure we had a bash in August and held it on time.  

At the start of the brief we were told that it was an XC ride (flashback antaragapi XC trail), short 18km and long 23km. We started on tarmac and I zoomed passed many riders to end up riding with the Usual Suspects and I needed to be back early to set up the drink stall. Soon we hit a looong gentle climb into an oil palm plantation covered in green moss concrete road.

After 20 minutes of riding the front pack stop and I assumed it was a check. To be sure, I asked if it was a check and Tarik retorted that paper stopped and if we go downhill we will end up at the entrance of the oil palm estate where we just rode in. Some riders began to feel disorientated but many was happy just to chill and to catch their breath. I volunteered to check and about 250 meters downhill I saw 2 hares holding their left hand up for me to turn right and to stop riders from re-looping the trail again. Well done boys!! On on!! I yelled.

Soon I reached CP1. To the left looked like a steep hill going up (long ride) and to the right was a hill going down (short ride). Tarik and I opted to take the short as we needed to be back early to sell beverages to riders so that KLMBH will have some extra money to sponsor the year end dinner and possibly a jersey for all its members (mental note buy drinks from KLMBH crew members and don’t bring your own on bash days!!).

We continued riding into some single track, sandy downhill, passed a fish pond and on tarmac. Checking the cateye meter, it looked like we had another 3-4 km to reach the car. We agreed between ourselves that we will do the long on CP 3 as suggested by Ben since we were far in front and no one behind us in sight.  Soon we entered into another oil palm estate and paper stopped. We looked to the left and there it was to our horror, a circle of paper (palm smacking on the forehead). We needed to break a check and there was only two of us.

We started riding in circles and soon we met up with Joe, James and a couple of other front rider. They ask where we riding from and we were said it’s a check and we’re checking for paper. Soon there were 7 of us and we started riding in all directions. I then asked James to back check and sure enough he found it. On on!!! and we started the ride again. From there we road back on tarmac and reach our cars together with the front runners.

Surprisingly my Strava clocked 21.9km for the short and Pauls Welfare clocked 22.1km for the long. I know we missed out two sections. The loop at CP1 and the temple on top of the hill. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant Sunday ride!!

[klmbh]

KLMBH #283 @ SEMENYIH - 26TH AUGUST 2018 - LONG SCRIBE REPORT

“A nice Sunday morning cycle tour”

I guess that’s what KLMBH is all about, get out in the jungle with other biking friends and have a nice ride.

This was my 4th bash this year so I start to learn the routines, this time I was a little sceptic since the last bash was a nice one but it was also one very challenging one and it totally knocked me out and forced me to take the rest of that Sunday on the couch, this time promised different trails and a nice tour.

45 min drive from Mont Kiara and no problems to find the start point, I was well in time and needed to ease the pressure on arrival, on the way back to my car one of us (sorry I did not get your name) was a bit unlucky when parking and had both front wheels of his car in the cement ditch, he was a bit worried but that was no problem here, with some teamwork we lifted the car out and all could start the bash in good mood.

Started we did after the usual information session which told that today’s bash was a one man show meaning it was all done by one (1) man, that is really impressive – thank you very much!

Then there is this with a “nice tour”, I have a bad habit, that is as soon as I get an helmet on my head it starts moving inside as there is a competition, this does not matter if it is a biking helmet a Motocross/enduro or a rally/racing helmet, it just happens (and yes I know it not supposed to), and with that I was in the front on the first 2-3 km on small nice roads until we got to a plantation and started climbing, the trail was really nice and after about 40 min we had the first really nice view and made a stop where Jan took a few pictures (picture on me and view), I must say that it amazing how many beautiful views there are so close to KL, at this point we started getting a bit worried that we had missed something since there were no more cyclists around and no checkpoint yet seen, however we were on paper and continued. After a few km we found the first Checkpoint and started looking (as usual I took the wrong one but Jan found the trail after some 5-6 min and now we were a bunch of bikers again (as it shall be), from here there were some really nice small roads and even some single tracks to ride towards the next check, I did have one “close to front flip” but managed with just some pain in the sensitive parts close to the saddle (they say I should get an adjustable seat post but that will increase the weight to 10kg - so NO). On the long downhill we passed an incredible view of a Buddhist temple.

Arriving to the second check and again I took the wrong search road but the right way was soon found and off we went, now we passed quite a few fish farms and as it looked also some orang asli villages before returning to the starting point.

Was it “a nice Sunday morning cycle tour”? YES, it has actually been every time and this time it was also during the ride (last time it took a few days before I could enjoy it fully).

Thanks to you few that put a lot of effort into arranging this rides, it very much appreciated.

Regards:Fredrik

[klmbh]

DIRECTIONS TO KLMBH #283 @ SEMENYIH, 26 AUGUST 2018

Hares: Big Ben & Co.

Date: Sunday, 26th August 2018

Time: Pre-brief at 9:15 am sharp and riders set off at 9:30 am

GPS Coordinates: 2°59'16.7"N 101°52'08.4"E

Directions: Click here Google Map / Waze

Getting There / Parking:

Find your way to SEMENYIH town. From traffic lights at Jalan Semenyih / Jalan Sungai Lalang junction.  Reset your trip meter. Going straight about 5km along Jalan Sungai Lalang. You will see the starting point on your right side and park your car. (Shop lots @ Jalan Semenyih Ria 1, Taman Semenyih Ria, Selangor.)

More parking space available behind the shop lots and near the industrial area after the bridge.  

Reminder: Please respect the shop owners & residence. Make sure you park in orderly fashion and do not block the roads.

Ride Description:

Long Ride: Approximately 23km with 450m of elevation.

Short/Scenic Ride: Approximately 18km with 250m of elevation.

Pic: Photo spot. Sleeping Buddha Temple.

Trail Description:

After a grueling and challenging bash #282 at Antara Gapi. We will bring you a more moderate and scenic bash this round. No killer climbs! No river crossing! No Hike-A-Bike section! All ride-able if you are capable!  

Both long and short rides will share most of trails. The long will be an extended version with a bit more challenging sections to please the long riders. Long and short riders will split and rejoin for 3 times. Do follow signage for directions and Stay On Paper!

Or, you can blend the long/short in between your ride.

There will be kampong roads, logged areas, secondary jungle, palm & rubber plantations, orchards (Think no more Durian….) and Orang Asli village. Please be courteous on any property you go through.

Pic: This section was single trail last week…..

Tips for the ride:

Liquid is always advisable (Min 2 liters, 3 if you’re not a season bash rider for both long and short)

Electrolytes recommended if you’re a mediocre rider attempting the long ride on a very hot day.

A camera to take selfie along the way. 

Stay on Paper!!! If you ride and you are off paper, please do the right thing and back track to pick up paper and follow paper!! 

Ride in a group and put on a big smile on your face as it’ll help to ease the pain.

Did we mention Stay on Paper!!!!!!! 

Ride Safe & Have Fun! On On!

The Hares

[klmbh]

KLMBH #282 @ ANTARA GAPI - 5TH AUGUST 2018 - SHORT SCRIBE REPORT

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to join Kuala Lumpur Mountain Bike Hash (KLMBH)'s ride in Antara Gapi, near Serendah, Rawang for their Bash #282. This is my virgin ride with the group.

For those who are not familiar with KLMBH's activity, I will give a short brief, based on what I understand from the short time spent riding with them.

KLMBH is a motley crew of like-minded mountain bikers who likes to hang out together on a monthly basis, have a bike hash (or 'bash' for short) through pristine secondary forest around Klang Valley, and then hang out to have drinks and chat afterwards. Apologies if my understanding is inaccurate.

Based on what I read on their website, the description of past rides seems to be leisurely, and just enjoy the ride. And based on Bash #282's description, the ride will be short - 15km, with 600m of elevation. Seems like i missed the '600m elevation' part, or maybe i treat it with reckless abandon. And I am about to be unpleasantly surprised.

I came to the venue quite early, around 7am. No one's there. True to the ride's relaxed nature, people come at their own pace. Well, it's my 1st time joining, so it's better to come earlier.

Once everyone had gathered, a short briefing is given, and off we go. The ride starts kind of mellow, and then we are presented with the first hill. Nope, it's not a hill. To most of us, it's a MOUNTAIN. The steep gradient, the laboring climb, and then more climbs, and more, and more... and when I think it's almost done, there are more climbs. And then more.

Until we reached a crossroad - the first check. At that point, my 1st litre of mineral water has already depleted, and I opened 2 cans of 100plus, emptied it into my camelbak and took the 1st long-ish downhill.

And it's a tough downhill. Very dry, bumpy, and as my tires are pumped rock hard to somewhat ease the rolling resistance on the climbs, it is counterproductive on the descents. Even on a full suspension bike, my rear tires skitters and loses grip. But that may be because I used to be mollycoddled by Minion DHR II at the back all these while, these XC-centric Schwalbe Black Jack is not as grippy.

And boy, the sun that day... sweltering HOT. And the sawitduro singletracks doesn't really offer much in terms of natural shade, especially on the long, loose, and oh-so-steep inclines.

After the long, arduous climb, when I *may* have reached the peak, I stopped and took a second to enjoy what nature has to offer in terms of view. And the view is just magical.

Chejo Johan Shadzli started quite late, and after I have finished maybe 4-5 kilometers of the climb, he came past me, pedaling uphill like it was NOTHING, when I am trying to find the very last ounce of strength to PUSH the bike up the steep, 15-ish gradient. This guy is uber strong... Extremely fast uphills, and goes like stink when the hill points downward. I'd say Chejo is definitely one of the fastest riders i have ridden with, if not the fastest.

And while i did try to match Chejo's pace, my HRM shows 180+bpm. I should let Chejo pedal at his pace, as attempting to follow his pace might get me into prolonged VO2 state, and that may cause muscle cramps or other detrimental conditions to present itself.

During the climb, I had the opportunity to chat with IIANM Les, a member of The Usual Suspects (sorry if i get this wrong), and he mentioned that most of the bashes KLMBH organizes are unlike this, oftentimes the ride is leisurely and just to enjoy nature. I'll take his word on it, and will join again.

Towards the end, after a long and brake-fading downhill, there is a fork in the road - the right one is marked as 'short', and the left one is for the long, which extends the ride for another 2 kilometers of climb, with 100m of elevation change. Sorry, no more. Enough punishment of the day, i am DONE.

The way out is the same way as the route going in, and I'm absolutely hammered by the end of the ride. Anyone who enjoys this, is either a very good rider, absolutely loves bicycle, or just plain masochistic. For me, it's punishing, but a good day in the saddle, nonetheless.

Will join KLMBH for their next ride, and I am contemplating signing up for membership also. We'll see.

Thanks for reading, and apologies for any inaccuracies, or missed details.

Lutfi Nasir

[klmbh]

DIRECTIONS TO KLMBH #282 @ ANTARA GAPI, 05 AUGUST 2018

Date: ​Sunday, 5 August 2018

Venue: ​Antara Gapi (Persiaran Antara Gapi)

Time: ​0915 for the briefing, 0930 sharp for On On

Hares: ​Lead Hare Captain Egg Yap, Super Ultra Podium Sherpa Alex, Sprintmaster Konrad, Chief Cook 濡れています Morris, Teh

Location: ​Coordinates - ​3°25'34.1"N 101°38'32.2"E

​​3.426131, 101.642263

​Google Maps - ​https://goo.gl/maps/6uwV2cutLx72

​Waze - ​Location in Waze

Parking:​ Park at the shoplots. Please respect the residents and shopowners.

Video : ​https://youtu.be/upVIAAUD2MI

Trail Description:

Long - The distance will be 15KM with 600M elevation and 3 checks, of which 2 of the checks will be combined with short.

Short - The distance will be 13KM with 500M elevation and 2 checks. The short will split with long at KM10 and joining back with long at KM13. Do follow the signage and paper.

Both long and short will have river crossings so be prepared to get your feet wet. Both rides are NOT suitable for kids.

What to Bring:

Due to the short length of the ride, please do not underestimate your water and food. We recommend you to bring an absolute minimum of 2 litres of water as most of the sections are open palm oil access roads and can be very hot under the sun. Chain lube is necessary to re-lube after the river crossings and always bring spares just in case.

Happy riding and STAY ON PAPER!

[klmbh]

KLMBH #281 @ SG BUAYA - 01 JULY 2018 - LONG SCRIBE REPORT

“First Bash? You should do it” said Les, chuckling in to his pint “it’s an easy ride and it’ll be fun, all of it rideable and no hike-a-bike sections”. Clearly he’s not being entirely honest, I mean is any ride entirely rideable in Malaysia? Only one way to find out…

Sunday brought perfect cycling conditions, no rain, a decent amount of cloud, and yet more assurances during the briefing that I wouldn’t be carrying my bike and I was headed for 28km of blissful trails.

After a short tarmac start the route led across open ground, and then in to palm plantation to the first check. Only a few moments here and it was on-on out of the plantation and into open ground, reaching a summit and some surrounding hillsides which looked uncannily ‘English’. Is this really Malaysia?

The next stretch was a fast, dry descent down to where the routes divide, left for long, straight on for short. Up and in to the trees and then to a sketchy bit of route marking which may or may not have been a check (to be honest I didn’t see another all day, so who knows?) and had a few people listening out for muffled shouts from the trees. Being a clever kind of bloke I tagged on behind some riders who looked supremely confident and experienced with this kind of thing and, sure enough, within a few metres the paper reappeared.

Onwards and upwards through some younger trees, drink and a snack and carry on…. alone. Nobody in front, nobody behind, but theres the paper, I must be doing OK. Through another palm plantation, along a river bank, no bikes, just paper (and trees of course). Eventually I meet another rider, somewhat worryingly, he’s on the short ride and I’m now convinced I’ve been tricked. Whatever, it’s a good ride and I’m not lost.

The terrain changed again and it was back into the jungle for a climb, this time with company and then down a very sweet little drop to the left of the main track. I’m guessing this wasn’t a trail a few weeks ago, so well done to the master craftsmen responsible, it was sweet 

By this time I’m starting to lose track of things and one tree-lined trail is looking much the same as another, all I can recall is a bit more jungle, then some plantation, a rusty coloured stream and eventually a shallow river crossing:

A quick break here and then continue through the plantation, the path getting progressively steeper until I decided walking was quicker. Yep, it was hiking time, but in fairness to the hares, it was still a rideable track. Sharp switchback to the left and down, down some more, one hop-off or drop-off and it was back to the tarmac for the spin back.

To summarise, a fantastic route, lots of variety and Les was right, all pretty much rideable. See you at the next bash!