Weekly Newsletter – 17 June 2009 / Issue Number: 445-24-2009

8/14/2019 Weekly Newsletter 17 June 2009 / Issue Number: 445-24-2009

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Weekly Newsletter 17 June 2009 / Issue Number: 445-24-2009

PCC, Your Perfect Cycling Companion

This issue

Note from the Editor P1

The week ahead M+D P2

The week ahead T+G P3

Rules of road riding P4

Guidelines to Trail Etiquette P5

The week that was P6

Upcoming events P9

Spare wheels project P12

Club membership P12

Contributions this week

Articles & Photos/Images

Yellow Manta / Mazlin Husin (Article and non watermarked photos) / Bok (photos)

A Note from the Editor

One thing that is automatically understood when doing a road

ride is the aspect of survival and the respect for other road

users...yes, the bicycle is the one that gives way almost all of

the time. There is really no other option as whether you have

right of way or not, most collisions will see the rider coming

out of it worse off.

On the trail this awareness is taken for granted. We need to

be aware that we can be the fastest moving, most silent

vehicle on the trail. If not alerted, we end up most of the

time close enough to give a hiker a wedgy by the time they

are aware that we are there.

What brings me to raise this concern were some near "high"

speed misses that I encountered whilst riding FRIM on

Sunday. Frankly, if this is what I encounter as rider, imagine

how a pedestrian would feel. Dear All, I know we love speed

and fast down hills, but let's keep it slow in high traffic areas.

There are a lot of blind corners in FRIM, and riding like a bat

out of hell with and without a helmet makes you and

unfortunately the rest of us look like a bunch of hooligans.

There are some guidelines of trail usage that were puttogether so that what is logical to others, need to be spelt out

to most. In any regards, I take this opportunity add this trail

etiquette for us to have a read.

See yer on the trails, preferably not head on at 40kph.

Ed.


2/12


Upcoming M+D Rides

Date Ride Distance

28 June KLMTBH (Elimina) ?? km

5 July FRIM 20km

The week ahead M + D Sunday ride 21 June 2009

Mud + Dirt by The English Nose

In line with the AMP Tree Party this weekend, we have decided to ride, 1stly the

Kota Damansara trail (if permissible), followed by RRI. Come with the standard

warfare against mossies as Im sure there will be many. RRI is a beginners trail,however I have heard that the KD trail is slightly technical.

Date: 21 June 2009

Location: Kota Damansara Forest & RRI

Ride distance: 20km +/-

Ride description: KD forest trail is a little on the technical side, but only 2kms long. RRI is great for beginners,

with gentle hills and interestingly enough downhill sections.

PLEASE, PLEASE bring anti-mozzie cream and coils...there are ALOT of blood suckers there.

Meeting Place: Kota Damansara Forest Entrance. See map in the relevant section below.

Meeting Time: 7:30am

How to get there: From the LDP or Penchala link, turn off to Ikea and then follow the map in the relevant section

below.

Contact Person: For more info, please call Alvin on 012 3070 830 / Choy on 012 395 5255


3/12


The week ahead T + G Sunday rides 21 June 2009

Tar + Grime by The Don

Fat buster ride Lets go to Bentong !!

We are headed to cooler grounds while keeping the distance high. The climbs up Genting Sempah will provide good

training ground for those heading to the coming century ride in Ipoh. A nice aerobic ride or a lung-busting ride will be

entirely up to you. This is a self-supported ride, so please bring along your spare tubes, inflation device, hydration salts, 2

water bottles, mobile phone & some cash.

We start at AWE and make our way towards Genting Sempah via Jalan Gombak. Rolling roads greet us as we make our

way up. We shall regroup at the cross junction in front of the workshop at 23km. Careful of lorries plying this route,

especially in switchbacks. They will take the whole road when they make the corner. Road condition is generally good but

be aware of sandy spots at switchbacks. Cool fresh air is standard. We will have our refuel & second re-group point at the

Shell station in Bentong. Please observe Options below. OptionA is newbie friendly as its one way up, and down.in

fact, its harder to get lost ..unless you are Amanda, of course.

Date: 21 June 2009

Time: 730am sharp (please be ready 15mins before)

Start/End: AWE Sup Power food court (in front of Sekolah Menengah Teknik Gombak, Jln Sg. Pusu, Off Jln

Gombak.

Options A: AWE-workshop junction-AWE (46km)

Option B: AWE-Shell station- AWE: (116km)

Contact person: Your Ride Leader is Dennis the Menace and you can contact him at 016-212 2696 if you have any

queries. See you all Sunday!

How to get there:

Head to Jalan Gombak as usual (if coming from Kepong, exit the MRR flyover after Batu Caves temple & go straight along

Jln Batu Caves. Do not follow the flyover to Karak Hwy). Reset your car distance meter when you turn left at the mosque

on Jln Gombak. Drive 2.2km until u see a traffic light & take a right turn into Jln Sg Pusu. At 3.1km you see Sekolah

Menengah Teknik Gombak on your right. U-turn and youre there! Park at AWE Sup Power food court, just next to the

entrance of the school. There are ample parking space & hot food to fill our bellies when we finish our ride. Please do not

leave anything in your car in plain sight of thieves.


4/12


Impromptu Saturday M + D rides

Spare PartsChoy 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.

Change positions correctly Slower moving traffic stays to the left; faster traffic to

the right. Never overtake on the left of the group!

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 abreastWatch out at intersections

Leader should announce slowing or stopping at

intersections, if necessary

Cyclists should not follow others through

intersections without first looking for themselves

Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if

you must stop, signal

Leave room for cars On narrow road or during climbs, leave space

between every three or four riders

Motorists will utilize the shorter passing intervals to

pass the group

Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of

every cyclist. Remember, we share the roads with

others; its not our Grandfathers road.

Stop off road When stopping for mechanicals or regrouping, always

move clear off the road

Always indicate you are stopping with your right hand

asking them to overtake you on the right.

Always yield to traffic in the roadway

Rules of Road Riding T + G

Practise Good Peloton Etiquette Everyone in the peloton has to contribute to the

workload. That means taking your fair share of pulls at

the front. Its ok to do shorter pulls, especially if you are

tired. Just do a token pull, indicate and pull off to the

right & back after youve established it is safe to do so.

When you go to the front, always keep a constant &

steady speed. Do not accelerate or show how fast you

are. It is not a race, moron!

Typically everyone climbs at their own pace. So after a

climb, recover & regroup before setting off again.

Do not pull too long at the front. Always reserve some

energy

Ride single file It is illegal in some areas to ride more than two abreast.

Avoid doing this.

In our country, the roads are narrow and winding. It is

better to ride single filed in this case, unless it is safe to

ride a double pace line.

Rules of Road Riding

By The Don

Weekday T + G rides

TUESDAY NIGHT SPECIAL TAMAN TUN (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)

Ride distance: 25km (TTDI Damansara Heights TTDI)

Time: 830pm (check in 15mins before)

Meeting place: In front of KSH (Taman Tun Dr Ismail)

Contact person: Kevin (012 354 7181)

THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE NEW (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)

Ride distance:

Time: 700pm (70km) / 830pm (35km)

Meeting place: Putrajaya Mosque Car park

Contact person: Vong 016 287 2066

Ride Guideline: Well maintained flat to undulating

roads.

Objectives: Improving endurance,leg strength and

road bike skills (eg. Drafting technique,

signalling, road safety)

COMPULSORY TAIL LIGHTS

FOR ALL NIGHT RIDERS

NO HELMUT, NO RIDE


5/12


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..thats 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 theres 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

- Dont take short cuts over/around technical sections. If you cant 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 its good for the soul.

FEEL LIKE YOU WANT TO ADD TO THIS? DROP US A LINE. WE WILL ADD IT IF IT MAKES SENSE.


6/12


Sg Liang Ride + Camp byYellowManta / The week that was M + D

The last time we had a ride-n-camp in SgLiang was back in Nov 2006, thick in the monsoon season. As if

that wasnt bad enough we chose to go in the afternoon,

meaning we reached campsite very late in the evening amidst a

very very heavy downpour. I remember everybody frenziedly

setting up their tents in the dark, jumping into an icy cold river

to clean up and then having to cook under a small plastic sheet

held up by 2 riders! The rain never stopped until almost 11pm.

Perhaps that was the reason why we never had another ride-n-

camp there until last weekend

A lot wiser now, we stuck to the old plan of going in the

morning. And we had so many new faces this time round

Vincent Lim and son, John, Bok, Mazlim, IceCube, Elaine, Lydia,

Jack, CM Foo and 3 Singaporeans (the other 2 are veterans!)

who more than made up for the veterans who couldnt come at

the last minute.

The ride to camp from the estate quarters inside Naza

Plantation remains a great ride except for those sections totally

messed up by 4WD activity. And because its been rather dry

lately, for once we could see how deep those big holes

previously filled to the brim with gooey mud really are. A couple

are easily 10-foot deep! Riding or even walking on the narrow

ledge next to them gave me the creeps. Cant imagine falling in!

And talking about that, some of us actually fell into some of

these mud pools, fortunately the shallower ones! Ask Bernard

and Lydia. And Elaine maybe. And Bok.

The good thing about this trail is that its almost 100% under

tree cover. So you dont need to worry if the sun is blazing

overhead. Downside is the trail remains damp all the time but

thats not necessarily a bad thing either. Actually makes the trail

more fun to ride! And of course coming out the following day

was a blast! That put a smile on everybodys face and made it

worthwhile for all the hard work going in. And damn hard work I

must say! We started ride at 11.15am and first rider reached

the campsite only at 1.45pm and thats only for 15km. The last

ones straggled in well after 3pm.

A highlight of the ride was seeing Mazlim pulling all his stuff ona trolley hooked onto his Cannondale Lefty! Amazing how he

managed to get both bike and trolley up the incredibly rutted

and steep slopes and across so many of those log bridge

crossings and narrow ledges next to those deep mud pools. And

he wasnt the last to reach camp.

Everybody thought the unbelievable Pat had put on a lot of

weight but he didnt think so that is until he got stung by a little

bee. Within hours, his left wrist was double the size of his right.

Annie took a look, baulked and was reaching into her bag we

thought for some medicine that she could give to our poor

chap. But turns out she was reaching for her camera. To good achance to pass by to capture a nasty looking thing, it seems.

Hope to see a lot more new faces at the next ride-n-camp!


7/12


Sungai Liang, Raub, Pahang, its a perfect campingground. 8km by four-wheel-drive then 18km on mountain bike

climbing off road with self support supplies such as tents and food. To

get there is hell but once arrived at the camping ground, its like a

paradise wedged between two rivers. The water was crystal clear, you

can even see ikan kelah swimming in the river between the rocks and

boulders. Reunited with a bunch of old MTB-er comrades and made

friends with new ones. The ride downhill was orgasmic, though

interrupted by a series of un-rideable stretches destroyed by

environmentally insensitive and irresponsible four-wheel drivers. Due

to the damages on the trails (which is good, in a way), the campsite is

no longer accessible by 4wd but the ugly scars on the trails remain.

Currently the campsite is only accessible by mountain bike or trekking

on foot. Dont have to go far.

Malaysia is beautiful! The only setback, as Adli Ice Cube Dahlan

commented on Facebook Too short. A 3 days 2 nights camping

would have been just PERFECT. I enjoyed it tremendously and will join

again next time. Thank you all for the wonderful time and thank you all

for helping me through river crossings.

(In my opinion, some of the best mountain biking photos Ive seen. You

have really captured the essence and the beauty of some of the reasons

we ride. Keep it up and I look forward to seeing more photos from you.

Ed)

Malaysia is beautiful by Mazlim Husin (Sg Liang Ride + Camp) / The week that was M + D


8/12


Because, Its as simple as that by Bernard

Only one word to explain why we do it again with leg screaming, back

cursing, sweat working down dripping from our helmet stinging our eyes.

Uncontrollable momentum by additional 3.5 kg backpack inertia. Its these

same things that answer the questions of "why" with the simple

explanation of "because".

Its because having a dip in the river is just so rewarding, The sound oftranquility, cicadas, gibbons and crickets is alien and Its because to get

there, it requires some serious heartbeats in the back of our throat.

For the minority of us , suburbanite and city dwellers, how do we explain

the unsung villain of our pursuit? the lengthy drive on four wheels so that

we can later saddle up , backpack up and ride up.If mountain biking relies

on the journey as being as important as the destination , the commute

from desk job to trail head is one from hell during a rush hour and also for

its preparation.

Every camp and ride worth taking offers the rivers and sounds that makes

even the worst scenario bearable: the sound of rushing water bubbling

and breaking. the bird in tree top canopy over bearing.The dollop oftherapeutic mud splashes as you ride across it.Bamboo wood cracking as

the campfire burns it.This ride will always repay our dues with excellent

gravity drops about 6km of blissful bike and body coordination within the

jungle canopy. Certainly its now a memory.

But to mention before we even clip in, is just also the glare of sunshine

reflecting off the components in your rear view mirror or the shadow of

the tire from above your roof rack makes preparing and waking up

tolerable - Something the wind in your face will replace and later a

gratifying chill out session to your whim and fancy after the sweat.

Just being real, back to basics and It is as simple as it is, just camping and

just riding.

Because its as simple as that by Bernard (Sg Liang Ride + Camp) / The week that was M + D


9/12


Upcoming Events


10/12


Upcoming Events


11/12


URBAN CAMP FAMINE CHALLENGE

Why are we doing this?

Over 1 billion children are living in extreme poverty. They have no access to food, clean water, shelter, medication and education. The 30-

Hour Famine is a tangible way for us to help these children and tell them that Malaysians care for them.

How does it work? / 24 Hours + 6 Hours =30-Hour Famine

For 24 hours, we fast and learn about global poverty issues through games, activities and videos.

The last 6 hours are spent at a star-studded Famine Countdown event at the Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, where we

break fast together with thousands of DIY Famine Campers from every corner of the country!

How can I get involved?

Join us: Sign up now as a DIY Famine camper!

Donate: Individual donations and corporate sponsorships are welcome.

Volunteer: Help make our DIY 30-Hour Famine a reality Spread the word: Send this to a friend.

For more information about the 30-Hour Famine, please visit: www.worldvision.com.my/famine2009

Please contact JAMES BAK at 012 2221200 or [email protected] if you would like to participate.

What I need to know?

Section 1

Date : 22nd

August 2009 till 23rd

August 2009

Time : 12 noon Saturday to 12 noon Sunday

Venue : Bandar Utama Central Park (Park opposite 1Utama New Wing)

Section 2

Date : 23rd

August 2009

Time : 12 noon till 6pm

Venue : Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil

What I need to bring?

Tent (Sufficient for you and your family or friends)

Sleeping Mat or Bag (if necessary)

Personal Torch Light

Smiles & Commitment for the cause

What do I get from the camp?

Actual famine & poverty experience

Knowledge about world food crisis

Certificate of participation

T-shirt (not confirmed yet)

What I need to pay?

RM 20 for the running of the camp

Minimum of RM120 (for WV) in form of donations from you, your friends and family

Sponsorship in goods for the running of the camp (Optional)

What exactly is going to happen?

You will have to pitch your tent and rough out your night at Central Park where you fast (no solid food) and simulate about global poverty.

There will also be videos and challenges and task to complete in regards to it. Yes, you are expected to fast for 30 hours with no solid food.

For Muslims that are already fasting during the Puasa Month, you are not expected to fast outside the standard fasting hours. You are not

expected to leave the camp as there are programs arranged for you throughout the 24 hours. Last 6 hours, we will join people from all other

famine camps in the country to the main Famine countdown at Bukit Jalil.

Upcoming Events


12/12


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

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 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

villageernever mind. They've been ridden a lot.

Boon Foo has recently offered his assistance to put

together a few hard tails, and together with what we

have now, we should be able to cater for height

ranging from Snow White's pals to the Yang Mings

who want to give this ago.

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 thebike around (only if you are riding with us), washing it

and of course its ongoing maintenance.

Rob (012 6191 308) / Peter (012 227 4443) /

Alvin (012 3070 830) / Adrian (012 383 2618)

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

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

cycling.freeservers.com by downloading the form and mail the

completed form to [email protected]. or sign up by

simply joining our yahoo groups site at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pcc_newsletter which also

automatically subscribes you to our weekly newsletter Spokes

n Nipples.

Membership is FOC, no subscription fee. All

that is required is your commitmentto Ride!!

(bicycles that is) Welcome onboard and

have fun.

The Spokes & Nipples is the official newsletter of the Pedalholics Cycling Club. Unofficially, its the medium by which members and regulars will kay

poh amongst themselves! Target is to publish it every Wednesday but do not be surprised if you receive it only on Thursday or, worse still, Friday. After

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

We welcome ride stories and articles from everybody as well as your feedback but do try to submit them to us at [email protected] before noon

each Wednesday; otherwise well pin the blame on you if the newsletter is delayed! And of course, like they always say, we may edit all articles

submitted for publication. Just to make sure you say nice things we like to hear! The Spokes & Nipples is distributed via the eGroups.com portal. If

this newsletter has come to you unsolicited and it irks you like heck, please unsubscribe through the address listed below. Otherwise, we welcome you

with open arms and legs to our little circle and, most of all; we look forward to riding with you!

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Weekly Newsletter – 17 June 2009 / Issue Number: 445-24-2009

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Transcript of Weekly Newsletter – 17 June 2009 / Issue Number: 445-24-2009