I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
I have not heard this song before, but the lyrics described the reason for the second trip to Cameron Highlands in 6 months. Unfinished business - to overcome the dreaded climbs. In particular, I wanted to surmount the 8 km climb from Ringlet to Tanah Rata. It would be at the end of a 70+ km undulating ride and it was my Thermopylae.
The first day's ride from Simpang Pulai to restaurant 88 was the same as last year's. Ascending 1,560m in elevation over 53 km. Clocked 15 min longer cuz I took it easy this time.
The second ride was new - from the T-junction to Gua Musang. Great descent in the first 15 to 20 km. The chicken in me didn't dare let go of the brakes, and I was just happy to enjoy the thrill. But there was sufficient climbing of 1,200 m over 96km. Finished dead last, which wasn't surprising since I had to stop a couple of times during the ride due to a dropped saddle bag and chain :)
The last ride was my nemesis. Heavy rain meant that we started 20km ahead of the planned start point. Muscles were all cold and my enthusiasm was low. Waited for SC to fix his leaking tire and once again, I found myself in a familiar position - the default sweeper.
The slopes were all familiar friends but somehow, they didn't treat me too badly this time. I kinda missed my good friend, the C-monster. I attribute the absence to pacing.
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
Caught up with a few riders and was reminded how unforgiving the mountain could be if we didn't respect it.
And then, there was Ringlet. After a quick iced coffee and toast with SC and a couple others, we began the final assault. As it turned out, the toughest stretch was actually the road leading out of Ringlet over the bridge, with a max of about 10 pct gradient. A deep breath at the foot of the switchbacks and the "climb" began.
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith
Just keep pedaling, was my mantra. Ignore the traffic, ignore the other riders. Just focus on pacing.
Surprisingly, I didn't have to use the 29 at all, and only occasionally the 27. Mostly on 25, which was sufficient to do the job.
Best view of all was looking down on the switchbacks and realizing how steep it looked from above. My memory played tricks on me as I remembered how intimidating the climb looked from the bus. There and then, it was a strangely different perspective - all I could see was a few meters ahead, and it looked just like RRR or MF =)
As it turned out, the average gradient was about 5 to 6 pct.
Only too glad to see the 2 km marker to Tanah Rata. A short steep slope up to Heritage and SC was there with a big smile. Thanks, SC!
It's all about the mountain and I, isn't it? CH is my mountain top experience.
Day 1: 1,568 m
Day 2: 1,207 m
Day 3: 1,740 m
Total: 4,515 m
One less item on my unfinished business list.
PS: Thanks again to the unwavering support from MBH and family! Couldn't have done it without you.
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
I have not heard this song before, but the lyrics described the reason for the second trip to Cameron Highlands in 6 months. Unfinished business - to overcome the dreaded climbs. In particular, I wanted to surmount the 8 km climb from Ringlet to Tanah Rata. It would be at the end of a 70+ km undulating ride and it was my Thermopylae.
The first day's ride from Simpang Pulai to restaurant 88 was the same as last year's. Ascending 1,560m in elevation over 53 km. Clocked 15 min longer cuz I took it easy this time.
The second ride was new - from the T-junction to Gua Musang. Great descent in the first 15 to 20 km. The chicken in me didn't dare let go of the brakes, and I was just happy to enjoy the thrill. But there was sufficient climbing of 1,200 m over 96km. Finished dead last, which wasn't surprising since I had to stop a couple of times during the ride due to a dropped saddle bag and chain :)
The last ride was my nemesis. Heavy rain meant that we started 20km ahead of the planned start point. Muscles were all cold and my enthusiasm was low. Waited for SC to fix his leaking tire and once again, I found myself in a familiar position - the default sweeper.
The slopes were all familiar friends but somehow, they didn't treat me too badly this time. I kinda missed my good friend, the C-monster. I attribute the absence to pacing.
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
Caught up with a few riders and was reminded how unforgiving the mountain could be if we didn't respect it.
And then, there was Ringlet. After a quick iced coffee and toast with SC and a couple others, we began the final assault. As it turned out, the toughest stretch was actually the road leading out of Ringlet over the bridge, with a max of about 10 pct gradient. A deep breath at the foot of the switchbacks and the "climb" began.
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith
Just keep pedaling, was my mantra. Ignore the traffic, ignore the other riders. Just focus on pacing.
Surprisingly, I didn't have to use the 29 at all, and only occasionally the 27. Mostly on 25, which was sufficient to do the job.
Best view of all was looking down on the switchbacks and realizing how steep it looked from above. My memory played tricks on me as I remembered how intimidating the climb looked from the bus. There and then, it was a strangely different perspective - all I could see was a few meters ahead, and it looked just like RRR or MF =)
As it turned out, the average gradient was about 5 to 6 pct.
Only too glad to see the 2 km marker to Tanah Rata. A short steep slope up to Heritage and SC was there with a big smile. Thanks, SC!
It's all about the mountain and I, isn't it? CH is my mountain top experience.
Day 1: 1,568 m
Day 2: 1,207 m
Day 3: 1,740 m
Total: 4,515 m
One less item on my unfinished business list.
PS: Thanks again to the unwavering support from MBH and family! Couldn't have done it without you.
