Kuantan 160 is a new event inspired by the Ipoh Century Ride. My main objective is to clock mileage given my lack of training in recent months. EN, JC and GL organized the trip for the FOTR team (a big Thank You!). With some last minute pullouts and substitution, 18 of us gathered for the coach ride up.
It was a challenging ride, with some climbs and undulating terrain, as well as strong headwinds on the return coastal stretch. We started off - 780 cyclists - with a good paceline at 30+kph after the first 4 km. Kept with the steady FOTR group most of the way.
The fun began at 32km, when we hit the slopes. There was one longish climb to about 122m and I was grateful for the recent hill training. Managed to stay on 50-27. The long descent was thrilling.
Synced up with GL and we rode all the way, picking up GC from Globe Spinners after the undulating terrain. Kept HR moderate below 150. At 114 km, GC had a flat and we helped her replace the inner tube. Wished JN was here!
The clouds came in after the third water station, and we felt some drizzle. Tailwind, cool weather. What a great combination. Easily cruising along at 30-32kph over that stretch.
Then we turned left into the rural area and we immediately felt the wind. In addition, we had lots of cow dung for company. Another left into the coastal stretch and it was headwind all the way. Speed dropped to 20 kph, and we did all we could to draft and look forward to the fourth water station. Met up with EJ there. It was getting hotter by the minute and I was counting down the km.
After crossing the finishing line, there was the welcome sight of a fire engine hosing riders down. Nice.
Most of the team had already completed - great finishes by EN (<4:30), JC, CS and SC (all 3 at 5:23). I managed a modest 6:14 (riding time of 5:50 ave speed 27.5 kph).
It was a struggle for some of our friends and for me as well, since I was down with flu and congestion the entire week. The C-monster threatened several times but got spun away :) The experience and camaraderie made it worthwhile.
Here's a great photo at the finish line!
On the event organization: It was a well organized, smoothly run operation! Good briefing, thanks to Dr Jamal, good water support (thanks for the 100plus, water and bananas), wonderful volunteers and marshals. It was particularly gracious of the chief minister to host the pre-event dinner and chatting with us after the ride. Our only suggestion is to patch up the potholes along some stretches.
Last but not least, a heartfelt thanks to my family back home praying for us!
Great video on Kuantan 160:
It was a challenging ride, with some climbs and undulating terrain, as well as strong headwinds on the return coastal stretch. We started off - 780 cyclists - with a good paceline at 30+kph after the first 4 km. Kept with the steady FOTR group most of the way.
The fun began at 32km, when we hit the slopes. There was one longish climb to about 122m and I was grateful for the recent hill training. Managed to stay on 50-27. The long descent was thrilling.
Synced up with GL and we rode all the way, picking up GC from Globe Spinners after the undulating terrain. Kept HR moderate below 150. At 114 km, GC had a flat and we helped her replace the inner tube. Wished JN was here!
The clouds came in after the third water station, and we felt some drizzle. Tailwind, cool weather. What a great combination. Easily cruising along at 30-32kph over that stretch.
Then we turned left into the rural area and we immediately felt the wind. In addition, we had lots of cow dung for company. Another left into the coastal stretch and it was headwind all the way. Speed dropped to 20 kph, and we did all we could to draft and look forward to the fourth water station. Met up with EJ there. It was getting hotter by the minute and I was counting down the km.
After crossing the finishing line, there was the welcome sight of a fire engine hosing riders down. Nice.
Most of the team had already completed - great finishes by EN (<4:30), JC, CS and SC (all 3 at 5:23). I managed a modest 6:14 (riding time of 5:50 ave speed 27.5 kph).
It was a struggle for some of our friends and for me as well, since I was down with flu and congestion the entire week. The C-monster threatened several times but got spun away :) The experience and camaraderie made it worthwhile.
Here's a great photo at the finish line!
On the event organization: It was a well organized, smoothly run operation! Good briefing, thanks to Dr Jamal, good water support (thanks for the 100plus, water and bananas), wonderful volunteers and marshals. It was particularly gracious of the chief minister to host the pre-event dinner and chatting with us after the ride. Our only suggestion is to patch up the potholes along some stretches.
Last but not least, a heartfelt thanks to my family back home praying for us!
Great video on Kuantan 160:
