Desaru May 2011: Back to basics

Over the past two over months the focus is on running (back to basics) in preparation for the Sundown marathon. Nonethelss, the rides were getting fewer but longer. Running mileage back to over 100km per month (164km for March and 156km for April). Would have been more had I not fallen ill in early May. So far 171km for May.

Sufficient training for SDM? We'll see.

Last monday, we had another FOTR ride to Desaru (aiming for one every quarter). Comprising BnB veterans and first timers, it was a good ride albeit a very hot one.

It was certainly tougher than our last 100km Desaru ride. Compared to my maiden Desaru ride last August, this ride was a lot more fun. At least I wasn't so intimidated by the climbs now.

Everyone did well - especially our first timers who braved the heat and pain. Looking forward to the next Desaru ride. Maybe 160km?

Oh, I forgot to mention that our ladies outdid us again. They rode to and from the ferry terminal, clocking a total of 180km. Wow.

Desaru revisited

Since our training ride to Desaru last year, we'd been talking about another ride up. Finally came about with a few changes.

The ferry is no longer in operation, so we had to take the bum boat. $10 per pax, with $2 bike charge. But had to wait for 12 pax before the bum boat would leave. With only 9 pax, we had to pay a small surcharge.

Missed the turning toward the undulating route (should take route 92 towards Kota Tinggi, first left turn after the Y-junction leaving Renggit). So we did the coastal route (route 90) instead. Strong headwind going north, and it was tough to maintain 25 kph.

At the Petronas station, we deliberated over taking the rolling route back, but since we were unsure, we opted to take 90 back. Note: south-bound is easier than north-bound.

Unfortunately, CL had a tumble along the flat due to strong winds. Nothing serious apart from abrasions and a wobbly front wheel.

Last ferry at 4 pm. We reached the Pengilih ferry terminal around 3 pm, with time to spare. 106 km.

Next time, we'll do 130km :)

Desaru 130k ride

As part of the Bike n Blade training, a group of 20 of us departed from TMFT on a bleak Sat morning, headed for Tg Pengelih in Johor, Malaysia. Bleak because dark clouds were looming, and we were sure it would rain. Thank God, the weather held out.

Our regular FOTR kakis were AY (chair of BnB comm), JN, SC, YP, JT and newcomer GP. There were many veterans - who took part since the inaugural event 2 years ago - riding as well. It was a good opportunity to know them.

We rode as a group to Sungei Rengit, 17 km away. Thought of stopping for breakfast, but decided to follow AY and rode on. It wasn't too long after a few climbs that a few of us lagged behind. Long way more to go, so I decided not to try to keep up with the speedsters.

Took Road 92 (17km) and turned left to Tg Belungkor on Road 89. Tg Belungkor is another ferry point, but would stop operating trips from Singapore. On the way there, three of us - JN, SG and I - came face to face with a wild boar. It crossed the road, stopped in the middle and looked at me. Fortunately it was about 200m or so away. Then it decided to continue crossing the road, after determining that I wasn't lunch.

Then we encountered a bunch of monkeys and were glad that we weren't carrying any bananas.

A short break at Tg Belungkor to fill up on water, and then looped back to Road 92. Saw the rest - who stopped for breakfast - catching up. We rode together all the way into Desaru. I was leading the group at that point, and was glad when Allan overtook me coz I wasn't sure where to go once we reached Desaru. Stopped at the Petronas station for drinks.

By then, I was starting to feel the effects of the long climbs. But as GP put it, we were just 30 km from lunch, and that kept us going.

The route from Petronas back was via coastal road 92. Less climbs, but very windy. On one climb, I pressed a little too hard to overtake Sam, and felt cramps on the right thigh. It persisted for a while and I had to slow down. Good thing Mr C went away.

For a good stretch I was happy to draft AY, who stopped to ensure that we were ok. The ride took its toll on all. Some just held up better than others.

Lunch at Sg Rengit was a seafood affair. It felt good to replenish and ease those weary muscles. It was then another slow 17k ride back to the ferry terminal where we cheered upon reaching the gates!

The Desaru ride was definitely the best ride this year for me. It was the longest as well - 134km by my garmin.

Memorabilia: A small frog did a kamikaze on the bottom of my downtube.