Cycling is expensive hobby?

Celebrating 2 years in cycling, I try to summarize my spending in cycling, for your consumption & judgment.
In the keen interest of cycling, I'm indulged and being happy about it.

How does it start
Prior July 2007, a number of time, I been approached by Jazlan to take up mountainbiking. I had a keen interest but forking RM2000 for a bike wasn't that easy at that point of time. An angel came down in a form of human and gave me RM2,500 soft loan for a kick start.

Initial "investment"
I bought myself Scott Scale 70 for RM2.3k from BikePro (thanks to Big Mac for his time and consultancy). Immediately I went to KHS for a Limar 911 helmet at RM280, the only helmet that fits my big head at that point of time. The list go on an on. Glove, bladder, allenkey toolset, spare tube, shoes, cycling jersey, lycra pants, and more tools. After spending a total of RM3k, I may become insane keeping the record of my spending list.

More spending
Soon enough, I endo during first night ride in RRI, bent my saddle (body injury will recover, parts injury won't). So I replaced with Velo Carbon (new, RM120).
Weekend ride dosage seems insufficient, bought blinker and light in order to ride at nite.
Cassette and chain worn, replaced.
Straight handlebar caused numb wrist, replaced.
Running shoe double as cycling shoe caused slippery pedal grip, bought HiTech trail shoe (new, RM240).

Even more spending
V-Brake failed on me, bought Avid BB7 (new, RM350).
Joined the clipless bandwagon, bought SPD pedal and shoe (used, RM250).
SPD design flaw caused numerous stupid falls, changed to Crank Brothers pedal (used, RM100).
Another clipless shoe, Shimano MT41 (new, RM240).
Bought Spesh frame from Big Mac to inflict others in the family (used, RM250).
Bought bundle parts from Jazlan to assemble Spesh (used, RM100).

Recent years..
Before I blow a candle celebrating 2 years in cycling this August, I have 2 full fledged MTB for trail ride, and 2 rigid fork MTB with slick tires for tarmac ride. Now, contemplating to sell off my Spesh for my bed space. Obviously, I need space to sleep.
Proper sleep prior to next morning rides is important!

First and forth wives live happily ever after.

p.s:

• Angel, knowing your preferences to be below the radar, I shall not mention your name you here but you know who you are.
• LHDN, I had received your additional deduction to my salary. Nothing left here, move on!
• Thief, you took my son's BMX, please return it to him. He's not tall enough for my MTB. Thank you in advance.
• Potential thief, you may be electrocuted if you try something nasty. BTW, alloy is a good conductor.

Skill School-Descending

This entry may be useful for those who want to comprehend descending technique so that you can do it without causing injury while having fun mountainbiking.

Photo 1: Photo of mountainbiker tackling descending section. The rest of this entry dissect piece by piece from this photo.

Photo 2: Checking 4 feet ahead of the direction you wants to go. Always find easy way out route.

Photo 3: Left arm a bit straighten, elbow close to abdomen to avoid hitting the tree.

Photo 4: Fingers on brake to micro adjust the traveling speed.

Photo 5: Coasting position with crank level to the ground. This is to avoid horizontal obstacles (e.g. roots, rocks & berms).

Photo 6: Firm grip on pedal & handlebar. Flex and relax muscle (no stiff join). Bend your knee & elbow to absorb vibration & impact. Curl abdomen and take the butt slightly behind (and below) the saddle to compensate center of gravity.

The man who can't get enough

Apparently, my Shogun is back, hitting the road. I put it to rest for a month after I sold it's 27" wheelset due to issue with "chain line" on single speed.

Long story short, an offer made by Mr Beskal on his XT shifter and RD left me with surplus Deore RD and shifter from Spesh. Fitted Shogun with read shifter & Deore RD, with a little tweak on Hi & Lo settings on the RD, I run it on 5 speeds only. This is due to maintaining the "chain line" within tolerable limit since I run on single chain ring (without FD); a potential disaster shall the chain derail from the chain ring.

Deore RD, 9 speed cassette and a pannier rack

I decided to set the record straight; Shogun for commuting, Scott for the trail, and Spesh for my version of road bike. Clearly, each bike has it very own setting that suit most for its intended purpose.

Riding Spesh to work is fast, however with a back pack on my back, thing gets a little warmer and steamy under the wind breaker. Thus Shogun is an ideal bike since it fitted with pannier rack that will easily take 20kg on it. My first encounter riding Shogun with back pack on the pannier rack was a pleasant one. Less steamy and better body movement to observe the traffic. Downside, a little awkward light feels on my front wheel as most weight is being shifted to the rear wheel.

My official commuting bike :)

My previous post on Denda
Someone peeled off the warning sign this morning and I swear it wasn't me.. Seriously :D

The usual parking spot. Now without the warning sign ;)

KLMBH Epic '09

Nothing much to brag about apart from able to finish it 2 hours after ride buddy Shaque. Met Mr and Mrs Irwan of Subang Bestari at CP4. Mrs Irwan helped my daughter during BTP hash. Leg was good, no cramped whatsoever until I squatted to change my puncture tube.

Mr and Mrs Irwan after CP6 (last checkpoint) From KLMBH Epic '09

Akmal Hizam from Plentong, JB From KLMBH Epic '09

Wishful thinking, I could have been finished it earlier if...
1. Didn't chat & smoke at CP2 (20 minutes)
2. Didn't chat & smoke at CP3 (20 minutes)
3. Didn't chat at CP4 (15 minutes)
4. Didn't puncture my tube while bombing down gravel (20 minutes)

Wahh.. that was 1:15 hours I could had save :)

Me and Shaque had a mutual understanding. Though we came together, we ride according to our capabilities. Keep it at our own pace so that the fast one (Shaque) won't be holding back, the slow one (me, all the time) didn't exert beyond my fitness capacity. This concept is applicable for hash/race outing, where paper is our guide for the route. Riding in less obvious trail requires a buddy system for safety reason.

Return to Kemensah

It was harsh, I was panting in many climbs and it was only sub 20km. What the heck happened? How will I survive 55km KLMBH Epic?





From Return to Kemensah

What when wrong
As simple as not having my usual nite ride every other day. On top of that, carb; late nite coffee over ASTRO's programme (CSI, House, That 70's show, Mythbuster, 5th Gear or just about anything other than Ceria channel). Perfect disaster!

Action Plan
Packed meal for a day (tuna sandwich, apple, almond), more fibre, and get back on nite ride routine.

KL nite ride

The ride went on as planned. You may noticed that less photo posted on my picasa since I broke my Sony Ericsson K800 that has more than ordinary camera phone photo's quality. And this particular ride, no photos taken by me. Not that I do not have other camera apart from the one come with the phone, it is just as forgetful as it can get (sign of getting old?).

Photo by Kelolo. The rest are here

Some new faces popped up that night apart from usual suspects like Pak Abas, Zali, Mat Karan and Shaque (yes Mr Inspector, he was the organizer!). I was assigned as front runner to lead the pack through all the "checkpoints". Equipped with Scott as to be fair with Shaque, who only ride his road bike on broad daylight. Well, shall I failed to catch up with him on his MTB, at least it wasn't as bad as I choose to ride my semi-slick tire Spesh.

We headed for a tea break at Selangor Mansion where we met another bunch of cyclists from Taman Melawati. Cyclists merely swamped the area!

Batu Dam picnic ride

View Larger Map

Last week, Fino was "bugging" me to take him to Batu Dam during recent CNY long break. It had been a while since the last time I rode there; Christmas 2007 to be precise. My guesstimate, sub 10 headcounts will join the ride after a little "ads" on Facebook and forums.

I serviced my Scott, tied the machete to the fork, downloaded Batu Dam tracklog to my GPSr, packed nutrition and fluid, first aid kit (both for human and their mean machine), 2 spare tubes and 3 set of spare batteries (just to be on the safe side, btw my flashlight, GPSr and camera are running on AA battery).

I reached the entrance slightly after 8:00am and taken by surprised seeing a number of unfamiliar faces preparing their bikes. What a coincident to have a number of group to ride the same trail on the same day. Soon, I learnt that it was a member get member situation and all we know, 20 headcounts!

Revisiting a trail that was last ridden a year ago, 1 clear objective was in my head; I must do better that before! Lets see what I had between these 2 rides..
1. 6 epic rides
2. 8 hash rides
3. v-brake to disc brake
4. migrated from platform to clipless
5. countless parts replaced due to wear and tear
6. countless cuts and bruises

The newbie
Azlan was in his 2nd trail trip after FRIM the previous week. While some improvement needed on his pedaling technique especially on climbing; tackling rocky, terrace and fast flowing decent wasn't much of an issue for him.

From Batu Dam

The conclusion
Trail kinna short (less than 15km). The rideable climbing, fast rolling decent, picnic area and cool soothing river stream; awesome! Just the right place for weekend getaway for those looking for the above combo. And obviously, I did better than last time :)

Photos by Fino

Welcome aboard newbies! See you soon Munir..

Cannondale F5 2009. Source: Cannondale.com

Welcoming..
Wife's cousin, Azlan bought Cannondale F5 this morning after registering his interest with me few weeks back and I took him for a ride at Bukit Kiara (not a good choice to influent potential MTB'r to mountain biking) last Saturday. Welcome aboard bro!

In 2007, I influenced my brother, Azmi into cycling. He started of with decent setup Proton T-Blaze before settled for better specs Scott Scale 70 '08. Though I tried harassing my other 2 brothers to follow suite, it was a failure :)

A week ago, schoolmate Sher took up cycling after many years abandoning it. I wasn't very sure her ultimate objective but she said she will join me on trail once she's ready. On! on!

Leaving..
After many attempts to fit riding schedule between job, family & some other commitments that has higher priority; Munir gave up cycling last night by selling his Scott Scale 40. Hope to see you back on saddle bro.

ECC Malacca: Sahara Ride

Or should I call it Sengsara Ride?

700 or so cyclists came nationwide and Singapore to "suffer" themselves in this ride. This event was organized by ECC Malacca on 26th October. Unlike PCC Presidential '07, I only managed to hit 6 out of 9 checkpoints. It was hot with about 80% of the route is open & double track. The following are excerpts from my photo album.

Dinner by the seaside at Pengkalan Balak

6:24am. All set to leave my kampung and heading to Afamosa Resort

7:53am. Starting line

11:25am. Common scene along the route

12:52pm. A view of series of hills to climb

3:35pm. Azea's nasty cut earned from fall.

5:39pm. A plate or 2 dishes of our choice by the seaside.

Raya long holiday

Last day of Ramadhan
After a few days break since last ride, I made a loop via Degong, Chenderung Balai, and Chikus. Under 30km mild pedaling on flat terrain. By the time I reached kampung, I had half an hour to clean up myself and getting ready for breaking fast.

Metal bridge at Chenderung Balai

It's Raya!
Personally, I have nothing much to look forward for Raya. The enjoyment seems has faded for quite sometime. Probably being a person sitting on the other side of that monetary transaction on pre-Raya, Raya and post-Raya is not funny at all.

On Raya day, after Solat, we had our lemang and rendang dishes. Later asked forgiveness among family member and then we paid a visit to distance family member on the other side of the kampung.

Family photo

Grandpa at age of 88

And what is Raya without firecracker

Ride to Teluk Intan

The lean tower of Teluk Intan

It’s 2^nd day of Raya and it was about time to hit the road. Especially after stuffing my tummy with countless lemang, ketupat and rending on 1^st Raya. At about 7:40am, I left Langkap and heading towards Teluk Intan, about 20km via kampong’s single lane route. Several times, I gave way for cars passing thru. About an hour ride I reached Teluk Intan.

I stopped by the Lean Tower catching my breath. It wasn’t that long when an uncle on his bicycle checked out my Scott and start counting my 9-speed cogs. Our conversation revolved around bicycle and he was sharing his plan to do touring with multi-gear bicycle (on which he planned to buy). My guesstimate, he’s circa 60 years old and still going strong for a guy at his age.

Apart from me, he was the other cyclist wearing helmet I encountered for the day

Fisherman jetty at Teluk Intan

Ramadhan rides continue….

We (as in me & Shaq) finished all 4 Friday night ride this Ramadhan successfully. First Friday, Jazlany joined us despite the drizzle a few minutes before the ride. The following Friday, swelled to 30 cyclists. Namely those from Taman Keramat, Taman Melawati and Ampang after an invitation posted by Shaq at jomkayuh.com (not really).

The third Friday, dropped to 20 cyclists. Probably due “unbearable” series of climbing route designed by Shaq. New faces turned up among roadies. The route gets tougher with climbing section from Mahameru to Bukit Tunku. As for myself, Shogun was running 2 speed i.e. 44/15 & 32/15 wasn’t survived that section too. The final stopover was at Middle East restaurant somewhere in Bukit Bintang introduced by Dr Mariam.

Cyclists of the night

Rekindle my memories during my short work trip in Riyadh with Foul and Humus dishes

More photos here!

I decided to take my Scott for a ride on forth Friday. I suffered tremendously for trying to keep the gear ratio as if I am riding my Spesh (Scott on knobbie while Spesh on semi-slick and 3 kg lighter). The crowd on that night were mostly roadies with bling-bling road bike. New faces emerged, old faces faded away. My shallow mind making conclusion.. “when the going gets tough, only the tough gets going”. Report from Shaq on the next day, those roadies ask for a rerun of the route that very night. I guess a stopover at Doraisamy was the biggest attraction.

Small matter for Shaq

When men turn their heads in 1 direction....

God gave you lemon, you make lemonade?

My initial intention buying that Spesh frame from Mac was to setup a bike out of my parts surplus. It wasn't much of a surplus but I believe that it can turn up to be quadruple S, SSSS, or Specialized S-Works Single Speed. Soon after the frame resides on his new home, parts hunting begun. When begging doesn't work, I intimidated, harassed and threaten friends into selling me their parts surplus rather than sitting there collecting dust under their bed.

Spesh undergoing transplant to become SS

Once the SSSS project completed. I taken the Spesh for a ride and both of us survived. Soon enough, I harassed my wife into cycling, and succeeded. As the human greed will never stop, I starts dumping money to improve the Spesh, changing parts with Scott until the Spesh ready for its first trail outing.

Spesh at Lubuk Tedung/Kem Sleh junction, Kemensah

What I thought as "I need 17" frame that match my size" turned out to be that it takes more than that. I learned that apart the size, frame geometry is another important element that separate different regime of mountain biking.

Spesh, fitted with suspended fork given it a taller ride on front wheel thus lessen the degree of the headtube and seatpost angle. These introduced some difficulties for me on my overall reach as a result putting me on very awkward position taking decent where in most cases, taking the butt behind the saddle.

Scott vs Spesh. Take note on the headtube & seatpost angle

Finally, decided that Spesh has to stay on road with rigid fork on which turning the "flaw" into advantage. And Scott who benefited with new Shimano LX shifter, Avid Speed Dial 7 brake lever, and Avid Ball Bearing 7 mechanical disc brake enjoys his time outdoor in the wild.

I guess when God gave us lemon, we may spoilt some lemon before we can make that tasty lemonade.

The final specs as of 14th of July 2008

RRI Night Ride

Date: 5 October 2007
Location: RRI
Headcount: 8

After my last ride at FRIM a week before Ramadhan, I did not have an opportunity for any trail ride. Only manage a few on-road night ride & afternoon ride to downtown during Critical Mass ride.
We started at about 10:00pm riding along the rubber plantation estate. There were pros and cons riding at night. The pros, with a torchlight tied to helmet I only see thing ahead and not distracted by what is not on my path. The cons, as the speed increase during downhill, the vision become blurrier and shit happened, my front tire had a sudden stop when it drop into a gutter and throw me over the handlebar landing on my back. Damn painful experience!

Complete photo album

FRIM Trail

Forest Research Institute Malaysia, FRIM is where I started my first ride on the trail. We hit Dream Trail on our first ride. the trail undergone a repair work leads by Pat Brunson last year. Dream Trail is not for first timer as we learnt the hard way. To date, we did 3 rides before fasting month.

Complete photo album