PCC Interstate 2011 (Raub - Cameron Highlands - Bukit Merah - Damai Laut) - Part 3

30th April - Day 3
Finally its the last day of IS2011. I had a really good sound sleep last night. Couldnt have come in handy for a last solid push to Damai Laut. Since today was a late flag off at about 8.30am, things were taken really relaxed. Unlike previous Interstates where the last day's morning is usually still as tense as the first day.

I got up around 7am. Brush, wash, pack. SoP. Unfortunately no breakfast is served by the resort this morning. The two buns i bought from cameron highlands did come well in handy also. There was not really a shop around that sells breakfast around this part of the resort. =S . Quickly we said goodbye to the nice cozy room and geared up for out last 110km ride today, one of the shortest "stage" of Interstate Ive ridden so far.

Got down and already activity was buzzing , with the sun up and shining brightly to warm up everyone. Really good day to ride. Dumped our bags into the truck, took out the bikes from bike storage and just waited for the start, soaking in the last moments in Bukit Merah. The last time i was where when i was in Standard 6 for end of year school trip. Thats 12 years ago. Lots of guys taking last big group photos. Met a nice young lady called Naely. Nice girl, photographer. And she took some of our pics. =)

The theme this year for IS seems to be Big Teams. Nearly everyone that came were part of some group/team with their own jersey representing each other. Theres teams like P2K, KOTRT (which are yearly participants), and then Trek Livestrong, Magnum, Rolling Spiders, La Squandra Le Tua, BJCC, Penang Island. Its like only a few of us are sort of "individual" or "paired" riders. Well it doesnt matter, im here just to ride 480km of pure adventure, not to dress up. Everyone had a good time taking photos (and being taking secretly without notice).

8.30am, the sun is up nearly full blast, and the marshal's car rolls out to lead 350 odd riders out of Bukit Merah to nearby Damai Laut. I still cant believe how near this part of Perak is to Damai Laut. And Damai Laut is just 20 from home. Awww.........i wished they put the finish in Lumut or Teluk Batik or Teluk Rubiah. Then i can cycle home easy peasy. So close yet so far. Came all the way south just 2 days ago, now im up here. Wild adventure.

The lead out car took us through what i call really nice scenery and kampung roads for the first 5km. Lots of locals probably unaware a huge movement was about to be heading their way. Probably never seen such a big bunch of colourful cyclist on their turf. Its a Sunday yet the locals still come out and do lots of chores, visiting neighbours, the kids playing on the field. A fellow rider came up beside me with his buddy and greeted me. I dont know them personally, but they called based on my bike tag.

"Good morning Darren!"
"Yeap, morning guys!"
"Thats a pretty big ass crank you got there!"
*Looks down at my 54T Dura Ace crank*
"Owh, haha. Yeah. I forgot to change the crank before i came here. =P"

Pretty soon we were directed onto tarmac. And pretty soon, almost instantly, everyone broke apart as the speed went up. I was looking around for my cousin. We planned to just ride out today at a slow pace like 20kmh. Should take us 5hours to reach Damai Laut, so ETA was approx 1pm or so. However, everyone was so "into" it that large pelotons formed almost along the entire stretch of the road, probably 1km. I was hanging onto a small peloton going 30kmh. And then suddenly the peloton broke up and everyone started going for groups in front. And groups behind kept overtaking. Crazy enough the speeds went up to 35kmh soon enough. At one point 37kmh. I guess everyone wanted to finish fast. I looked back and was surprised to see my cousing latching on to my rear wheel. Guess he made it after all to keep up with the fast pace.

This went for about 8-10km or so. Then the road turned off into a smaller road.......which became smaller........and smaller............................and smaller..........................................and soon really tiny. Just enough for 2 1/2 riders abreast at one point. This was REALY SUPER ulu typical Malaysian village style kind of environment. Theres nothing in between nature, simple life.........and............POTHOLES............with our bikes. The road was just like that of Paris-Roubaix. Everyone's fears are punctures and endos. Which sadly a rider went down and was by the roadside with aid from other riders and support vehicles. He looked dazed but ok i suppose.

Then there was a cross bar for limiting cars to go further. Lucky us cyclist can duck down underneath and escape. I bet its going to cause a massive traffic jam later on when the other cars come along this road. Who says jams are only limited to KL? By this time its like 30-40km traveled. I was wondering how long more we have to cycle through patchy roads like this. Thankfully not too long, as in front of me, was a main road. Ahhh finally some tarmac again. And one thing i know for sure..........ITS FLAT ALL THE WAY. As i got on the main road, signs keep pointing to Damai Laut and Pantai Remis. No one (even without tulips) should get lost from this point onwards. And honestly i didnt really bother to look at my tulips that much.

After a short 5km stretch were some shops where i found my cousin resting with the front group. I think it was just about 9+am. Very fast since the starting part was fast paced riding. I said to my cousin that im going to take it really easy from here till Pantai Remis. Arriving too early we might have to wait for the hotel rooms to be ready. Might as well take our time. Even other riders are taking their time.

A short drink and back on the bike. From here on till about 75km the road is winding, quite, through plantations and smooth. Its like strolling through the park on a Sunday morning. Me and my cousin took turns leading each other at 23-25kmh. Its not really a suffering ride today. And the sun wast too hot either. Just nice. All i did was just watch my meter as the km tick away slowly. And for a very long time it was just us 2 guys alone on the road, with the occasional support car buzzing by. And a few riders passing us on and off.

We got to a small bus stop where some riders were taking a break just at km70. More than halfway done. Naely was there too, taking pics and supporting the riders. Offered us some banana's and water which was nice of her. Another 10minutes and we were off. Soon afterwards we had reached the main road connecting Pantai Remis to Taiping, which is the old road before the highway was built. Beside was a malay stall , so we decided to stop here to refuel. Its like about 11.30am so its still very early, having covered already 80km. The last 30km will be very fast so we really just took things slow. Heck, even the nasi goreng ayam i ordered took 20 minutes to arrive when the stall just had a few riders eating there.

As we were eating, peloton after peloton after peloton after peloton after peloton passed by, really raising my concerns that we might be last. And i didnt know there were that many riders behind us. I bet they be making a grand entrance to Pantai Remis just 12km down the road. But i also thought that they might be eating there since the food choices there are more. For the past 60km or so theres not really a solid place to eat other that Pantai Remis itself. Few might just push on straight to the Swiss Garden resort but not all id guess. Done eating my rice and I said its time to go. 12noon already. By 1.30pm we should be in Swiss Garden. Just as we are about to mount up, another peloton came from behind (I wonder where did they all go). We stuck with this peloton until Pantai Remis town, which they then stopped to eat. And just as i guessed, lots of riders were almost everywhere taking their lunch. Well, we wont be joining a big peloton finish thats for sure, but it doesnt matter. From here till Swiss Garden, its pretty much the finishing straight. I know this road. Ive cycled here. Since the days I was in ACS secondary school i've been through this way. I know what the roads are like (albeit any changes in between then and now). I could ride home too if i wanted.

From Pantai Remis (km92) till Damai Laut, just 18 odd km's to go. I can safely say we have done IS11. Theres nothing here now that can make me and my cousin say we cant finish. Its like an impossibility unless Armageddon decides to come now. Otherwise, its in the books. The last 15km on the main road was really all about reflecting my past 3 days. How i still managed to come here is a miracle. How i managed to cycle till this point is also a miracle. The suffering, the cold, the pain, the heat, the distance, the hills, the scenery. My 4th consecutive Interstate was definitely something different than all other Interstates i have participated.

KM105, the right hand turn into the small road leading to Damai Laut. I gave a premature congratulatory handshake to my cousin for successfully completing his inaugural Interstate PCC Ride, with me, with drama, and with flying colours. I would say he was the fitter of us. Based on how he did the past 470km of riding, as opposed to me. =P

The familiar road to Damai Laut, one which i have not cycled in a very very long time since my move to KL. The road looks the same. Nothing much has changed. The feeling is just as good as being home. I am afterall in my territory. The last 2km sign board pointing to the resort. And before we can get a glimpse of the resort entrance, there is however a final test which i know all the while. Its a small 7% climb uphill. Its very short at about 100meters. To me this climb was already conquered long time ago, so im here to just say Hi after a long while. I can see the riders infront and behind struggle up this little hill. But the reward at the end is like a gateway to heaven. My cousin and I cycled up the hill, side by side, dancing on the pedals and on the very top right away we can see the main entrance to Swiss Garden resort. Lots of cheers around, claps. The photographers were busy on the hillside taking pics and cheering riders. Finally we have reached to resort. Finally it is done. Just an extra mile into the resort proper, and there we have it..........

Interstate 2011 (Raub - Cameron Highlands - Bukit Merah - Damai Laut) - Done!

I felt like i had just finish cycling around the world for some reason. Probably there was the feeling of coming home that made it all the more special this year. And what more together with my cousin brother to help lighten things up. Many riders came in one by one after us. I think we were again in the middle of the pack today. Its like 1.30pm. We were dead on time.

However, rooms were NOT on time. We actually waited like 2 hours for the rooms to be ready before we can check in. So for 2hours we were kind of like lost lazy tired cyclists lingering around with no where to go. The long wait finally ended and luckily our room was in the main resort. Some had to stay in the chalets which required travel by van. We checked in to what was really a 5star resort room. The ID was really nice. Superb furnishing. The toilet and dressing area was really cool.

Just as we checked in, we went out to the pool to take a chill out. Honestly i think this is my first time in a 5 Star resort. I did feel like a tourist for the first time, on my own home ground, which may seem weird to you. The pool dip lasted for just 30 mins as im more eager to take a proper shower and go for dinner. Plus the weather suddenly looked like its going to rain with dark clouds and strong winds suddenly coming in.

The final night's dinner was special with a tribute to the late PK Yeoh who recently passed away while riding. His son Chin Hoe did come on the Interstate but as a support. We were all very touched at his courage to still come down, probably thats what his father would have wanted to do. Mae didnt join in, which is understandable as it may invoke strong emotions throughout the whole 3 days. A minutes silence was observed in memory of PK. Ive had the honor to ride with him........on all 3 previous Interstates. RIP.

And with the final dinner, curtains drew closed. Until next year where the road will take us, and where we will end up, its a proper end to this years 3day cyclefest for pain junkies and bike addicts. The night surely was far from over for alot of the guys and girls. For me and my cousin, early retirement to the room was more of our liking. Tomorow is an equally long day for me. You will see why in a minute. For the final night, its lights out IS2011.


May 1st - Day 4
Its the day of departure back to KL. Many riders i believe are on their own transport. Some from Ipoh and Singapore probably left last night already. There were some riders from East Malaysia who left for KLIA earlier in the morning. Some might extend their stay longer.

For us, its heading back to the city (me) and the jungle (my cousin - Balikpapan, Kalimantan). Breakfast at 7am was a full buffet of western and local food. Its hard to resist eating everything that is on the table. Sadly my stomach is only that big. If i were an elephant, id probably be one happy jumping elephant seeing the sight of the food.

Organizer said the bus will depart back to KL at 8.30. The rain didnt help at all. It was pouring. Dismantling the bikes and wrapping them in plastic was anoter SoP. Some guys however brought their bike luggage. Hmm. I might consider one of these in the future. Saves the hassle of everything we are doing now.. Taking out seatposts, pedals, wheels, etc. Just to pack them on the bus. This year, there was only 1 sole bus heading back to KL. And just about 22 of us riders. I was surprised that 330 other ppl had their own transport.
And on the bus this time with us, was...............................(If Clarence and Bahri are reading this)...............Raja the Interviewer.

That alone struck fear in all of us, because we knew what he was capable of. I told my cousin the long story and history of Raja. Along with help from Jesster. The poor targets this year was two of the Singaporean riders and the guy who be sitting next to him on the bus. The rest of us had our own partners or we sendiri pandai2 jaga our own backside lar. The whole bus ride from Damai Laut to KL was really..........tense + funny.

From Damai Laut, passing Sitiawan, taking the old road to Sungkai before turning into the PLUS highway to KL and on to Raub again. A long 6 hour journey. By the time we got back to Raub, it was about 3.30pm. And then we had to go back to KL again another 1hours drive. Finally its really over for good. Another set of painful and fun memories from this years Interstate. Its back to daily routine life.

My day however is farrrrrr from over. Once i get back to KL, i am officially without a house to stay. I am supposed to move out from my current house in Wangsa Maju to USJ to live with my brother. But the landlord says theres a tenant wanting to move in quick. So its no choice that i have to move all my stuff by tonight at best. Thankfully i have moved about 30% of my stuff to USJ earlier in the month. Those which I dont need to use are the first to be moved.

My cousin and I reached KL at around 5ish. Also, now i am with out a car still. The Datsun is still not ready from the JB breakdown. And the Saga is still in finishing process just after the flood bath. The only way is i borrow my dads Myvi to move the stuff. And he has already borrowed a friends car to be spare. Cousin dropped me at Puchong where i met my dad n bro. I took the Myvi while dad n bro took my bike and luggage back to the USJ apartment which is to be my next house of stay. I was actually unprepared to move in this quick, but circumstances made me have to adjust. Thank God its a public holiday brought forward today. I took the car straight back to Wangsa Maju, to my current house and packed up as much as I can. I wanted to move all out by tonight by hook or by crook, even if it meant multiple trips.

I got back, packed up all my stuffs in boxes and plastic bags. And amazingly i loaded all my stuff in the Myvi except my small table, mattress, chair and book shelf. The rest of my stuff was squeezed into the Myvi. Trip No1. I got back to USJ apartment approx 10at night after eating dinner. Unloaded all my stuff with my brother and dad's help. And then, i went back for trip2. Crazy yes i know, but i rather get it all done now. Trip 2 i also manage to squeeze the mattress, table, chair and bookshelf into the Myvi, Not bad for a car this small. Finally.................and for the last time also (maybe for now at least) i leave Wangsa Maju no longer as a permanent resident there. USJ will be my new neighbourhood, playground and cycling route? But i still will attend WHC on the weekends. =) So its more or less i travel far up to Setapak on weekends and nearer to office on weekdays. Before this its the opposite way around.

I got everything done and settled nearly 2am in the morning. Including fixing up my pc, table, mattress and wardrobe.

Finally i am settled. A really really good rest is needed after this. Btw, Deric my brother starts college in TOC already. So soon i'm being his daily chauffeur. =P

So with that............concludes this years PCC Interstate 2011 from my eyes report.

Hope to see everyone again next year and make my 5th consecutive a good one.

Till then, ride safe. And see ya'll really soon.

~The End~

PCC Intersate 2011 (Raub - Cameron Highlands - Bukit Merah - Damai Laut) - Part 2

30th April - Day 2
After a really sound sleep during the cold cold night, my alarm rang at 5.30am. Time to start the 2nd day of IS2011. Unlike previous Interstates, my legs felt much better this morning after day 1. Normally my legs be sore after day 1. Probably its because i wasnt pushing that hard yesterday.

My feet meet the cold cold cement floor *brrrrr*. Brushing and washing up in the toilet, it was even more cold. The water was cold. The air was cold. The floor was cold. Everything was cold. Even my jersey in my bag grew cold throughout the night. Dayum. We were all up by 5.45am. Me, cousin, Alwin and Shakhir. Alwin looked so cute the way he sleeps. Just felt like pinching him. Lol. Sounds gay right?

I dressed in my newly bought jersey set from Yasin. First time i will be wearing bibs. One thing for sure i know, peeing will be a problem. The bibs are so high up my waist and the shoulder straps does limit how much i can pull down. But anyway, new experiences are meant to be experienced. So, what the hell then. Packed up all my stuff and headed down with my bike n bag. Breakfast was simple mix of fried rice, eggs, fried kuey teow. And once again, chefs underestimated how much we eat (even for breakfast). Re-loading of the food was kinda sluggish. But we cant complain much can we? Its after all just a simple 3star hotel.

Today is the longest single day ride i will face (195km). I was estimating at least a 10hour ride today. Like usual I always plan my ride ahead and the pace i intend to ride. Cousin was pretty much agreeable to ride slow and enjoy. So thats that, just needed to get ready to ride.

Waiting outside in the early morning of 6.15am in the freezing (really freezing 20 Celcius temperature) wasnt really pleasent. Especially when we are still waiting for people to return roomkeys. How hard can it be to just return roomkeys? That we waited for 30 minutes till 6.45am before we can start riding. By the way, we realized (me and my cousin) than going downhill this early in the morning might be chilly. I tried looking for newspapers (its a good wind breaker and body warmer) to stuff in our jersey. Otherwise we be shivering on the way down to Simpang Pulai. Too bad, all newspapers ran out. Luckily though, i have a backup plan. I brought along two waste paper bags (those really thin ones). I gave one to my cousin to wear. I put it in my jersey just wrapping the front portion of my chest as a wind shield. My cousin however...........did this

Well being an engineer himself, he just re-engineered the garbage bag to fit around him like this. Not bad eh?

 Some of the riders getting ready. Some in wind breakers. Not so fair. =P

 Loading on the truck.

These two bikes gona have a long ride today.........

After a lengthy delay with Christina shouting at the top of her lungs to get people to return the room keys, we finally can move off. First 16km of the route from start goes uphill. Zzzx. So early , so cold already legs have to start hard work. Even just cycling a slow 14kmh uphill, its still cold as the artic. The platic bag did help a little. But my arms and legs were still cold in the wind. Worst is when there are small downhill parts. Going down with cold wind blowing. I just wanted to get over this section so badly. Just cant bear the cold anymore. Id be happier cursing in hot weather than cursing in cold weather. At least i can pronounce the words with out stuttering. 

I just took my own sweet time up the slopes. Some sections were kinda steep. But once we got out to the main highway road and turn down towards Simpang Pulai, it was fun fun fun fast fast fast pace down all the way. My cousin was a bit far in front so i did not see him for some time until just after the strawberry farms. The pace down Camerons was constantly at 40-45kmh. My first time going down Camerons (though its a highway) I was rather cautious as I am not familiar with the road. I wouldnt know where each pothole or hump and bump was. Riding up KOM the few months before was a different side of the road. 

By the time i hit the descent it was about 8++am. I figured we can reach down by 9.30am as its a long 50km down. Going to be pretty back breaking. My cousin and I followed the Trek Livestrong group almost from start to end all the way. Was fun following them together. Lots of riders keep overtaking one another (in a safe and orderly fashion) which helped enhance the experience. The wind was cold still. Thankful for the garbage bag on my chest now. Broke the wind nicely. By the time we hit the last 10km of the downhill (based on my meters readings) the sun came out full force, and i could feel the heat once again. How i have missed the heat for.........erm............since...............when i was still in JB. I didnt see the sun whole of yesterday. 

Passed the quarry and was finally on flat roads. I hoped there wasnt going to be anymore uphills. Ive had it already. It was getting hot, so i took off the garbage bag and kept in my jersey pocket. Thank you bag. =) We stopped at a petrol station to fill water and pee. We were still thinking whether to eat here or somewhere further up. Just 1km to the traffic lights junction to turn right and then in 5km we will be in Ipoh. cant believe im this far up. Ive actually passed my hometown (probably somewhere while i was suffering up the cold mountain yesterday). I told my cousin lets eat further up. In the end we just stopped at a simple malay shop to eat rice. The sun was up full blast. Time was about 10am. We have done 75km already. So TECHNICALLY we have to realy cycle 120km only. Well.....not too bad i say. 55km was free downhill. Our benefit at least. Me and my calculator head again made some ETA's to Bukit Merah. At 20kmh we will reach by 5pm roughly. At 30kmh probably 4pm be possible. So i thought it will be a smooth flat ride with some sunburns to the Lake Town resort. No biggie right? 

So after a nice rest, 10.30am we departed. First time will be cycling through Ipoh town. Well not exactly the town itself. Just the outskirts. We will pass Tambun and Sg Siput. Subsequently to K. Kangsar outskirts and Taiping outskirts. When we pushed off, we saw the recumbent cyclist infront of us. I was like, "This is it. We will follow his pace all the way.". He was going a smooth 25kmh. I thought this was just nice to go all the way.  I didnt mind who else wanted to overtake us. Then suddenly out of nowhere, more riders  started to join us. The group of us 4 suddenly grew to about 8 riders. Just following the recumbent.

At a traffic light while waiting, a garbage truck was beside us with all the workers on board, and were wondering where we were from and where we are going. When we told them, the worker was stunned, from the looks on their faces. Lol. They asked "Tarak penat kah?" (Isnt it tiring in Bahasa). Well we just told them IT HELL IS. But we're used to it. And we love it. Crazy right? Even they got speechless.  

After the set of lights, turning right, we said bye to the garbage truck and its stunned crewman. And what stunned us later was a long train of 40+ riders snook up from behind us. If not mistaken it was led by Master Vong Vong Vong. Going at 35kmh. I was tempted to follow, but this early in the ride i thought better not. I was just still keen to stick with the recumbent. It took like 1/2 minute for the long train to finish overtaking us. Unfortunately , the recumbent rider wanted a break so we were on our own soon after. Just two of us cousins. The earlier riders somehow stuck to the long train.

We pedaled slow and easy into Tambun, then going up through Sg Siput. We passed the Lafarge Cement factory. The biggest landmark in Sg Siput. We took a short break under one of the overhead conveyor belts. Need some rest after 30km. I decided that we would rest at each 30km intervals (which is a good idea to recover). The sun was beating down hard but not too hard. The road from here to Taiping was pretty much town roads. I wasnt really suffering much as i paces properly. Leisurely riding style.

After we entered into Kuala Kangsar, we stopped at a junction for some water.........coconut water to be exact. Refreshing cold coconut water on a hot day like this was like heaven. Then we continued some more heading towards Taiping side. I think this was around 150km or so traveled. Nothing eventful. That is until i started to see the PLUS highway on my left. Was cool to be cycling beside the North-South Expressway. What soon became uncool was that i have to cycled beside this expressway.........and go up a long 3km hill. From far it didnt look steep. Boy.........when I hit up that slope.......it was just as bad as going up Camerons yesterday. And its like I have to do it again. Dayum. I said i didnt want climbs anymore. Gahhhh...... i climbed up that hill freakishly slow......like 9-10kmh kinda slow. A rider infront was already sitting on the rails taking a ciggie power break. Behind me another cyclist was following in the distance. Further up my cousin seemed to be conquering the hill like Lance Armstrong. I took like 10 minutes to get up this little hill. Little was an understatement. Many thoughts rushed into my head "Stop. Get down. Push. Walk". Well I will let my will power decide when to call it quits. My thighs were burning. And it didnt help when the road was bloody uneven. My will power prevailed and got me to the peak with huffing and puffing. I hope the downhill part was long enough for me to catch a breather, just incase another hill is on the other side.

Luckily it was down flat to the bottom. I caught my cousin in front slowing down. I saw lots of rain clouds behind me suddenly. So i though of cycling fast for a while. I got up to speed to 30kmh. And passed my cousin. And........he followed me. We did that for about 10km before stopping at a petrol station where other riders were also taking a rest. Quite a big group. Shakhir was there also. I also realized.....its now roughly 3pm and we havent eaten any solid food since 10.30am back at Simpang Pulai. Just my snacks of Could9 along the way. Too busy cycling i guess till we didnt really feel hungry. Since i was there i ate quite abit and drank lots of water and 100Plus. Then my cousin starts to get funny again............with this............

Is this how he will do Interstate 2012???? If he does, God bless him.

I took a short splash of water in the toilet to cool down afterwards before continuing our last 30km of the days ride. We left together with a small group of riders going at about 30-33kmh. I suddenly felt the temptation to follow their pace since we are short distance from the finish. So i told my cousin "Lets follow". So we did. And we followed the pace led by this young rider from Singapore. Riding a really nice Look 659. We did 30kmh average all the way without stopping till we saw the last 5km to go. When we hit that mark we all pretty much sat up and relaxed. The last 25km went by so fast i didnt even realize. I was just busy trying to keep pace with the riders and not lose the draft. 

Then suddenly on the entrance to the Lake Town resort, lots of the support car drivers told us to gear down....and enjoy the terribly bad hill. I was like............"What hill?". Then infront i saw what was like a dragon out from the sea. Tall............long.....................scary.........................steeeeeep.............................I shouted my ass off at the sight of that hill. I geared down immediately and prepared to ride my legs off. Its much steeper than yesterday, the few months before and since i can remember. Its as bad as Genting Highlands. Now its here. The SG rider that led us went up like really fast. I wasnt too bothered. Cousin went up slightly ahead. Wasnt bothered. I just couldnt be bothered if I had to get off the bike and push up.

My legs pumped up that monster of a hill slowly. Its a 5-9kmh hill kinda steep. Really steep. Gave all thats left in the tank. My lungs are just about to burst. My thighs are just as hot as chicken wings. Sweat dripping out the front of my helmet. I see couple of riders whom were in front now sitting down by the side gathering their breath or some pushing up. I persevered up trying not to get off. Just a little bit more and Im there. The last huff at the peak was greeted by a nice overview of the Lake Town resort and the lake. Just as nice as Tasik Kenyir last year. Then on the way down was just the slow roll-in into the Resort. 

Finally Day 2 mission accomplished. We made it by 4.30pm which is good time. And from the deck of unclaimed ID tags and amount of luggage still unclaimed, we were in the middle of the bunch today, compared   to yesterday where we were near tail-enders. A not so suffering day though it was long. Glad to finish nicely. 

Grabbed the luggage , stored the bike in the bike storage area, went up to our service apartment. Nice room. Much nicer than yesterdays room. Shower and TV. Mini fridge. The dinner was a nice assortment of food. Buffet style as it should be. After that the usual rigmarole of briefings, announcements, lost and founds. Then its bye bye good night see you tomorrow on the last day! So fast its the end of Day 2. My cousin and i took a short walk after dinner before heading back to the room. 

Funnily i wasnt sleepy yet as i should be after a long hard day of riding. Instead i watched this show on the TV  which as a Jay Chou movie. Not like im his big fan or watch his movies often. But the plot was (you chinese watching movie buffs might know but i dont) JC is a music college student who falls in love with a supposedly ex-student from the past who came to the future by playing a secret piano piece. In real only he can see her but others cannot see her as the spell was only the first guy to see her after she plays the piece can. Kind of like a to and fro love story. Well tragically the plot then reveals she died back in time due to asthma as she left her inhaler at home. And JC played the secret piano piece to go back in time to be with her. And well.............im lazy to elaborate more. Lol.

Long story short, i saw tat movie till 12am till the end and then went to sleep. Next morning we ride at 8am so we can sleep later. So its lights out on Day 2. 

-End Part 2-