Labour Day - a single day out of 365 when us hard-working employees can relax, have a lie-in, be a couch potato etc... OR - wake up at 5.15am to drive to KKB and then embark upon a 2.5hour bike ride up a 1100m climb into the clouds! Naturally, around 20 or so PCC Tar 'N Grimers rose early and met at KKB stadium to do just that.
And we had our very own mini Bike Show to titillate everyone before the ride. May Senn pulled her nice new Orbea Diva from her car, Bernard was showing-off his new Token carbon deep-section wheels and William was looking sharp in a full BMC outfit to match his bike. Ah Fook had new purple Look pedals and shoes.
As we headed off towards the dam, the pack slowly disappeared into the distance (my legs take at least 30 minutes to get going). At the dam we bumped into PK and family, and the day of climbing really began.
My trusty climbing partner Ah Fook and I steadily made our way up the lower slopes and we eventually caught the yellow jersey group (Mac). Before the ride Mac had reminded me that the yellow jersey should not lead up mountains. That job is for the polka-dot jersey. The yellow jersey should be "protected". So we protected the man in yellow for a while before moving on to catch our next rider - Big Ron. We caught a glimpse of him at one point but then didn't see him for another 10 minutes - I thought perhaps I was hallucinating due to the seemily never-ending winding road. At last we found him, and shortly afterwards we arrived at the Gap resthouse. End of Part 1!
We regrouped at the Gap, with Kim-possible Yap making an appearance to boost everyone's morale - if this hill is a workout worthy of Triathlon champions then there's hope for all of us! This was my first time up to Fraser's and I was apprehensive about the "difficult climbing" after the Gap. I was first back on the road (to get a head start!). And boy did I need it! 1km later we faced a piece of road that looked more like a wall - a 1:7 slope to get the legs warmed again. Althought it was only 200m long, my head start vanished as Arif, Bernard, Azmar, Gunter, Laif and Kenny powered up the hills.
The increased gradient was eased by a few flats and downhills, but the things that really made this part of the ride enjoyable despite the toughness was the view down into clouds, the cool cool breeze and the occasional silence, broken only by the sound of large birds cruising from tree to tree. These things really give one a sense of achievement - climbing so high - and getting away from the pace of city-life.
Finally we reached the Clocktower - Bert from The Netherlands and Richard from Holland (there is a difference folks!) were there - Richard having done 2 loop of the one-way system as he loves the technical descent so much! After much drinking, and consumption of nasi lemak and roti canai, it was time for the neck-stiffening descent. Just before we left, Ironlady May Senn arrived on her Diva, by now with no feeling whatsoever in her bum and legs - I must admit her new saddle doesn't look very lady-like! Nice bike but some comfort-adjustments needed I think!
The next hill to tick on my list of completed climbs is Genting - anyone care to join me??
And the menu for today says...
Bernard's Giant sporting new Token wheels
The Maillot Jaune prepares...
Mac's S-Works...
The gang - all set to conquer Fraser's...
Me pointing in the direction of travel about 15km into the ride...
At the Gap - safe n sound...
Gunter Pantani deep in thought...
Mac, Chin Hoe and PK staring at
The road to the left starts with a 165m long 1:7 climb - reminded me of the Lake District in England...
Makan time at Fraser's - I recommend the nasi lemak!...
Ah Fook, Kenny + friend descending...
The reservoir on the way down...
Stats/Info:
Start 8.15am
Up - 42.4km in 2:35:23 @ 16.4kph
Down - 42.4km in 1:07:00 @ 38kph
TOTAL 84.8km (KKB-Gap = 31km, Gap-Frasers = 11.4km)
Ascent 1200m+
Climbs: Dam to Gap is 19.6km @ 1:34, then 9km @ 1:25
Nutrition/Weight: PowerBar @ 6.15am, 1/2 Triple Threat @ 7.30am, Nasi Lemak+banana @ top of Frasers. Weighed 77kg in afternoon.
