The day started in the wee hours at 0400 getting out of bed like an over eager kid hoping to see presents under the Christmas tree. truth be told, there it was , all my gear all neatly laid out before me just waiting for me to get changed to go. By GPS it took us 12km to woodlands. Within this 12km, we met up with our team mates Sher Hern, Pan , Kwok and Frankie. As this was my maiden trip for an overseas offorad ride, my head was filled with eager apprehension and the hope to come back in one piece. In all honestly, I had no expectations of how I would perform.
After clearing the customs, it took us a further 18km into Johor. Nutrition was kindly provided by Macdonalds and when we reached the event ground, we were greeted with yet another foreign scene. There were so many like minded two wheel enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes! It was an awesome experience just to soak up the atmosphere. In three words, simple, minimal and joyful. I felt I was home, where people understood my lingo. It was the ideal place to be in, and the best part was that it wasn't a dream. A town of mountain bikers! There we met many familiar faces from Singapore who also traveled to be part of this wonderful atmosphere. As time trickled subconsciously it was already 8am and we were all squeezing near the front. then all hell broke loose.
Akin to the Serengeti, the great migration of mountain bikers went on their 55km adventure of Plentong masterminded by Cyclemotion. The mass start was one of the most memorable feelings, weaving in and out of groups just to keep up with Pan. Unfortunately for me , this chase came to a premature end where I suffered a puncture within the first 5 mins of the race. I distinctly recalled what Sher Hern said "the only way to have the trail to yourself is to be in front" as that thought faded, I was slowly inflating my flat tire when the ENTIRE epic over took me. That was when my race became a race of catch up rather than a race. My goal, to catch up with my team.
Well I got my wish, I had the trail to myself, just for awhile , until I caught up with the trailing pack with epic mud pushes and epic jams, at that point , mud was the least of my concerns, if I had to take an alternative path ( even if it was muddier ) I would just to close in my gaps with my group. The terrain in Plentong soon evolved from fire roads to small single tracks winding through villages and rural rubber plantations. I loved how the climbs were, they were rather straight forward but long. The trip to checkpoint one was a long one but upon arrival the kind people from Cyclemotion did their jobs well, they were constantly enthusiastic and perpetually wearing a smile. Kept my spirits going, kept me focus on my goals.
After checkpoint one, fatigue started to set In BUT the fun was begining, the downhills were rougher, they were longer and they were faster, I met many nice riders along the trail who were polite and kind enough to give way for me when I was passing. It is this culture that made me miss Plentong and hungry for more. The climbs now were less crowded , AND THE river crossings were mushier. I kept true to my goal , I wanted to push faster at every opportunity just so I had the slightest possibility to meet a friendly face. The magical thing about such as trail is that no matter how tired you are, there are always opportunities for your mind to wander, when you're alone, you are part of nature, you enjoy the ambiance, you enjoy the quiet.
At checkpoint three I finally caught up with Pan, ( It was a pinful uphill before that ) I grunted a growl of semi victory as part 1 of my goal was complete, however there was the primary objective, complete the bloody race! we were about 35kms in and the only way out was to finish it that was our only option. With both of us on the verge of suffering cramps, we took turns identifying muscle groups which were screaming out in pain. The most memorable hill was the last hill at CP5 where both of us said "just pedal as much as we can" we were then rewarded with the view of the south. We could see across the straits of Johor, A sight never to be forgot. Then it was the funky downhill. Fast and enjoyable. We eventually finished the race together, and I swore, Pan was the hero of my ride, without his encouragement , this ride would have been a lot less enjoyable!
Nevertheless the race was excellently RAN. for a Singaporean and the first time in a foreign trail , I would admit I had fears getting lost and was always planning an alternative exit route. However , the routes were so clearly marked out with arrows, streamers and shredded paper, the volunteers are forthcoming and the atmosphere made it a home away from home I will definitely be back, hungry for more plentong and more mud. Thank you PureBikes Asia for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this race, Sherhern and Pan for being such good friends and Cyclemotion for this flawless execution. Kudos to all of u! Until next time,
Ride fast,
Kenneth Tan
PureBikes Asia
