RA's Journal Day 02, Sunday, Oct 9, 2011

Note:

Before I begin my journal on how my first day of peddling went, I would like to answer a text message (sms) that I received today whilst I was riding. Please kindly bear in mind that I have just cycled 120km under the intense heat of the day, so if my answer doesn't sound right or make any sense, my sincere apologies in advance.

Text question:

Why must you take your training (Warm-up Stage) to Malaysia? Wouldn't it be cheaper to remain and train in Singapore, then fly direct to Medan?

Answer:

I would love to remain in Singapore to train and save money. This Warm-up Stage wasn't in my initial plan. However, after my research on Sumatra and Java, Indonesia, I realised that I need to be realistic and well prepared for the huge journey ahead. My training needed to include cycling my bike with a 50kg load in conditions and terrains as close to Indonesia as possible. There is no terrain in Singapore that can give me rolling hills that last for 1 to 2 hours. So, this was when I decided that cycling from Singapore to Penang, Malaysia would give me the training and preparation that I required to take on Sumatra and Java. This would also allow me to test out all my equipment, meet some friends along the way, and discover some new way out places.

Day 02, Singapore - Pontian Besar (120km):

Today I am calm, composed and focused. I woke up at 4am, did some yoga (I learnt this from June Koh), made coffee, and then got myself ready. I felt good today. At 0530hrs (5.30am Singapore time) I left for some warm up rounds and last minute checks. I crossed the Causeway from Singapore to Johor, Malaysia at 0730hrs (7.30am Singapore time) sharp, accompanied by the Fuji Roadie Riders. Everything when well, immigrations at the crossing was short, sharp and hassle free. Across in Johor Bahru, Johor, I noticed there were more cyclist than I realised. I believe I actually may have gotten a "Selamat Pagi" (Malaysian for Good Morning) from all the riders.

After parting ways with the Fuji Roadies, I was all alone. It is something which doesn't bother me and I am ready to take it on, as most of my adventure is meant to be a solo journey.

My riding plan for this Warm-up Stage was simple, a 10min break after every 20km of peddling. My 40km stop today was a small town called Skudai in Johor, Malaysia. Here I enjoyed a "Nasi Goreng Kampung" (Fried rice village style) and to my surprise the group of people that sat in front of me paid for my brunch without my knowledge. All they did was ask me where I was from and where I was heading. I only knew of their wonderful gesture when I got up to pay and was told by the stall owner that the group had paid for my meal. (see the delicious, "sedap" fried rice in the picture below).

With the nice sumptuous meal, I set my GPS and started peddling the next 20km on the old Skudai road. The shortest route to Pekan Nenas, Johor, Malaysia (Malaysian meaning Pineapple Town) that my GPS plotted for me would take me on an old hilly and undulating road, with a headwind all the way, I was in for a heck of a peddle. I was screwed, but it would be a good start for my Warm-up stage. The challenging conditions restricted my speed to only 15kmh, but my determination kept me focused on the task at hand. In fact, I was so focused that I missed my next 20km rest stop and pulled a muscle. The effects of which I am still feeling when I stopped for the day and started writing my journal email. The rest of the cycling today was practically all done with only my good left leg. My next rest stop would be the appearance of a sign that read "Mak Siti Chendol" in the middle of nowhere, actually somewhere near Pulai. The early nasi lemak and chendol lunch was bliss, it tasted even more heavenly after peddling so hard. Tummy filled, now ready to push off at the 71km mark of my journey for today, the time was only 11ish in the morning, but the blazing hot sun got me thinking and asking myself, "RA what's the rush? Enjoy the ride, smell the coffee". Hell yeah! I was so engrossed and focused on my mission that I forgot to have fun.

With my mindset back on the right track. The fun began, courtesy of the Johor Road Department. On the endless road of rolling hills I came up on a big sign with the words "Kurangkan Laju" (Malaysian for Slow Down). I'm like, what the.... Slow Down? I am huffing and puffing my lungs out and you are asking me to slow down?

Editor's comment: Well looks like the fun has started RA..... hehehehe!

The intense heat today made me decide to take a 1 hour rest stop at Pekan Nenas, Johor, the 80km mark. It was a good stop at the home of a banana plantation owner. I learnt a great deal about Pekan Nenas. Do you all know that there is no big or major pineapple plantations in Pekan Nenas? But bananas, yes. Can anyone guess why this is so? The winner will get to have a dinner date with me.

Editor's comment: RA, I don't think you are gonna be getting many participants, unless you can come up with a better gift.

Free bananas, as much as I could eat, courtesy of the stall owner

The next aim was all the way to Pontian, my 100km mark. Then when I saw the Batu Pahat 76km sign I automatically set that as my target, just then my inner voice popped up and said "Slow down, enjoy the coffee...." I made it to Pontian and continued peddling with only another 50km to Batu Pahat, but at this point my injured right thigh was hurting and the pain was bothering me. I knew I couldn't go any further and should stop, but I wanted to continue. Just then I checked my mirrors and noticed that this dude on a motorbike that has been following me for about 10mins outside of Pontian was there again. Is he my supporter? I wasn't sure but my gut instinct told me stop and find a place to rest for the day. With that I turned back to Pontian Besar and headed to the seaside to search for my camping spot for the night. It certainly wasn't East Coast Park. Mr. Man in Blue told me no camping and something like "you won't like it at night".

Heeding his advice, I rode around Pontian Besar to search for alternatives. I found a cheap RM30 (RM=Ringgit Malaysia, Malaysian Currency) motel and took it. I needed a good rest and to recover for tomorrow. After checking in and cleaning up, I headed out in search for food but then right before my very eyes I saw a kid on a bike got hit by a car because he crossed the junction ignoring the traffic lights which wasn't in his favour. BANG!! and he flew. With that I turned back to the motel, cooked myself some Maggi noodles and decided to go to bed. I am tired.

Pontian, known for its seafood and fishing village

Three things that made me smile today:

1. The generous guys at Skudai that paid for my brunch. I am touched.
2. The big "Kurangkan Laju" sign after a 1 to 2 hour climb along the road to Pulai. I'm like WTF ... still catching my breathe.
3. Getting the low down on the history of Pekan Nenas and the offer to eat as much bananas as I want for energy after the banana stall owner heard that I was cycling to Penang and beyond.