Call us crazy Yep! We're crazy all right. It was just another ride, so called "simple ride" that it took us almost 5 hours to get back to the starting point.

I was the first to reach the foot of Penang Hill, at about 7.15am and was just about to unrack my bike when Azmi and Sup arrived. Alan arrived a few minutes later.

We made our way to the tram (its obvious by now that you've found out that we didn't go up Penang Hill by bike but by the old faithful tram that has saved me from riding up all this while), and loaded our bikes onto the tram's cart. The Nuikars were already there. It was the Nuikars, Azmi, Sup, and I that made the first trip up. The others, Malik & Son, ST and his wrecking crew led by Roger, Vincent, Doc Francis Khoo and his buddy, Sim came up by the second tram. We had our morning meal or breakfast at Madam Gee's. Sup and me are getting very intimate, we shared a plate of fried rice, what? Sup and me? Nawww, no way maaan!

A total of 19 riders took part in the ride and we pushed off at about 9.30am, the delay after waiting for another rider who did not turn up.

It was good level cycling initially and some slight downhill. I was enjoying myself as someone had mentioned, "it was downhill all the way". To my horror, I was soon faced by a climb and guess what, the Tiger Hill trail was damaged by those who believed that sports should be motorized. Trial and trail bikes had caused the trail to be like a long gutter going down and then up. You can't pedal in a small gutter!

You can hear the curses along the way. Soon, we were again greeted by another downhill. This was where the fun started. We were soon swooshing down the trail like nobody's business. It was fun even though the run was a little bit technical.

Soon we reached a point where the Nuikars, Vincent, Doc and his pal left us as they have other duties to perform (household chores, teaching people how to swim and breath under water, etc). We were left with 11 riders to continue our quest. The quest to go down to Titi Kerawang. The quest to climb up Bukit Penara.

Let me tell you, the first stage of the downhill was REAL FUN! It reminded me when I was doing the MX thing! We were really flying down the hill. However Azmi, realizing that I was new at this trail cautioned me to go slow after the breather. He was right; the single-track downhill was really eerie.

I slowed down until we reached Titi Kerawang Balik Pulau road.

Hitting the road it was everything let loose. Alan, the Turbo Snail was really flying down on tarmac. I didn't realize that I was cycling into the wind when I felt really burnt out. I stopped to buy an isotonic drink when Azmi and Sup zoomed by. We regrouped in front of the Police District HQ. Did I tell you that a beautiful girl smiled at me? She should see me without my helmet and glasses, I guess she wouldn't then.

We had lunch (Sponsored by Azmi and the 100 plus sponsored by SUP, you guys shouldn't stop doing this kinda thing).

After lunch, we went pass the Balik Pulau town, and found ourselves on a small tarmac road. I thought we were already climbing but the according to Sup, the climb didn't even started yet. We reached a small hut on a stream. Gasped in horror when I saw the climb.

My quick deliberate rest was shattered by Sup's distant call. We proceeded. It didn't take long for me to reach Sup and was gasping like a dog without water.

This is one climb that you would like to forget. It took me almost an hour to complete the climb. Sup got to me later on and he saw me already removing my helmet, glasses, dehydration bag and jersey. I almost slept on the road. BUT! Determination and grit saw me doing a combination of moves to complete the climb. It was ride, stop, rest and push.

No more curses this time. I was too breathless and speechless. But I did swear! Soon, I reached a small gold like gate (no, I didn't think I was going to heaven!), and saw a small downhill slope. Overjoyed! But it was just a short slope and I had to climb again.

A few minutes later, reached the 6 Star Hilton Hut. I was greeted by encouragement from the others. Told myself that I made it, yeah!!!!! I made it! From there it was sweet downhill to Air Itam Dam and to the foot of the hill.

Azmi, thanks for the toe strap.

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