The Durian Feast! 24 June 2001
I was split among rides. ST is doing his "scenic" ride at K6 to "welcome" the return of the Doc. Nuikar 69 is doing Bukit Gambir and Vipers is going to lead a group of newbies to a durian orchard at the Air Itam Dam. And you know the answer already lah. Although I don't eat durian much nowadays, the temptation of the king of the fruits is too good to resist. So, I told Vipers that I would be there. Faz was taken aback by the mere mention of "k" trails. So he said he was coming too. Little did I know the Almighty Doc was also decided to skip the welcome ride organized by ST! Since it was going to be riding on the cemented and tarmac trail most of the time, I decided to use my VooDoo Erzulie, which is a rigid on slicks. I was supposed to meet the Doc and Faz at the foothill at 0830hours. But I stayed out late a night before and with 6 bottles of Carlsberg in my stomach, by the time I reached the first meeting place at Caltex Greenlane, it was already 0845. So we decided to drive up the AID car park to meet the rest instead of the original plan, which three of us would ride up to the second meeting place at the AID car park!
My head was still pounding when I reached the meeting place at AID car park. It was not a large group. I counted less than 10 riders all together. Not all of them were newbies. There were familiar faces among them. The last time I rode with them was like half a year ago! But we were glad to see each other still riding. Ong decided not to wait for couple of late comers since they were still at the mainland. Without wasting any time, I got my Erzulie ready and proceeded with the ride of the day!
The durian orchard that we would be going was at the midsection of the farmer trail after the Hilton hut. So there was no hardcore climbs like K6. I proceeded with somewhat fast pace at heavier gear combo than I used to be since I need warming up. There was one rider behind me. I did not know that he was chasing after me! A mistake my friend. On the way before the climb to the Hilton hut, there was hardly any climbs. But once entered into the trail leading the Hilton hut, if you do not know how to pace yourself, you are going to suffer left and right. I realized what happened when I was about charging the climb at full speed. He was trying hard to follow me. I was using 34-28 combo. I think he did the same. I told him not to chase after me but go on his own pace. Because chasing causes panic. Once the rider panic, he will tend to breathe faster. Once the breath goes faster, he will get tire easily since the breathing will take much of energy instead of using to conquer the climb. Just a little while only, he was already nowhere to be seen. I knew he already ran out of breath. Seeing what happen to my dear friend, I decided to stop at the Hilton hut for a breather. Actually I was about to run out of breath already by the time I reached the hut. So a little rest would also help to settle my breath!
We continued the ride after all of the riders arrived at the hut and had enough time to settle their breath. Since we "only" had to climb one half of the whole slope, it did not take long to reach the final destination of ours, a Chinese temple which is about five minutes ride away from the farmer trail. It was relief when we rode down to the temple. It was downhill all the way. There was an excellent view to Balik Pulau at the temple. We could not proceed to the orchard to enjoy our durian yet since we had wait for the owner to bring us there. While waiting for the owner to come over, the ones that were late finally arrived at the temple as well, 20 minutes later!
I must admit I had one of the best durian at the orchard! We were treated with all kind of flavors - sweet, bitter sweet, not so bitter sweet etc, you name it! Each pouch was as big as my fist! For those who have small stomach, three pouches and they will not be able to take it more! I think we ate about 10 durians at the end. Each durian was a size of giant coconut! We paid RM10 each to the owner for all the durian we had eaten. It was worth every single sens of the RM10 I paid. Too bad I was on my bike, or I would buy few of them for my fiancée and my pop, who are crazy about durian! Although the fresh was good and tasty, I decided not to eat too much as we would have to ride back to the car park afterwards! Doc was suggesting to continue the ride to Balik Pulau after the durian feast but was turned down by the riders, especially the newbies!
The ride was okay. No hardcore climb and the distance was just right. We would be able to finish the ride before noon if we do not need to wait for the latecomers. The highlight of the ride is the durian. It was a reward for the effort we put to reach the destination. Eng is already offering a rambutan feast at his estate next month. I am definitely looking forward to it!
Stay tuned!