The Grandmama Climb! 21 October 2001
I have not been doing really hardcore for some time. Partly is because my knees can't take the abuse. Every time I come from a hard climb at the Penang Hill, I always end up have a pair of painful knees that can last for as long as weeks. It is an old injury that I got when I was still a high school kid. That's why I always try to avoid doing climbs at the Penang Hill unless I am sure that my knees are okay to face the challenge. But KOM3 is just two weeks away. I need something tough to prepare myself for this PCC ride. So I have decided to do the ride at Gertak Sanggul, not an easy one, but to conquer the climb that leads to the "abandoned" golf course! How are my knees now? Well, have you seen dogs licking their wounds after the fight? We started quite late for the ride. By the time we finished our breakfast, time was already 0900 hours. ST was with us, a surprise! But anyway, everyone is welcome as long as they can swallow whatever we are going to give them!
The ride to the trail head from Andy's place was fast pace and easy. There was hardly any traffic on Jalan Permatang Damar Laut. We formed a line on the road. It must be quite a view! The weather was nice when we were on our way to Gertak Sanggul. I was leading the group until we turn into the road that leads to Kampung Gertak Sanggul. Oon decided to go at faster pace and sped away. Then, Faz passed me moments later. I decided to maintain my fast spin ride since there was a tough climb waiting for me!
We reached Gertak Sanggul 15 minutes after we started from Andy's place at Bayan Lepas. Average speed was around 30 clicks per hour. No wonder my high school buddy was complaining. Anyway, we decided to regroup before we proceed to the highlight of the ride today. The riders that were left behind showed up minutes later. After a short break, we proceeded to the climb, which I call it the Grandmama climb or the Dutch trail or the Hollan trail by other riders in the KOTRT.
I have not been visited this trail since my last visit last year. I still vividly remember how I suffered on that ride. Man, it is very discouraging to see riders in front dismount while I was busting my balls trying to stay on the saddle and finishing the climbs. This ride was no exception. I had to come down from my Red Devil at exactly the same location that I came down from my Diamondback a year ago. And the worst thing is once I come down, I would have to push my bike to the flatter spot so that I will be able to climb back up to the saddle!
There were few riders at the spot that I considered to be flat enough for me to climb back to the saddle. I could see from their expressions that the climb had taken a toll of them. Faz, the noisiest rider I have ever encountered, was yet to be seen. Few others were no where. I decided not to wait any longer and let my high school to wait for them.
The climb was getting tougher and tougher. Thanks to the late start and the hot weather after cozy breeze at nine, I finally gave up to struggle with the climb and came down to push my 28 pounder. Man was it hot! My head was pounding like shit(after that six packs I swallow a night before) and the temperature was ovenly hot. I decided to try again after a very brief stop. To my surprise, the climb ended just after a few strokes! Hell, I should have continued!
I was totally out of breath after I reached the flatter terrain. There was still a climb ahead of me after the one km tarmac climb. It was going to be an off road climb, same gradient but shorter in distance. I braced myself for the worst since the sun was high up and mercilessly showed his might on us. Again, I only managed not even one half of the climb. Cursing under breath, I regretted not to ride my Diamondback instead. I am sure if I rode my Diamondback I would be able to clear the slopes! It was an agonized push to the second regroup point. I was the fourth rider reaching the point. ST and the two young riders, Oon and Zel were before. Shame, I was the one who had to push at the last few meters! But the sun lah, cannot stand!
The continue journey from the second regroup point to the golf course was pea nuts compared to the climb we had a moment ago. The ride become more fun as we began to descend to the plateau. This was the one I had not been to when I visited the same trail a year ago. It was breeze but the trail condition was quite scary for me. There were loose pebbles that made the descent more challenging. I was the one who was supposed to enjoy the downhill since I was riding a fully. But I decided to take it easy. Zel was in front of me and Oon behind me. If the trail were a little damp, there would be nicer. The pebbles worried me, but still I managed to catch up with Zel.
We stopped at the plateau after we came down from the golf course. ST decided to call it a day since he had function to attend before noon. I decided to continue since it was still early for me. The ride on the plateau was as fun as always. The only different now was we were tired after the grandmama climb. I decided to let Andy to lead the ride after I experienced a stomach pain. It was painful and happen at the lower right of my bowel. Appendicitis? I hoped not! The pain went away as soon as I stopped. Andy, Richard and Terry were already way in front of me. Fatt caught up with me when I was about to climb back to saddle again. Rubber knight is rubber knight. Although he had not been riding for quite some time, he still could cope with the stuff we throw at him! I wish I have one of half of his persistence!
Since the pain was gone, I went back to full speed again. I was so focus on the ride that I totally forgot that I did a grandmama climb a moment ago. Andy's group was within my range again. I finally caught up with them when we were about to reach the junction down to Pulau Betung. There was a small accident when I met up with them. I usually rely on my momentum to go over the roller coasting trail. The riders in front of me were probably too tired and went in slower pace than me. My front tire bumped into Terry's rear, and I nearly lost control of my red devil. Of course, all the xyz came from my mouth. Terry gave me that innocent look. I told them to go faster since I was going to the pace faster than them!
We stopped at the junction to wait for the rest catch up and decide if we should follow the original plan, which would be going down to Pulau Betung. Seeing that time was already late(actually not that late lah. It was just close to eleven!), Richard suggested to turn back to Gertak Sanggul instead. I myself was a little bit disappointed but hell, majority rules, I have to follow! Probably next time!
We had our lunch at Mak Long Mee Udang again. Nice food, cold breeze, great company. Excellent!
It was a nice ride. We covered close to 30 clicks, which 20 of them were on off road trail. I am thinking of doing it again. Probably some time next month. Anyone game?
Stay tuned!