Derek Neoh's MTB adventure in Bukit Cahaya, 14 October 2000

The Bukit Cahaya ride was more a killer than a thriller due to the heat. You should see our sunburnt arms! We woke up to a dark menacing sky and soon it was raining so after a long breakfast with Sany, David, Paul, and friends we started riding at 0930 in beautifully cool after rain conditions. The climbs were gentle and not too technical. After about an hour we had crossed a couple of hills and were treated to very nice scenery. Then it got hotter and hotter even though the sky was cloudy,we were riding in open country. By then we were riding in very overgrown conditions which forced us to do a lot of pushing and trail bashing.

By about noon I was almost out of water and felt like burning up inside so off went my jersey, then a little later my Fox 911s came off too. Towards the end a few of us were out of water but the tough guys were still smiling and kept on saying it will be all downhill soon. The downhill had a couple of short technical stretches that were just nice and challenging that allowed us Penang riders to save face after trying to keep up with this group of Teng kars.

With a bit of Pang Chiu and waiting from them,we were just managing not to slow them down too much. The finish was a long road ride that ended at a very welcomed drinks stall. Overall this estate trail was not really tough but the open trail really taxes your endurance and determination. So be forewarned, if you ever ride the Bukit Cahaya trail with this bunch of

tough guys, bring lots of water and take it easy. Its "only" about 35kms but the sun will be with you on every single km.

PS: my wife does not think its that tough, and she really showed the guys her true climbing prowess which prompted someone to remark that its quite surprising how well Penang riders can climb without SPDs.