Date

The hills of Semenyih and Broga are certainly pristine and excellent hash terrain. But getting there from PJ or Subang Jaya is another thing, not to mention getting home after the on-on. So when Farmcow suggested to Scribe that See-Kooi-Kiah could offer a lift, it was accepted immediately! A god-send.

On reaching the runsite at a quarter past 6, the end runners could be seen going into the rubbers and heading towards the hills. Dark rain clouds were covering the distant hills. On seeing this, Farmcow suggested to See-Kooi-Kiah, “Ar-ni-kuan-ge-tee, tor-see-chow-chi-pua” (Hokkien, “this type of weather, better do half run”), contemplating short-cutting even before starting.

Scribe wasted no time in trying to catch up at a fast stride, zig-zagging through the rubber trees. On crossing a small stream, shouts of “are you” followed by “on-on” were heard coming from beyond an orchard, from where the steep ascent of the hill started. Then it was through dense undergrowth of untapped rubber trees. Front runners had made the still wet slope slippery, and difficult for back runners, especially Scribe.

I lost paper and instead, followed some studded shoe tracks towards a clearing, from which the parked cars could be seen some 1 km away. The track belonged to Grumpy Larry, who, later over a beer, admitted to Scribe that “I did my own run”, just another analogy of self-confessed short-cutting.

The run actually went to the top of the hill, along the ridge, crossing a lallang patch before descending through rubbers for home.

At this time of the year, with rain clouds obscuring the sky, it got pretty dark at about a quarter past seven, especially under the foliage. So hares, do take note and try not to be too ambitious, especially at the end of the year, when the sun sets early.

Shortly after, the carpark was reached. Elation turned into despair as the beer-wagon was nowhere in sight! Frantic phone calls were made. The BW had broken down somewhere in Kajang! A rescue effort was hastily organised. Without much ado, the heroic Eric The Plick, zoomed away in his pick-up.

To quench thirst, GM Freelick had a big pot of chop-suey, left-over from the Horrors run on Sunday. After being heated up, it was readily gulped down by all and sundry. Freeloader showed a bottle of Dimple whiskey, but before the crowd could get to it, he disappeared.

At about eight, there was show of concern and comments of “Pang-sai and guest still inside,” and “Charan went in at quarter to seven, bastard never learn” were heard.

“Pang-sai, turned back,” Tiger pointed to the direction of the in-trail, as illumination from the torchlights could be seen through the trees. The gallant Pang-sai had stayed with his guest. Normally, he would not turn back. Good on you, Pang-sai. Shortly after, the Bhais sighed with relief as the bulk of Raja Bot Charan was also seen emerging from the dark. It was wise of the slow runners and late starters to turn back. We do not relish an evening of anxiety, looking for lost souls.

Every set of car lights coming from Kajang direction, was interpreted to be the BW. After several disappointments, Eric’s pick-up appeared and the clinking of beer bottles could be heard. Applause greeted his arrival. For his heroic exploit, GM later bestowed on him, the tittle of Justice of the Piss (JP). Eric shall henceforth be known as Yang Berhomat, Eric The Plick, JP.

Two guests were welcomed in the traditional manner, “cold shower, warm welcome.” First was Imposter from Seletar. The second was Pang-sai’s guest, Ooi, a multi-national corporate figure working in Guangzhou, China. “I really enjoy the run and the company,” Ooi said on the Box. However, as he had to return to China in a few days, he would not be able to run with us soon.

The Imposter was inspired with GM’s effort at fund-raising for the Silver Anniversary. His initial donation of RM100, was later upped to Sing$100. 5 bottles of Carlsberg was all it needed to bring out his generosity.

First on ice was Raja Bottom, Charan. He was bare-breasted during the circle, never learn. Next was JM Alan Hardcore. Someone took a hash sign from his truck. On one side was the Animales sign. On the other was “KH4”. When shown the hard evidence, Hardcore, without hesitation sat on ice. Later in the evening, he was muttering that “someone had played me out,” promising revenge. “An ice for an ice,” he swore. Actually, he should have called for defense. The KH4 was borne with blessing from the Animals.

The hare gave direction to the on-on, “Today is the Mooncake Festival. All, except one restaurant, are closed. So go towards Semenyih, turn left and right and parked near the Telekoms building. It’s the only kopi-tiam open.” RA took over and try to improve on the directions, which further confused Scribe. Anyhow, Scribe was not driving. See-Kooi-Kiah, with confusing instructions from Farmcow, managed to find it, after going round Semenyih twice.

Food was in generous portion and delicious. Those not on cholesterol count, wolfed down every morsel. Numerous bottles of Carlsberg were thrown in. Bribed by the beers, Scribe had to conclude that the evening was excellent.

Verdict: Run was of the correct length.

A big hand to SMC, although not regular on runs, he never fail to set a good run, when due. Looking forward to your run at the end of next year

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Fund-raising for the Silver Anniversary – Update

Only half of our membership has pledged. We are still waiting for the rest of you. Quote GM, “place your money where your mouth is.”

For those who have pledged. Thank you, it’s time to pay up.

Date : 1 Oct 01