I attempted Cameron again….. but this time DNF

April 15, 2012 by Jamal Rahman | Leave a comment

Just one word…cramp! I was not fit today! Gasping for air even for the first 20KM.

Photo by Engku Iskandar from Odisi.

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KUANTAN160. My personal muse

April 10, 2012 by Jamal Rahman | 1 Comment

KUANTAN160 is finally over. We did post event review yesterday. It was not a perfect event but it is considered OK for the first big cycling event handled by a non-pro event management.

What’s KUANTAN160 for me? Sincerely it was months of headache and frustration. Thing that make me happy were the smiling faces of those who completed the 160km torture. Nightmare for me were moments when people scolded me for not giving them medal. Only one huge problem to be considered when one organising such non-race but competitive cycling event. The expectation of riders. It was just too high to handle. It is just not worth it for me who is not living by organising such event.

When there were mix of fast & very slow riders, both wanna complete the 160km ride, technical & logistic arrangement became so complicated. One main conclusion we got after the meeting yesterday was not enough man-power to cover the huge distance between these two group of riders. Of course there were other problems. Things like riders not following rules, support cars/bike not considering safety of others,  marshalls not doing job as instructed, supply failed to be delivered as promised, lorries failed to arrive ontime etc.

Few important facts about me & KUANTAN160. I am not paid to organise this. I don’t get money organising this. I don’t bother about cert or token for me. I am from IIUM & KUANTAN160 did not have IIUM logo on it. I did 160km sub 7 hours even before the event, and I don’t care about the medal. I only wish one thing, I want people to be happy….. and I failed to make everyone happy.

If there is another KUANTAN160, there will be two categories. One is race, the other is fun ride with pace setter all the way. If and only if!

 

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Maran 100KM

April 8, 2012 by Jamal Rahman | 1 Comment

Maran Cycling Club (MCC) is planning to hold a 100KM ride in Maran. A town known for its ‘ayam kampung‘ (traditionally or naturally bred chicken – usually take longer time to grow – more expensive but delicious).

Today, MCC planned a trial ride. We were supposed to do the 110KM ride but due to some road repair affecting some section of the planned route we shorten the distance (fuhhhh…. we were very happy actually because that is where the Cat 5 climbs are!).

About 30 of riders from surrounding areas were joining the ride. Me , Firdaus & Pok Yan plus Amry & his son came from Kuantan. Few were from Jerantut & Temerloh. The rest were from Maran.  There were mix group of roadies, MTB & even hybrid.

After a simple briefing, we left Maran Lake Square (Dataran Tasik Maran) at about 8AM. There were about 30 of us. The roadies lead the pack. The road was great! However compared to Kuantan, 2-3% gradient climbs are abundant! I did not manage to get a good average. Overall the route was great! The first 20KM was a great ride on a 2 lanes with good emergency lane. Then we entered the Felda roads. Still pretty good road but narrow. I reckon if they plan to have 300 riders for Maran 100, they might need good marshaling & definitely police support.

The first check point was at KM 27. Still early & many still fresh. We continued to Ulu Jempol before heading to Jengka 2. It was a hot day! Together with more severe 6-7% climbs, the group split into few smaller groups. Then it was a rather flat ride  till the 2nd check point. The last 20KM was quite ‘mental’. 5% climbs with headwind. :)

Overall, I like the route & I wish success to MCC in organising Maran 100!  They said, they’ll plan it in June. I hope it won’t clash with my date to Mt Rinjani.

We did only 72KM of the actual 100KM & I want to repeat it again. The full 100KM!

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