17th May 2016
Maju Expressway (MEX), a great challenge for riders. There are not many riders on this route as it is a little dangerous where riders have to share lane with other vehicles. But it is still safe as I see the side lane for motorcyclist is wide enough to ride on.
MEX is a dragon back terrain, with one way 26km with 12 hill climb, including 3 steep hills, and 10 hill climb back for another 26km. Many gave up half way due to strain of energy. Persistence and endurance are best friends we need when riding on this highway. I knew a friend of mine gave up just after the first climb, she pushed her bike to the other side of the road and went home.
The ascend is long and steep but the descend is short. We had just few seconds to catch our breath while descending, then we had to push ourselves hard again for the climb ahead. Usually cyclist will have at least 2 rest stops on this route.
Captain of BRC (Buddies Ride Club) decided to ride on this route this evening and without rest stop to challenge our max on MEX. I was on my folding bike with 20 inch wheel and only 16 speed shifter, you can imagine that I have to paddle fast like cartoon. So you can understand how my heart almost burst to complete the ride in 2 hours 10 min.
Stunt man and Sigh boy overtook me on the way back at the longest steep slope at the U turn, I was struggling with my 16 speed gearshift, my energy level sunk and I found it difficult to pushed even for the last 50m to the descend. I tried my best till my heart almost burst, but for the sack of live a longer life, I finally decided to got out from my foldie and pushed up for the last 20 metres. GOSH! My best was only 12kph…. (Ahem… I guess). I saw them further and further away from me. For a moment I thought both of my legs just left their master and flee. I am quite sure I saw stars. My brain was yelling : YOU NEED A STOP REST!!!! IDIOT!!! THERE IS NO REWARD FOR YOUR HARD RIDE ON THIS HIGHWAY!!! There was no way I could pace with them. They are much faster cyclist than I am.
First attack at the exit to the MEX highway from Bukit Jalil.
See those enthusiast riders? too fast only could see the silhouette. And this is only the FIRST climb. (Guess they don’t know the “goodies” ahead.)
Some of the “goodies” (Terrain of MEX).
Riding on the dragon. Muaahahahahahaha
Pony did her best – She pushed bike half way and turned back at the exit of Seri Kembangan.
The captain, Consultant and Pony.
I had blast riding with these guys. Always…
Crazy Old Horse 