Pangkor Ride

Had a blast last week (29th - 30th August) in Pangkor with Groupe De Cycle. We attempted to conquer Pangkor by cycling around the island, roughly 16 km of tarred road. However out 9 MTBikers (and 1 marshal on a motorbike) only 1 made it around the island.

My equipment:
1. Raleigh Enduro Pro with upgraded Wellgo clipless pedals (RM 95)
2. Shimano MTB shoes with cleats (RM 195 from Wancycles.com)
3. Deuter hydration bag (fake)
4. Cheap riding gloves (RM 50)

Day 1
Everyone gathered at Marina Island, near Teluk Batik at 11 am. Parking there cost a RM5 per day (very reasonable). The facilities there are very new but looks under utilized. Ferry tickets cost RM 10 for a return journey (additional RM1 for bikes). However to buy tickets from the counter, you will need to be a member for RM 10. A member can take up to 20 guests (but still have to pay RM 10 for the tickets)...weird rule. Another rip off was upon boarding each one of us has to pay RM 3 per bike to pay the crew members.
As soon as we arrive, it was cycling time! It was just a 6 km ride to our dorm at Pangkor Rimba Kem Resort near Teluk Nipah. But the terrain was bad. Plenty of steep hills. I had to push my MTB a few times up the hills. My cleats malfunctioned and the screws came off while on the way up. Had to ditch the cleats and changed to normal pedals. We arrived at the resort after slightly less than 1 hour.

Lunch was some fresh fried fish and 'ikan sardin'. And then some lazing around in the sea. We started to cycle again at around 5 pm. Teluk Nipah to Teluk Dalam was a breeze. The worst and steepest hill was after Teluk Dalam. Even with the lightest gear the bike was barely moving. Instead of moving forward, I was doing wheelies instead!

Night time was mainly spent on dinner. Spaghetti, ikan bakar and sotong bakar was on the menu. The night ended with some karaoke til late night.

Day 2
Breakfast was served at 11 am. A very delicious meal of Nasi Lemak. The ride back home (to the jetty) began at 3 pm. It was scorching hot. Along the way a pack of dogs managed to get our hearts racing....we cycled so fast, it took only 45 minutes instead of 1 hour. The hills heading back wasn't as steep though. We fared better this time. Didn't have to stop to push the bike.

Hours later, I was back home. Fortunately, I didn't suffer from any cramps this time.
Back home, this little baby girl greeted me...... :)