What was supposed to be a short and friendly trail with Louise and myself playing host ended up unexpectedly. We had originally expected only riders from The Bike Shop so it was with great surprise when Ang from Klang also showed up with 4 (four) of his riders! Another 2 (two) new riders whom I had corresponded with over the internet, also showed up. And the chosen trail for today: none other than my beloved FRIM - Forest Research Institute of Malaysia.

As originally planned, the two of us will lead the easy trail. Grant was supposed to be the hardcore ride leader but it looks like our "Flying Dutchman" has flown away to Manila on assignment! So it turned out Kor Yong and Kiat leading the hardcore trail, since it is their favorite! But in the end of it all, the huge group split up into 4 different groups!

As expected, the cool morning air was so fresh with all those lovely pine trees around us. A setup of cool fresh morning air and pine trees fit for a 'Made in Malaysia' Romeo & Juliet cast but with a little bit of twist to the script of course - riding on our MTB! There were already so many people and families out here enjoying the natural habitat. It must have been a real cool sight for them to see all of us with mountain bicycles mounted on our car arriving at the scene.

Mounting up all the bicycles was quick for The Bike Shop riders since there were only a few of them. Unlike our regular group, everyone as usual took their time, no rush or urgency; after all, we are all here to enjoy the morning air, the ride and most of all, the fun amongst fellow cyclist and friends! And to this, we soon discovered that The Bike Shop riders are a real easygoing group of bikers that we have encountered so far. It was also good to be seeing everyone again after such a long holiday. And together, we totaled an alarming over 40 (forty) riders!

We started the session by taking everyone through a short road ride, as Grant would have called it, 'a warming up session'! Than just when what seemed like little sweat appearing on one of The Bike Shop rider's forehead, a quick right turn and we are on this gravel trail leading up the steep slope. We could already hear all the 'ooos' and 'ahhh …' coming from the rear (the riders behind of us)! The first 'TKO' (technical knock out), a lady from TBS - only 2km and she decided she could not take it! Even much coaxing and encouragement by Steven was no help as she finally turned around and headed down the hill back to the car!

Hardly 10 minutes of riding and we already have riders pushing their bikes! All gears are put to test and used here, climbing this gradual steep slope. This is where a good tactic and play of the bicycle gears come in. Engage the wrong gear and you will soon be out of air. The mind is willing but the legs are not as the saying goes! I was fortunate enough that I had climbed this hill three times and with enough of experience to know what gears and when to use them. For TBS riders, they just have to experience and learn this 'easy' and simple trail, discovering how much more they have to train that leg muscle and endurance of theirs!

Acting as the rear sweeper was just too much for Louise who decided that the job was testing his patience! He finally could not take the stress and soon left Steven and myself behind, to take care of the 3 ladies. Soon everyone was no where to be seen and the trail was quiet again with only the sound of 5 lone bikers!

We finally reach the foot of the hill where most of the others have already gone up while the rest are waiting for them to come back down. This is the hill that Grant almost 'murdered' me with the last time and this is the same hill where I stood tall now and telling everyone to go on, go ride up the hill! After all, I have already paid my due the last time I was here and so I figured I can make it an excuse not to ride up this steep hill. It was also here that Yu Jin (it has to be him again!) took a crash into the bushes when he could not stop in time and skidded at a sharp corner. This guy must have a cat's life for once again he has escaped the worst! Maybe we should call him the stunt man of the group!

Talking of cat's lives, it was here, a decision making time, for our regular riders, no need to contemplate but for TBS riders, they have to decide if they want to continue to stage two (2) of the trail - which happened to be a little more longer and difficult! I could see the look of one of TBS ladies with eyes wide opened when she was told that this was only the beginning of more uphill trails to come - if they decide! No wonder we have also decided to nickname her the 'Persian Cat'!

Finally, after everyone  have continued into the jungle, the five (5) of us started our ride back to the car park. Much to the relief of dear 'Persian Cat' the ride was mostly downhill now. Apart from another TBS lady, I think we were the only ones back so extra early!

Right now in my mind is the question - where are we riding next weekend? Call it addiction but it sure is fun when you have such fellowship and ride with new different friends!