Pak Kamad "scolding" me to ride faster
The whole gang taking a breather and enjoying the mountain views (pics courtesy of Jefri)Azizi conquers Genting Sempah!
Those words could well have been the headlines in the newspapers last Sunday.
Oh, yes. Not many riders can lay claim to having rode to this iconic hill station. It sits atop the Banjaran Titiwangsa at the highest point (about 600m above sea level) along the old (and new) KL-Kuantan link by road. However, before I get too euphoric with this achievement, let me bring myself down to earth.
Sure, I reached the top. But not after a lot of huffing and puffing. Not before some excruciating pain and physical suffering (full report here).
The fact is, I’ve never been big on stamina. That’s why I played volleyball at school as opposed to fast-paced hockey. And when it comes to football, I prefer to watch only (Liverpool of course) and avoid playing it. So when you consider the fact that this ride will be a long and winding 16km up-hill climb all the way to the top, I should have known better. I should have thrown in the towel and cabut!
But because I was “volunteered” by my so-called riding mates to organize it, there was just no way out of it.
However – and at the risk of sounding a bit crazy, here – I have to say that I’m glad to have gone through it if only for the experience in camaraderie, as well as, a lesson in what the power of positive, soothing words of encouragement can do to one’s spirit and self-belief.
You see, due to the extreme physical stress, barely half-way up the climb my heart rate was already past the maximum level and things were not looking to get any easier. So, resigning to the fact that I was just not up to it (what the hell am I doing here?), and not wanting to spoil my friends' ride, I decided to discontinue the ride and asked them to proceed without me.
Which they did reluctantly. But barely 10 minutes later they returned for me. Ethics-wise, they said, it was just not right to leave a fellow rider behind all by his own.
Henceforth began a patient, selfless act of coaxing and motivating me all the way to the top. This was led by Pak Kamad, supported by Dr Taufik, Jefri and Prof Sani. They talked to me, they cracked jokes and they teased each other along the way. They even had time to comment on my riding techniques. And before long we had reached Genting Sempah.
I was elated. I had made it after all.
Thank you so much guys. Despite the aches and pain, with your encouragement, I managed to grasp victory from the jaws of (almost certain) defeat back there.
Errrr…so when is the next ride up to Genting Sempah? ;-D
Those words could well have been the headlines in the newspapers last Sunday.
Oh, yes. Not many riders can lay claim to having rode to this iconic hill station. It sits atop the Banjaran Titiwangsa at the highest point (about 600m above sea level) along the old (and new) KL-Kuantan link by road. However, before I get too euphoric with this achievement, let me bring myself down to earth.
Sure, I reached the top. But not after a lot of huffing and puffing. Not before some excruciating pain and physical suffering (full report here).
The fact is, I’ve never been big on stamina. That’s why I played volleyball at school as opposed to fast-paced hockey. And when it comes to football, I prefer to watch only (Liverpool of course) and avoid playing it. So when you consider the fact that this ride will be a long and winding 16km up-hill climb all the way to the top, I should have known better. I should have thrown in the towel and cabut!
But because I was “volunteered” by my so-called riding mates to organize it, there was just no way out of it.
However – and at the risk of sounding a bit crazy, here – I have to say that I’m glad to have gone through it if only for the experience in camaraderie, as well as, a lesson in what the power of positive, soothing words of encouragement can do to one’s spirit and self-belief.
You see, due to the extreme physical stress, barely half-way up the climb my heart rate was already past the maximum level and things were not looking to get any easier. So, resigning to the fact that I was just not up to it (what the hell am I doing here?), and not wanting to spoil my friends' ride, I decided to discontinue the ride and asked them to proceed without me.
Which they did reluctantly. But barely 10 minutes later they returned for me. Ethics-wise, they said, it was just not right to leave a fellow rider behind all by his own.
Henceforth began a patient, selfless act of coaxing and motivating me all the way to the top. This was led by Pak Kamad, supported by Dr Taufik, Jefri and Prof Sani. They talked to me, they cracked jokes and they teased each other along the way. They even had time to comment on my riding techniques. And before long we had reached Genting Sempah.
I was elated. I had made it after all.
Thank you so much guys. Despite the aches and pain, with your encouragement, I managed to grasp victory from the jaws of (almost certain) defeat back there.
Errrr…so when is the next ride up to Genting Sempah? ;-D
3 comments:
Pak Azizi,
Syabas!
Pak Azizi
Next on the list is Genting Peres!! they said it is tougher than Genting Sempah n i tend to agree with them. So bila? tapi kalau ada RB, i think it will be a breeze jer.
salam
Salam Yob;
A soldier never leave his 'wounded' mate behind. Being my selfish self, I almost left you but I did not enjoy the ride so I told Dr T I had to turn back. The guys waited patiently for 1 hour when my bike was under the scalpel during the Broga recce and I truly value them for not leaving me behind. Live to ride....
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