Batu Dam Ulu Yam (11.07.09)

It been quit a long time i didn't update the blog, but it doesn't mean i stop paddling around. I and my usual riding partners been riding a same old tracks and trails all the time. So one fine day, after discussing where our next riding venue, Shawal suggest us to try out the Batu Damn trail. We all been dreaming to try out the trail but there no one of us can guide the rest. Shawal been trying to organise the ride and luckily there is someone who can took us there.

In the lovely Sunday morning of 11/7/09, we met the riders at Petronas Sg Tua. And there was quit impressive turn out where the was 2 team consist of more than 10 peoples which are Geja Matoba and Pujimax. We been lead by Danny who quit fluent of the trail. The trail started by ride through a small construction area. The track was slippery due to raining season for a week, we basically rolled onto the mud in one section and some of us caught up in the middle. Then, we continued downhill to the side of the Batu Damn Lake. I can say the view was so surreal and magnificent where we all rode along the side of open lake and enjoyed the sight. The trail was single track and we had to encounter small and medium running water which cross the trail. It was nice because it was very pleasant ride where no up and downhills.

We stop at this cool area where we actually took a break on the river it self. The river was so shallow and it got many rocks where we all can sat, relaxed having a good break time. About 15 min break and smoke break, Danny again continued guide us into the jungle. And here is the real, tough, heart pumping and legs stretching trail begun. It was gradual climb but what made it tough is the trail was bad because the rain water made lot of water tunnels. This made the rider had to chose correct and right path to climb the hills. This uphill track good for those who can combine the balancing skills, gears and energy. At very top of the hill, we spotted a Mat salleh with complete gear, hiking alone. Very impressive, he's just guide by his GPS to move in and out. From the top, it was a very, very long and quit scary downhill. The bikes continued to speed up like no tomorrow, it all about controlling and braking. Well, as the fun is continued, one of the rider punctured his rear tire. Luckily, the was a spare tube hand out from our kind friend. Then, we all continued to stroll down until the end of the track. Our guide, Danny try to look for and alternative route, so that we don't have to cycle back via the main road. But there's no luck. That time it was like 40 degrees of the mid afternoon sun. So, we all decide to have a cool dipped in the river near by. There, we can actually have a chat and get to know each other. After about 30 min break and quick rigs wash out, we all stroll along the Ulu Yam main road which headed back to our starting point. We made a detour or short cut, by rode inside the Batu Damn area. We actually across the damn and the open sky made it very realistic. We arrived at the front of the Batu Damn gate where we park our cars about 3 pm.

This ride was so nice and easy where there was a mixed level of fitness of the riders who involved. The view was splendid and the crowd was hilarious. Hope, next ride can be more participant, the more the merrier.