With a heart filled with great enthusiasm, I was all up and ready to ride after having missed out on 2 Sundays. Knowing that if I should miss out on another ride, this could most probably be the beginning of the end of my MTB activities and interest! Funny how we all seem to get started off in most things with full enthusiasm only to let the 'fire' in us to slowly fade away as time past.

This is where cycling with friends and other riders, with a common interest in mountain biking, will help not only us but also everyone in the group. We need each other to help maintain that same feeling and interest as when we first started our cycling activities. Being human, it is only natural that we all do get lazy after a while but the more so we must keep in touch with all our fellow MTB friends.

Today's trail as assured by Sanny would be one of the longest uphill and downhill ride. And what a way to start off when I had to made a big 'boo-boo' mistake of taking 8 'happy' riders on a car ride to Bangsar only to realize that the meeting place is not here but in another place! No thanks to Louise who called only when we were almost in Bangsar, if he had called much earlier, we (actually I myself) would not have make such a mistake. We made a quick detour and headed back towards Taman Tun Dr Ismail, the actual meeting place.

Once here, again it was the usual 'breakfast' routine much to Hans and Craig's dislike. The other six (6) riders were just about to have their breakfast! Well, looks like our 'sharp 7:30am' timing has to be out again! We only managed to leave for today's trail, Sungai Long, after 08:00am!

Today's group is made up of a very good mix of people from all nationality. We have Singaporeans, Swedish, German, American and Philipino! This is what I called unity in Mountain Biking! Actually our Philipino rider, Louise looks more like a Malaysian rider as Hans commented. With his dark tanned complexion, he would have passed off for a local Malaysian chap! The way he rides on and off the road, he sticks to it like it is part of him.

Even at the start of the ride, it was all the way up this gradual off beaten track hill. I could already hear all the panting and 'ahhhh.' coming from the rear! As expected, the early morning start of the ride was not a problem for me. I managed all the climbs quite easily and at no point ever needed to stop for a breather! Well, this much I can say for myself - not until towards the noontime when the sun finally came out to play and tease my strength! My self-ability always have this strange affection for the sun - it tend to go 'soft' when ever the sun comes out and high up in the sky!

At one downhill point, it was quite amusing to see the riders trying to ride down this steep slope. One rider slide down this slope minus his bike, which was already ahead of him - downhill! Thank goodness he managed to stop at the right time too else it would be a very long one-way trip down this slope! For me, even pushing my bike down was a very tricky situation on this slippery and steep slope.

Then came the worst and gruesome part - the knee-deep mud trail! It was just not possible to ride here so we pushed and carried our bikes across. Even without the rain, the ground was still soft and the whole area was a 'muddy' trap! We were lucky enough not having our shoes sunk deep in the mud - with the exception of a few poor riders!

After this muddy trail, came the river crossing. This was a great relief for us as we managed to wash off some of the mud that was stuck on our bike and wheels. It was a cooling effect on our tired feet, as even the announcement of water snake by Hans has got no effect on any of us!

From here, it was onwards to the long climb! I had originally wanted to wait at the junction of the foot of this hill with Henri. But after having cycled for a while, looking for the junction that never seem to appear, I decided otherwise. I guess Henri not knowing my last minute decision followed along thinking that the junction that I mentioned is still very far ahead! A very impressive self-achievement I would say so as I slowly but surely conquered this terribly long ride up the hill.

A good thing I continued as Jess also managed to ride up this terrible hill and not turn back! I guess the only person who suffered most must be Graig with his heavy downhill bike (40 over kg in weight!). With the abundant menacing mosquitoes, it was simply impossible to stop to rest too long during this ride up - not wanting to be a feast for these pesky little creatures! And when we finally reached the top of the hill - I was actually all 'hot' up for more!

The downhill after this was one of the longest for all of us. It was so long and bumpy that even my hands were aching and I had to stop to let my hands cool off! Time to replace my handle grip to a much more thicker and comfortable one I guess? Any good suggestions of brands from you good folks? Some of the downhill ride was do steep and slippery that I thought I would be thrown off my bike! At one point I thought that would happen but luckily I managed to maintain the balance of my bike. I could feel the rear of me lifting in the air and managed to let go off the front brakes in time. Further down hill, I skidded and knock head on to a huge rock - which thankfully stopped me from going over the cliff!

Unfortunately I was still behind when 4 riders had a crash going down this hill. As told to me by Hans, this would have made a very good and interesting picture!

Despite 14 riders today, we all managed to complete the ride before 1:00pm. It must be the good combination of strength and endurance of everyone. At least we do not have to wait to long for one another as what we had been doing before downsizing the group! Another great and enjoyable ride - today and thanks to Sanny for leading. Not forgetting Thomas for helping out too. In fact, it must be said that it is everyone's effort and co-operation, which have helped to create today's enjoyable ride.

Next week, if all goes well, we ride the 'humiliating' Pongsun trail! And why is it a 'humiliating' Pongsun trail? Well, find out for yourself next week!