Iron horse riders

Riders with their iron horses at Puteri Harbour

Cycling is a healthy hobby that my nephews and their friends are pursuing quite seriously.  On weekends, some of these young people go cycling in Nusajaya where the roads are not only wider but less congested with vehicular traffic.  When they shared their exciting experiences with Andrew, my nephew who’s based in Perth, he couldn’t resist the thrill of joining them for a ride when he is next back in Johor.

So when Andrew and his wife came home for Chinese New Year this year, he also packed his bicycle and brought it along for that much anticipated ride to Nusajaya.  As soon as the new year festivities was over on the first weekend of February, the group of cycling enthusiasts got together for a ride to Puteri Harbour.  After an energetic morning ride, they gave themselves a treat with a hearty breakfast at Trader’s Hotel Puteri Harbour.

Now this was a preliminary ride as a warm-up for their next ride to Desaru.  At 5am, before the crack of dawn the following morning, this group met in Taman Molek to start their ride to Desaru.  In case of any emergency, a team of “marshals” followed by car to provide them with mechanical and physical support.  

The valiant riders took the necessary rest stops in their exhilarating ride but agreed that one of the most challenging stretches of the journey was the climb across the bridge near Teluk Sengat.  After more than four hours, three tube changes, one wheel change plus a 12km “SOS” ride, Andrew completed his treacherous 80km ride to Desaru by the highway. 

Andrew, the cool cyclist, enjoying his ride en route to Desaru

Taking a rest stop to recharge before taking on the bridge; [Left to Right] Hong Jiun, Aaron and Alvin

Dawn was just breaking as the riders leave the bridge and head towards Desaru

Hong Jiun with Aaron behind, en route to Desaru

One for the album: The valiant riders with their support team and family members in Desaru
 

Some family members came along to cheer on the riders as they pedaled their way on their iron horses.  And when the riders arrived in Desaru, they still had energy for a frisbee game on the beach.  After such a grueling morning, everyone deserved the reward of a sumptuous seafood lunch!

/pl