6.45 - 7.00 am - Changi Ferry Terminal
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Everyone arrived on time in high spirits. As usual, Eric Kong no-show.....
Collected our ferry tickets and boarded the ferry to Belungkur.
8.00 -8.15 am - Belungkur Terminal
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Arrived at Belungkur and completed immigration and customs.
8.15 - 9.30 am - Desaru Town
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We were ahead of time. We started our journey to the first pit stop for refuel which is 26km from ferry terminal.
Weather was overcast and it felt like a fantastic day to ride. No strong sun.
Slight tail wind and it made the ride enjoyable.
10.45 am - Sedili Beach
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40 km from Desaru Town, we arrived Sedili Beach.
We were riding in 2 packs - a faster group and a touring group.
I am in the touring group and was enjoying the slight tail wind and cross wind.
Weather continued to be kind, slight overcast.
After 5 km, passing the Desaru roundabout, here comes the hills. About 5-6 of them. No problem to all as we were still strong and fresh. We were averaging at about 25-27 km/h.
Spend 5-10 mins to take a break and group photos.
11.40am - Sedili Kecil
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Another 15km, we arrived at Sedili Kecil.
Finally a treat to all for the hard work.
Roasted Kampong Chicken Rice for all.
3 big plates of Kampong chicken and rice for all, 8-10 large bottles of 100 Plus, 8-10 bottles of Mineral Water, 8-10 cans of soft drinks and hard boil eggs.
We paid RM $11 per person. What we paid doesn't compute!
12.30 pm - Return Journey, Ladies and Gentlemen start your engine
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One of us had a cold start. His legs all cramped up after mounting onto the bike. We waited another 20 mins for him to get a taxi.
Noon sun were out and we were heading a slight head wind.
Fatigue kicks in. All are struggling a little bit.
We had fun learning to ride in pack and taking turns to draft. However, this did not last.
About 30 km, Sharon had a flat. It took four of us, 2 spare tubes and another 20 mins to fix the flat.
Statistically, Sharon had a flat on her training wheels every other ride. About time she should get a new set of training wheels. Otherwise, we will ban her from the group ride! (Just joking).
Time was getting critical to make it for the 5 pm ferry. Some decided to continue instead of waiting. This was how some of us got lost on the way back.
Edwin, Sharon, Bernard, David and me started riding back as sweeper.
Caught up with Andy struggling with Cramp. Pass him a gel and couple of salts tablets.
Another 3-5 km away caught up with Boon Pin, he said he was taking photos!
3.15 pm - Desaru Town
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Edwin, Sharon, Bernard and me will back at Desaru town at 3.15 pm. The rest (Mark, Mel and others) was not there. Later we learned that they were lost. I told them to proceed to the ferry terminal from where they were. In the end, they 'tonpang' a lorry back to ferry terminal.
David waited for Boon Pin. Boon Pin had a flat. In the end they took taxi to the ferry terminal.
Edwin, Sharon, Bernard and me had a 26 km time trial back to the ferry terminal. This is my toughest 26 km back ride. I am all out just to make it to the ferry terminal. Bernard arrive at the ferry terminal much ahead of time. I managed to arrive at the terminal at 4.50 pm. I am the last one to make it for the 5 pm ferry.
Sharon and Edwin were 5 mins shy and miss the 5 pm ferry.
In the end all make it to the ferry terminal at 5.15 pm and had a wonderful fellowships, savoring ramly burgers and watch sunset while waiting for the 7 pm ride.
Shall we do it again?
