To Puncak Gunung Jerai

It was at 4.30am and I'm still wide-awake.
I drank 2 glasses of 3-in-1 cappuccino on the day before. That's why I can't fall asleep....
Urrgghh~~ F**ked up my slumber time. Felt helpless, I decided to stop rolling on my tilam busuk and prepared myself for adventure of the day;  to CONQUER Gunung Jerai by CYCLING! It was a tough time to plan for this ride, as most of our team members have their own agenda on the weekends.Finally, after weeks of hiatus, we managed to get hold of everyone on Sunday morning....

Getting prepared to depart to Sungai Dua Toll

For those who do not know, Gunung Jerai is the highest mountain in Kedah with elevation of  986metres above sea level. It stands between the border of Kuala Muda and Yan district. The best option to reach there, thru North-South Expressway and exit at Gurun Toll then drive all the way to Jalan Kampung Titi Teras.

Gunung Jerai or formerly known as Kedah Peak

Our journey started at 7am, whereby most of us gathered at Sungai Dua Toll. Got to the site by 7.45am and started to unload our 'mean machines'. Little did I know, I had no idea that there were actually an additional of 20 riders and it was a pre-planned weekend ride by Bbraun staffs. Man, it was a BIG group of cyclists! Fuyoh~! We gathered up for briefing and photo sessions, then at 8am off we go.... Weee~~ Felt antsy..... Hahaha!

Riders getting prepared to unload their bikes

Briefing on pit-stop locations

Team Penang Traffic Light

The journey begins; To the hilltop for the first time..

Start point - KM00

Suddenly shit happened, my bike's rear derailleur squeaked. Quickly, I stopped cranking and jumped off. Re-adjusted the derailleur and tested good. Up and running.... Lucky me.. :-)
It was an easy ride for the first 1KM, full speed ahead... Beep! Beep!
But at KM02 and ahead, it was totally different perspective. A long and winding route with an average gradient of 9% all the way up and 21% max at some points. Crazy ah!! Cranked hard and sweated buckets, drenched with my own sweat from top to toe. Worst still; cold breeze throughout the journey. Felt cold...
I did few stops to catch some breath, re-hydrate and at the same time, took the chance to snap some photos.

Notice the route? Zig-Zag all the way up

 

Route on KM07, gradient of 11% (gut-feel)

KM08; Almost reaching... 4KM to go...

A signboard to welcome us - Selamat Datang

Nevertheless, hard work paid-off after 1.5hours. Upon reaching, the area was covered with fog. The air was cold, unpolluted and refreshing. Syiok and chilling. Off from bike, I looked around for the mark-point of Gunung Jerai and found it around the corner towards the Regency Jerai Hill Resort. Took some photos.

986 metres above sea level

Brief description on Gunung Jerai

Add caption

Taking in life, living up my dreams

After awhile, the fog subside and I  was stunned  by the breathtaking view from the peak. In awe for a moment of time. AWESOME!!

The View! Notice the bendang?

Few minutes later, some of the group members arrived at the check-point. We spent some time together while waiting the rest. We camwhored, chatted and had our coffee fix at Regency Jerai Hill Resort Cafeteria.

Group-fie?

Lim ah! Kopi time!

Eventually, 1hour later, majority of our Team Traffic Light riders arrived. We lingered for another 30minutes, despite quite a number of cyclists that came together with us, went down straightaway after a short brake. Exactly at 12noon, we reached at the starting point and soon, we departed to restaurant for our lunch break.

With the organizer

Team Traffic Light

Team Traffic Light & organizing members

 Till then, next trip! We came, We saw, We Conquered Gunung Jerai!
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" - Julius Caesar