Jogging and Cycling around Southern Klang Valley (SKV) - update

Track #1 - numero uno is Putrajaya Wetlands
Putrajaya Wetlands is one of the largest constructed freshwater wetlands in the world!. It has a total area of approx. 3.5 sq km. 

Putrajaya Wetlands consists of 24 wetland cells, Wetlands Park (Taman Wetland) and the other Wetlands areas. The Wetland now is also a wildlife sanctuary which attracts a huge variety of animals to the combined terrestrial-aquatic wetland environment. Putrajaya Wetlands is the nearest place to my house for bird watching - I mean feathered birds! Several species of local marshland birds and water birds including the Little Egret, the Little Green Heron and Cinnamon Bittern, and migratory birds form Northern Hemisphere have been spotted there. 

It is also a place to enjoy a leisurely walk, jog or cycle along its bicycle track ...

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Track #2 - South of Putrajaya and BB Bangi

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Track #3 - Tmn Putra Perdana
Taman Putra Perdana is located at the highest point in Presint 1. It is surrounded by Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah and acts as an intermediator between the natural domains to the North and the Government and Commercial domains to the South and East. The park is among the best place to enjoy a panoramic view of Putrajaya.




Taman Wawasan is located on the Northern section of the Core Island area in Presint 2. The park is bordered by the Putrajaya Lake and Canal on one side, while along the Western side is the hard edged city fabric of the Persiaran Perdana. Taman Wawasan is conceptualised as the principal Metropolitan Park.

Among the facilities and attractions provided in the park are:

* Birds Aviary
* Three Theme Adventure Playgrounds (Parks, Water, Forest)
* Park Promenade
* Light Beacons
* Gazebos(Wakaf) and Shelters
* Jogging Tracks
* Headlands Area




Track #5 - Putrajaya Botanical Garden
Putrajaya Botanical Garden is located on the Northern section of Precinct 1. It is a glorious sight. It is so amazingly inspiring seeing all those beautiful trees, flowers and green shrubs thriving on a hill overlooking a serene lake, with the imposing Putra Mosque standing tall, its shadows shimmering on the calm waters.

This park has been designed as an Acadia or a national sanctuary for the Malaysian living collection of plant taxonomy as well as a centre for education and research.



Track #6 - Tmn Warisan Pertanian (Joging only)
Taman Warisan Pertanian is located within the southern part of Presint 16. It is a showcase of Malaysia's commercial agricultural development. This includes rubber tree, oil palm, coffee, tea, cocoa, fruits, herbs and spices. 

 Attractions:
• Rubber Plot
• Fruit Orchard
• Herbs and Spices
• Viewing Deck

 

Track #7 - MINTec Park and its vicinity
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Track #8- Taman Tasek Chempaka (Joging only)
Taman Tasek Chempaka is a recreational spot suitable for jogging - there is also BangiWALK enhances the reputation of this recreational area and provide yet another place for residents to spend their leisure time. 

Every Saturday morning BangiWALK is a place for aerobic. The park also includes a six-hectare lake along Sungai Air Hitam which is ideal for fishing and relaxation in the evenings.
 

Tracks Outside Klang Valley
1. Around my hometown, Machang Suburbs
 

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2. Shah Alam




Buying My First Bike - for record purpose only

1 - Must know what I want - what I can afford.
In other words, I must decide how I want to ride at the price I'm willing to pay. Before anything else, the first thing I have to decide is how I want to ride. Not exclusively for road or mountain? Neither Morning commutes nor weekend getaways kinda bike.

Probably a hardtail mountain-bike similar to this one would be suitable for me to start with


There are different bikes for different types of riding. Finding the right bike for me started with choosing the riding category that best suits my style. It must be an All Terrain Bike [ATB] suitable for Cross Coutry [XC] and the combined weight including my own must not exceeding 80kg.

2 - Find a good dealer.
There's no better place to find the right bike than an authorised dealer. I shall pick a store where I feel comfortable and one that offers me options. Whenever I could not get the help I need, there's sure to be another dealer to serve me better.

3 - Check the specs. Choose a frame that's right for me.
About 70% of how a bike rides is determined by the frame. Because the material a frame's made of, how it's designed and how it's crafted impacts efficiency, comfort and handling. After the frame, the wheels, suspension and drive train components, in that order, have the most effect on how a bike rides and performs.

Once I decide what kind of bike I want, I find the model and size that fits me best at the price I'm willing to pay.

4 - Get fitted. Take a test ride.
The best way to get a feel for a bike is to spend some time in the saddle. Adjust the seat height and handlebars before I head out. It's a good idea to test ride on at least three bikes before deciding which one I want to take home.

I shall take a couple rides on my new bike, chances are I'll need to do a little more fine-tuning of the fit. If my knees hurt, I adjust the saddle height or placement. If my lower back hurts or my shoulders get tight, I shall adjust the reach to the handlebars. If I do not adjust the bike when it feels slightly off, my body will adjust instead and it could cause longer term problems.

5 -I must ask questions.
If there's anything I don't understand, I don't afraid to speak up.

6 - Buy what I like.
When I've done my homework, choosing the bike that's right for me is easy. Just go with the one that really makes me want to get out and ride, without going over my budget, and double check to ensure the bike I select is the right size and is properly adjusted to give me maximum performance and comfort.

May be a month or two later I shall eye for a full suspension machine


7 - Select the right accessories
The right accessories, along with right bike, make cycling safe and fun.
Ultimately, I will get something equivalent to this machine...


UPDATE
My latest  machine - Proton T-Bolt (ref. 280525)
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my T-Bolt
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4000km on Bicycle...

It has been a year since I rode again and done 4120 km - just 880km too short from 5000km "SKT" [sasaran kayuhan tahunan].

Pencapaian SKT cuma 82% sahaja. Mungkin kerana faktor cuaca - terutamanya dalam masa tiga bulan pertama tahun 2009.

Last 12-month Cycling Distance from April 1st, 2008 to March 31st, 2009
March 2009: 124km
February 20009: 356km
January 2009 - NO cycling - busy testing cars
December 2008: 382km
November 2008: 454km
October 2008: 409km
September 2008: 393km
August 2008: 356km
July 2008: 424km
Jun 2008: 652km
May 2008: 318km
Apr 2008: 252km
Total : 4120km



myBikes and I are now TIRED



Bikes were tired BEFORE the trips, I'm tired AFTER the trips...

Putrajaya Critical Mass - Ride for Gaza

RIDE for GAZA
Date: February 27th, 2009 
Venue: Palace of Justice, Putrajaya 
Meeting time: 8.30 pm 
Ride time: 9.00 pm 
Distance: About 20km





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We could collect significant amount for GAZA. A good start. Thnx everybody for your support
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Le Tour de Langkawi 2009 - Final stage

Sunday, February 15th was the day for the 7th and de final stage of Le Tour de Langkawi 2009. There would be 12-lap criterium racing covering approximately 80+ km [3:30pm to 5:15pm] around the city center of Kuala Lumpur. Start and Finish lines were at Merdeka Square [in front of the famous Sultan Abdul Samad Building]. I was one of the freelance photographers at LTdL 2009.

3:30pm - the 7th and Last stage of Le Tour de Langkawi 2009 pushed off.


... the motions, the actions, the e-motions, the tensions... and lots of manipulations and calculations too.
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...and finally the expected winner.... Gianni Savio's Diquigiovanni-Androni Gioccatoli team .
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The Individual Winners - the yellow, green, red and blue jerseys.
Jose Serpa Perez, who sealed the King of the Mountain (red polka dot jersey) on previous day stage 6 with 25 points, claimed the yellow jersey today.
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Gavazzi who won four of seven stages in LTdL 2009 sealed the green jersey (sprint) with 97 points, Nolan Hoffman settled in second place with 82 points
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The only other jersey, the VW blue jersey for the Asian riders' classification winner, was taken by Le Tua Cycling Team's veteran Indonesian rider Tonton Susanto, who bagged his third ever win in that classification after doing the same in 1999 and 2002.
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Happy New Year 2009!

When the clock strikes twelve on December 31st, people all over the world cheer and wish each other a very "Happy New Year". For some, this event is no more than a change of a calendar. For others, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a new adventure and better tomorrow. As the new year blossoms, may the journey of life be fragrant with new opportunities, days be bright with new hopes and hearts be happy with love!

Happy New Year everybody!

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ZD14~54mm f2.8/3.5 @54mm f22 6seconds ISO100

With my very best wishes and regards for 2009
- uncle.D -

January 1st, 2009
Went cycling around Putrajaya with the other half till midday.

January 2nd, 2009
No cycling today. Went to Hospital Serdang instead - to make appointment.

January 3rd, 2009
It rained all day on the first weekend of the new year. All outdoor activities, including cycling had been cancelled.
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Just stayed indoor - relaxed and looked out at the evergreen trees and shrubs...
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... while listening to the symphony of birds and insects. What a worderful world!.


50km Cross Country Practice

I'm getting much better now. It has been for quite sometime I'm flying low and moving forwards in a very slow pace. Had to pick-up bit by bit by hoping not to mess around with all the activities too much. It looks like more things to do than could ever been done!

Sunday October 26th - 50km 'Cross Country' Weekend Cycling
The weather at sunrise was favourable. Lots of clouds in the sky but no indication of rainfall within the next 6-7 hrs.

Went out cycling on and off roads with Dr. G for around 50km. We kicked off at 7:10am from SKV towards UKM Oil Palm Plantation undulating terrain before emerging at Bangi Lama. Then moved on to Beranang via 3-m wide kampong road before cycling 8 km on Jalan Enam Kaki - which is now already upgraded to 4-meter wide. Returning back to SKV via Semenyih and Tmn Teknologi Kajang. Arrived home just after 10am.


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terrain



Tuesday October 21st - Off Season Fruits
The late afternoon rain prevails - dampening outdoor activities such as cycling, gardening or just strolling around.

After the rain had subsided I spent some time on rear balcony and observed some rambutan trees keep on bearing fruits. Not just twice but trice or four times already this year. Why aaah? - ada yang sedang berbunga...dan mula membesar. Ada yang baru nak masak, ada juga yang dah masak ranum. Buah durian dan duku tak pula berbuah sampai dua tiga kali setahun, tapi manggis berbuah juga dua kali dalam tahun ni.



Monday October 20th
It is very interesting to note that this week's daylight and night time for countries along the latitude of North 02deg 40min are about in the same proportion.

For instance, the sun rises at 6:56am and sets at 6:59pm today. And also, the moon rises around mid-night and sets at noon. The dates for the exact number of 12-hour of daylight and night time will be on Nov 11th and Jan 31st though.

Another 'hapening' today [Oct 20th, 2008] is that there is no moonrise time mentioned on GPS. The moon we see today actually rose YESTERDAY at 11:23pm, will set around noon and will rise again TOMORROW at 12:25AM.



Post Aidilfitri 50km Cycling

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my hardtail bike with upgraded suspension and disk-brakes

Saturday October 11th - 50km Cycling
For the past six weeks - my routine and weekend-cycling trips were limited to short-range [below 30km/session]. Almost all cycling trips were done at night after tarawih and at dawn. No swimming and aerobic too within the same period.

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Only today I went out for a mid-range cycling trip [with Dr G] - about 50km covering SKV - Kg LManis - Medan Putra - Putrajaya Water Sport Complex and returned to SKV. At Putrajaya Water Sport Complex Dr G and I stopped for about 90 minutes [spent 60 minutes in the swimming pool - dah lama tak berenang].

Berbasikal kalini, walaupun hanya pada jarak sederhana tetapi banyak turun naik banggol dan bukit. Yang paling mencabar ialah semasa mendaki bukit Limau Manis - pada satu masa uncle.D terpaksa turun dari basikal kerana sprocket depan tak masuk gear satu- kabel yg kendur perlu di adjust nanti. Maklumlah dah lama tak guna gear serendah tu.



Cycling Details
Kicked off from my home @Lot5 at 6:59am. Cycled through Kg Teras Jernang, then south of Kg Sungai Merab near Tmn Casa Mekar before accending Bukit Limau Manis at snail climbing speed of 6km/hr before started to cycle at normal pace towards PICC . Overall moving average was 17.6km/hr.


Oleh kerana dah lama tak berbeskal jarak sederhana/jauh, tambahan pulak pergi berenang dalam masa yg sama, kedua2 peha uncle.D mengalami kekejangan setelah berbeskal sejauh 50km - hanya 800meter sahaja sebelum sampai 'digarisan penamat' [@Lot5] - belum pernah lagi mengalami sakit otot peha spt nih. According to Dr G, muscle peha mengalami dehydration. Beliau menasihatkan supaya uncle.D mengambil dehydration salt atau minum 100+. Thanks for the advice Doc - satu nasihat yg berguna walaupun dari seorang non-medical Doktor. Sampai diLot5, uncle.D mengambil masa hampir 4 jam untuk recover, termasuk taking good afternoon nap - before adjourned to the nearby kenduri kahwin.

Next long range [exceeding 80km] cycling will be a day trip to and fro Bagan Lalang or PD. Doh lamo bona den tak pekeno ikan bakar. Probably after clocking 5000km I will try an extra-long range cycling [exceeding 150km]... with the God will of course.

Pics at Putrajaya - with 3MP Camedia C350Z
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my coach, Dr. G - in front of the Palace of Justice

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Perbadanan Putrajaya

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Putra Mosque


Wednesday - Friday - No Out-door Activity
It has been raining all afternoons throughout this week, except on Friday. All preplanned evening outdoor activites had been cancelled.

Selasa Syawal 7, 1429 - Nature Photography
Nature photography is not just a hobby but it could lead to a carrier in scientific research. To get good results the photographer must follow certain rules such as observing, studying and taking notes, just like reserchers do. Nature photography has been my interest for the past few years, practiced mainly during holidays and on weekend cycling trips.

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ZD70~300mm f4/5.6 @ f8 300mm 1/250sec ISO400

Unfortunately the one-week off for me ends today and for the last few days it has been raining all afternoons despite of early sign of good sunny weather with clear blue skies in the morning. Not much photography opportunity actually.

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It is necessary to convey to people the importance of protecting the environment. Nature photography and cycling play their role in this regard - permitting anyone to discover the beauty of the flora, fauna and the environments. My hopes this will lead to respect and the determination to do the utmost to preserve all form of life and environment.

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Rambutan flowers - details are hardly seen with naked human eyes. Captured with ZD35mm f3.5 macro @ f11 1/180sec ISO200 on Olym E-500


Isnin Syawal 6, 1429
Uncle.D masih lagi bercuti harini dan besok. Cuaca pada pagini agak terang. Sambil "meraikan kehidupan", uncle.D menghirup udara segar dan nyaman dibelakang rumah yang terdapat bunga-bungaan yang beranika warna...

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What a Wonderful World!