Sunday, February 20, 2011

CNY Dinner and Karaoke

I will be away and there will be no posting for two weeks. The next activity would be running/trekking up Gunung Nuang via Janda Baik on Saturday, 5 March 2011. Do contact me if you are interested to come along..
Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly (KC).

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It was a memorable evening (on Sat 19 Feb): the group has lots of fun, cheers, good food and yum seng and of course, the karaoke session. The Captain told us that the karaoke session should end at 10:30 p.m., we just continue singing with full steam ahead until 11:30 p.m. Having a peep outside the room, there were still other customers outside and we continued singing until 12 mid-night.

I was quite pleasantly impressed that we were given a better KTV room to stage the dinner and karaoke. As you can see from the photos, the setup and deco was totally different from the earlier photos.
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MakCK brought a few big bottles of wine. L-F: Carol, ChooTS, Mak, Jaaon Thiang

Look at the amount of red wine that we have ... amazing !!! Obviously, lots of yum seng around.
Special thanks to Edwin Goh, Mak CK, Patricia Yap, Chong Yin Fook and PK Chan for sponsoring the wine and beer

The prosperity dish for Chinese New Year.
L-R: Veronica Voon, TonyQ, SC Yong, Josephene Lim, ChongYF, Fiona Goh, Alexis, Wan Yew Leong, ChooTS, Jason Thiang.

The higher we loh, the higher is the mountains that we shall climb; the longer is the distance that we shall run.
L-R: MakCK, Carol, Lai Kuan, Sharon Tan, Leng, Patricia Yap, KC Leong, PK Chan, Monsy, Edwin Goh

Part of the Mount Everest Base Camp 2009 group: PK Chan, Sharon Tan, Fiona Goh, Alexis, SC Yong and KC

Carol, Lai Kuan, Fiona Goh, Sharon Tan, Leng and Patricia Yap

Cheer! Cheers! and yum seng!

Our star singer, Jason Thiang, serenading Alexis much to the amusement of others

The good friends: Patricia Yap, Wendy Liu and Monsy.

One for the album ... not in the photo are Fiona Goh, Veronica Voon and SC Yong
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Posted by KC
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

CNY Dinner and Karaoke – Prelude

After weeks of trail running at Puchong Hill, FRIM Park and the most recent challenge at Gunung Nuang, the group shall take a rest this weekend.

We shall gather for a dinner and karaoke session in the good company of everyone still in the festive mood of Chinese New Year with the auspicious notion of loh sang (this Saturday evening, 19 February 2011).

In this group, we shall have Jolin Tsai, George Lam and Jackie Cheong of the runner/trekker to sing us some songs while we dine.

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This is the KTV room for our coming gathering, spacious and pleasant with window on the right.
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Attending:
1. Edwin Goh
2. Mak CK
3. Tony Q
4. PK Chan
5. SC Yong
6. Jason Thiang
7. ChooTS
8. KC Leong

9. Fiona
10. Sharon Tan
11. Patricia Yap
12. Carol
13. Monsy
14. Lai Kuan
15. Leng

I am pleased to inform that Mak CK will sponsor 3 litres of good wine!
In the previous episode, more diners were keenly contesting for the mike that even a drumstick can double-up as a tool before it is being eaten.

Most of the time, the singing improves tremendously with the progressive support of good wine that slowly but surely boasts the confidence of a diner.

Not to worry that if one could not sing well. We are supposed not to sound like singers; otherwise, we would be singers and not runners or trekkers. (Quotable quotes from Germaine)

If Dr. Shara is able to find a replacement doctor, he is going to join us. Then we would have extended time to ask him more medical questions ranging from the complex/advanced to the down-to-earth one like “is eating yee sang good for health?”

If you would like to join us, do inform me (contact details on the right sidebar).
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Do click here to view photos of previous dinner and karaoke session for the celebration of post-Mount Kinabalu Climbathon 2010.

Good times together - post-Mt Kinabalu Climbathon 2010 celebration
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Posted by KC Leong
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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Gunung Nuang Trail Running


At the entrance of Gunung Nuang.Back (L-R): ChooTS, SC Yong, Dr. Sharah, Oliver, Lohi, Germaine, Sidney Saw, Edwin Goh
Front: MakCK, AB Tan, Lai Kuan, Theva, KC Leong, Eldon.

Please click here to view photos taken by yours truly (KC).

The group went for a running/trekking outing at Gunung Nuang yesterday as planned. On the eve of the event, we managed to form another trekking group coordinated by Germaine; she is a runner and also passionate wanting to trek at Gunung Nuang.

In the running group, it was a pleasant surprise to see AB Tan: a high-mountains trekking enthusiast in Nepal and China, and a marathon runner. Another pleasant surprise was the presence of an African runner, Oliver, who came with Edwin Goh.
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The group posing by the G.Nuang river ... campers at the backgroundWhen we started the run in tackling the uphill terrain, Edwin Goh was leading the way followed by the Kenyan runner. Yours truly and MakCK were trailing behind. I thought that the Kenyan runner was courteous for not overtaking the leader (give face lah). After a while, we overtook him. When we arrived at the pondok, there was still no sign of him. The last runner said our Kenyan friend is way behind. He sure is adapting well to the good life in Malaysia.

Even though there was not much rainfall for the past few days in Kuala Lumpur, I was surprised to hear the roar of the waterfall and water flowing in great abundance at the Nuang River, much like the abundance of wealth flowing in as in CNY well wishes. Of course, that made crossing of streams much difficult in keeping the shoes dry. By the time we crossed the last stream, most of us would have our shoes wet. With the wet condition, the yellow earth terrain was slippery that required 101% full concentration when one is descending the mountain.
This is how we cross the stream - by jumping high up like superman. Seen here is ChooTS attempting the impossible

Since it was the first training session of the year, targeting to arrive at Camp Pacat was a good choice. When we progress into more serious training, we would target to arrive at False Peak which is another one hour of even tougher uphill challenge from Camp Pacat. As for AB Tan, true to his commitment for serious participation, he extended to False Peak alone.

After weeks of trails running at Puchong Hill and FRIM Park in Kepong, nothing beats the toughness when running in Gunung Nuang. Yes! This is an excellent ground for serious trail training.
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Aiyo ... this is a big challenge to be able to keep the shoes dry: Lai Kuan’s turn to cross the 2nd stream.As for our macho Mt Kinabalu Climbathon 2010 medallist, Edwin Goh, he has got no problem in crossing the stream at all – he just charge across the streams as though walking on dry land!!

Huge Tarzan's rope created by nature ...In synchronized orange T-shirt: Choo TS and Lai Kuan
Standing: KC Leong, Dr. Sharah, Edwin Goh, MakCK

Interesting observations: since there is a doctor in this activity, Dr Sharah received many medical questions directed at him whenever engaging of conversation is possible. Mak CK would score high points for raising many medical concerns. There was no reported case of leech attack from the group. I presume the leeches must be celebrating CNY also.

After a refreshing bath with the cold water in a newly completed toilet, the group adjourned to a Chinese restaurant for a good lunch, complete with yee sang.
At Camp Pacat.While resting at Camp Pacat, yours truly took out a comb and started combing hairs, much to the amusement of everyone. I said that it is a necessary inspection process in order to check that there isn’t any leech on my head; when done, I quipped that: “Yeah, no leech!” ... :-)
.Timing:Start from car park: 7:40 a.m.
Arrive at pondok (at the end of 4WD track): 7:20 a.m. (40 minutes; for trekking, that would require 1 hr 15 minutes)
Crossing streams and arrive at Camp Pacat: 9:45 a.m. (1 hr 15 min)
Start descent: 10:05 a.m.
Arrive at car park: 12:05 p.m. (2 hours)
As you can see, the ascending and descending trips are almost of same timing.

Cheers! Wish you were there with us too.


The group adjourned to Batu 14 Hulu Langat for a sumptuous lunch complete with yee sang.
When time to settle the bill, MaK CK mental arithmetic in dividing the amount per pax was excellent – accurate to a few decimal places.

Part of the dishes ordered by the group ... hmmm... yummy yummy. Since this is a tough training, it justifies the type of carbo and protein loading ... photo courtey of Germaine.

Written/posted by KC Leong

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Mount Kinabalu Climbathon 2011

Do click here for latest photos and postings happening on 22 - 23 October 2011.

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I am pleased to inform that the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon for 2011 is opened for registration.

Do click here for the official website for more details and online registration.

Do click here for previous postings on Mt Kinabalu Climbathon (scroll down the pages).
.Do click here for the video (Mt KK Climbathon 2010), courtesy of zmobijohn..Registration and Race Information:

(a) Men 40 and above – Veteran category; qualifying time is 3.5 hours; event date on Saturday 22 Oct; registration fee is RM 30.

(b) Women of all ages – only one category; qualifying time is 3.5 hours; event date on Saturday 22 Oct (same day as Men’s Veteran category); registration fee is RM 60.

(c) Men 40 and below – Open category; qualifying time is 2.5 hours; event date on Sunday 23 Oct 2011; registration fee is RM 60.




Air Asia Flight Details:

If you would like to join our group, here are the flight details:

Departure from LCCT Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu:
Departure:
Friday, 21 October 2011 - Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
AK 5102

0750 (KUL) 1025 (BKI) - first choice
AK 5100
0645 (KUL) 0920 (BKI) - second choice=========

Return:
Sunday, 23 October 2011 - Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
AK 5117
2125 (BKI) 9.25 p.m.0000 (KUL) (+1 day)

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The King of Mountains – Marco De Gasperi, the champion (Men’s Open 2010) from Italy only takes 2 hours 33 minutes to return (from running to the peak). One way to the peak is only 01:35:29. Amazing feat !
This is the most satisfying photo taken by yours truly (KC). When Marco extends his arms while crossing the finishing line, it is as though he is carrying the Malaysian flag beneath his arm. (photographic equipment courtesy of SCHOnline).

If you are interested to join us, do contact:.
Tony Q (for transport and accommodation in Kota Kinabalu):
Tel: 016-274 2213, email: Klpenguin3@


or yours truly (KC Leong) for hill training ... email: kcleong3@

... both gmail.com.

Posted by KC Leong
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Tuesday, February 08, 2011

More Serious Trail Running

I am pleased to inform that the group shall go for trail training at Gunung Nuang this Saturday, 12 February 2011. With more CNY yum seng and makan, we need tougher trails and longer distance to burn off more extras.

At the same time, we have also registered for this year’s Mount Kinabalu Climbathon 2011 to be held on 22 October 2011.

Since it is the first training of the year at Gunung Nuang, as a warming up, target time for one way is 2.5 hours. Setting the pace for the training, we have Edwin Goh, a Mount Kinabalu Climbathon 2010 medallist.

If you are game for the challenge, do contact me (contact details at the right sidebar of this blogsite).


The outside area of Malay Tea House.
FRIM Park

I realised that the trail running in FRIM park on Saturday, 5 Feb was an excellent idea for runners or trekkers to meet for Chinese New Year, if one is not going back hometown for the CNY celebration. Instead of going from house to house visiting – which is difficult due to wide coverage of distance – the best way is to meet and gather at one place. The peaceful and scenic environment of FRIM park is a good choice..
Cheers! Cheers!

The facility is there: the Malay Tea House nestled deep in the FRIM park provide a comfortable place to sit around amid the lush greenery of the tropical forest. The icing on the cake (I guess they don’t serve cakes) is that the aromatic tea brew from the tea house is excellent.

On that auspicious morning for the trail running in FRIM, Gilbert Tan, a runner, suggested that it would be easier to wear a T-shirt that proclaims “Gong Xi Fa Cai” without having to repeat the well wishes. I quipped that whenever I meet an approaching trekkers or mountain bikers, I just point at the wordings on my chest, with two hands some more for the emphasis much like those rappers doing the rap dance … :-) Well, action speaks louder than words.

Posted by KC
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Sunday, February 06, 2011

Gong Xi Fattt Cai Trail Running

The group went for a Gong Xi Fattttt Cai trail running at FRIM Kepong on Saturday, 5 February 2011 as initiated by Chong YF. That morning, the weather was fine and superb for outdoor activities, much like those Chinese horoscope declaring that it is a good day to conduct some activities.

The trail running was necessary; as reported, that was to help digest too much of CNY yum yum yum seng and makan.


Back (L-R): ChongYF, Steven Oon, MakCK, Peter Chan, Chiew Hong, PK Chan, KC Leong
Front: Ee May (from Singapore), Vivienne, Carol
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That morning, my greetings to the other elderly trekkers, instead of the simple Good Morning, were a bit mouthful to complete. Most of the time, it varied with the following wishes:

Kong Hei Fattttt Choy (abundance of prosperity)Sun thei kin hong (good health)Sun Nin Fai Lok (happy Chinese New Year)
Of course, the wishes reciprocated with much delights from them.

However, with those fast approaching mountain bikers, the greetings have to be super fast, much like their speed. Otherwise, they just zoom past us before I could finish the greetings.

On the right is Dr Sharah
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This time, we have a better plan to tackle the Salem High Country hill coming from Rover Track, passing by Mountain Bike Track and Steroid Hill.

We ascended via the wide track where the group could run; we later descended via the mountain trail cutting through the hills. According to one uncle who went there five times a week, there is a track that surrounds the Salem High Country Hill. By going one round, it signifies 'jin wan' (change of luck). Anyway, we went half a loop until it was blocked by a fallen tree and we detoured to run to the peak.
Cheers to a brand new year and cheers to good health !!
Vivienne is second from left.

L-R: Chiew Hong, Vivienne, PK Chan, KC Leong, ChongYF, Peter Chan, Steven Oon, Ee May (Dr. Sharah is holding camera).
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Photos courtesy of Vivienne using her iPhone
(that can disguise as an old fashion cassette tape ... cool).
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After the trail running, we spent some time relaxing at the Malay Tea House nestled deep inside FRIM park. Last Sunday, we passed by the same venue but it was drizzling; with the totally drenched situation, the group was not in a mood to spend much time at the tea house.

From the menu, the price of the tea is little pricey. The issue: not many of us brought money along. So we have to declare and calculate whether we have enough money to settle the bill; otherwise, one or two would have to be left behind to wash cups or plates ... :-) Anyway, we have more than enough even to go for another round of nasi lemak at the Malay stalls at the far end of the park.

Special thanks to Chiew Hong and Peter Chan for paying the bill and gave us a Gong Xi Fatt Cai treat.
Cheers! Cheers! PK Chan (partly hidden), ChongYF, Peter Chan

When the tea was served, other than the creamy feeling and superb quality, the first sip gave a special aromatic flavour and taste which is distinctively different from the usual teh tarik of those mamak restaurants.

Yes, you have to be there to try it out.


Dr. Sharah on the right (Vivienne is holding camera)

On the way out, ChongYF led us via the jungle trail trying to arrive at the Malay stalls at the far end of the park for some Round 2 makan. The group manoeuvred though the almost invisible trail; crossed a stream and finally emerged from the jungle. Yeah, we still get jungle trail in FRIM.
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Our surprises: we came out from the football field which was only half way between the car park and the Malays stalls. With the short stint of trail, we attracted quite a number of minute leeches that look like they were devoid of food.

Since it was only Chor 3 (third day of CNY), the Club House was not opened. So we were not able to have a good refresh after the trail running. Nevertheless, the group did have a good time running together and savouring the good tea for the Gong Xi Fatttt Cai run.
Uplifting Mood ... Yeah! After a good trail running and satisfying tea ... The group posing at the entrance of the Malay Tea House in FRIM


After the trail running ... we met Tony Q and Lai Kuan who were on a special training mission.
Tony Q (back, L3); Lai Kuan (front R2)
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Written by KC Leong
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