Date: Sunday, 30th June 2019
Venue: Mimaland recreation theme park in Gombak
Time: 09:15 for the briefing, 09:30 sharp for On On
Hares: Caesar Ang “Doctor”, Carlo Ricotta “Cavallo”, Tarik Alkhalil “Goose”, Saad Khoury “new clits”, Joe “ Camel Toe”, Paul “Tickle me Bottom” Welfare, Dato Johan, Cristian Correddu “Pussy Hunter”, Patrick Hohenberger (HOPA “Hot Piece Of Ass”).
Waze Link : Use Waze to drive to Taman Mimaland (1971-1994), Jalan Gombak, Selangor: https://waze.com/ul/hw286dv9nw
The Usual Suspects have chosen to check out Mimaland and the surrounding hills for the first time in a few years. Travel time from KL is short, no excuses not to join this one. Don’t worry about any superstition, we have recce’d this place for many weeks and there are dinosaurs, some very old and ornate trees, several new trails but definitely no ghosts. Be prepared for a somewhat different approach for this outing; consider it an adventure with plenty of variation all the way. Embrace the challenge and enjoy, you really will not be disappointed and will have a few tales to tell. If you like virgin trails, thick jungle, climbing with limited hike-a-bike, this is the bash for you. Right from the very start, you will enter a newly prepared bamboo downhill that is thrilling. We have also added some trails in previously unchartered territory taking riders through some of the oldest forest and jungle.
The Usual Suspects have carefully considered all abilities when setting this bash. Choose from a 4km kids loop perfectly suited to the younger of riders, a 10km short ride with the option for an additional inner loop and the 14km long ride with the same option of the 2km inner loop. All riders are encouraged to take the final Dino loop up a short climb to see the dinosaurs, this is pure fun and will add about 1km right at the end of all rides.
TRAIL DESCRIPTION
THE KIDS RIDE is approx. 4km of ridable trail and great fun. If you are a youngster or a beginner, please try this entry-level ride. You will start with a long downhill through freshly cut bamboo finishing at a narrow river crossing. A short ride uphill to an open area with great views, then returning uphill into the back of Mimaland for a scenic shallow gradient downhill through the original park. There is a detour through the haunted (joking) house to the decision point for the Dinosaur Loop. Please do this as it is interesting and a great selfie opportunity followed by a short downhill returning on the inbound trail. The decision point is only about 500m from the start point so do not be tempted to head straight back to the parking area and miss out. (if bringing young kids be prepared for some pushing up the hills)
The Kids ride is approx. 4km and 170m elevation.
THE SHORT RIDE is approx.10km and will be a challenge with some decent downs (and ups). We had to include a short tarmac section through the kampung as we just could not link it out. It is interesting though as the locals were still friendly last week. The terrain is mostly rideable, there is the occasional hill that will challenge the toughest, and there is no shame on getting off and pushing for a few meters. Take in changes from farmland to forest to jungle to wasteland, enjoy the vistas and the many photo opportunities.
At the 9km point, riders will have the option to take the inner loop signed as Extra 2k. This will add 2km to your ride and will take you down a thoroughly enjoyable, raw downhill descent through the forest. The return up the hill is a little challenging but you cannot have everything. This loop will only add approx. 20 mins to your ride.
As with the kids ride, riders will reach the same decision point for the Dinosaur Loop. Please do this as it is interesting and a great selfie opportunity followed by a short downhill returning on the inbound trail. The decision point is only about 500m from the start point so do not be tempted to head straight back to the parking area and miss out.
The short ride is approx. 10km and 400m elevation without the 2km inner loop
THE LONG RIDE is approx. 14km and is an adventure - you will face it all in this ride. We make no bones about this, it will challenge all those who dare. Think gnarly, hilly, wet with all terrains and forest/jungle/water. The only thing missing is palm oil plantations. Do not choose the long if you are feeling like a wimp.
At the 13km point, riders will have the option to take the inner loop, signed as Extra 2k, if you have anything left in the tank. This will add 2km to your ride and will take you down a thoroughly enjoyable, raw downhill descent through the forest. The return up the hill is a little challenging but you cannot have everything. This loop will only add approx. 20 mins to your ride.
As with the shorter routes, riders will reach the same decision point for the Dinosaur Loop. Please do this as it is interesting and a great selfie opportunity followed by a short downhill returning on the inbound trail. The decision point is only about 500m from the start point so do not be tempted to head straight back to the parking area and miss out.
The long ride is approx. 14km and 550m elevation without the 2km inner loop, don’t be fooled by the short distance, this will still be challenge for all, if you think it’s too short, you can ride the super short/short at the end of the long!
PARKING
This is a challenge and you must follow parking instructions as space is limited. We think there is a capacity for 60 cars if parked thoughtfully. Some will have to park double deep so please check you are not blocking someone who will leave before you. Please do not park down the hill below the left turning to the private house; the owner is tolerant but not if we abuse his goodwill.
WHAT TO BRING
We recommend you bring a minimum of 3 litres of water. Also lots of mozzie repellent, sunblock, spare tube(s), cO2 canister, bicycle tool, bicycle pump, shock pump, a pair of shoes, cable ties, spare pedals, extra saddle, brake pads, and a good sense of humour. NO HELMET, NO RIDE!
TIPS FOR THE RIDE
Liquid is a must, we are in a hot spell and you must heed this warning, some of us went through 3 litres last weekend.
Electrolytes recommended if you are a mediocre rider attempting the long ride on a very hot day.
A camera to take a selfie along the way.
Stay on Paper!!! If you ride and you are off paper, please do the right thing and back track to pick up paper and follow paper!!
Ride in a group and put on a big smile on your face, as it’ll help to ease the pain.
Did we mention Stay on Paper!!!!!!!
Look out for ghosts / dinosaurs!
Getting There:
Take your favorite road to Jalan Gombak.
If travelling entirely on Jalan Gombak (towards Genting Sempah), stay on it all the way until Depo Bas Konsortium (Kampung Sungai Salak).
Alternatively, take the MRR2 (from Batu Caves) and link up to Karak Highway / Expressway.
After you pass McDonald’s / Petronas Karak (on your left), stay left towards Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA).
Continue staying left towards UIA. Do not exit back to Karak Highway.
Continue straight and the road will bend left into Jalan Sungai Pusu.
At the traffic lights, turn right onto Jalan Gombak
Continue on Jalan Gombak for 4.7-km and then turn left. If you go under the flyover or pass the orang asli hospital you will have gone too far!
Approximately 120 meters later, carefully turn left and you’ll see an abandon Red Mercedes. Drive up the single road until you reach Mimaland gate. Please park considerately !!!!
On On !