Jim Thompson Ride 2011

Finally, able to join the Cameron ride, Jim Thompson Ride. Credit to Pete, PCC that organize this event. The event is FOC.

The Loop
Approximately 46km in total, the loop will take us through vegetable farms, orang asli villages, jungle and tea plantation via a combination of tarmac road, broken tar and jungle tracks that will send you down and then up elevation of over 3000ft. Highlight will be a continuous 12km descent involving an elevation drop of 2000ft! Then you get your payback – a 15km grind back up to the Boh Tea plantation where the finest tea and scones on this side of the world await your arrival. But these are not the only rewards. After that you get another 6km downhill blast on some nice twisty narrow roads inside the tea plantation.

The Plan
Official plan is to drive up to Cameron Highlands on Sat 13, savour all the tea we want and do the ride on Sun 14 before driving back to KL on Mon 15. So that means you will need to take a day off work on Mon unless you plan to drive home the same day after the ride. We shall start the ride from the Shell Station in Ringlet on Sun where we will catch some breakfast before proceeding to the petrol station at 8.00am SHARP. Of course we will also have to pre-pack some lunch as the average rider is expected to reach the Boh Teahouse at between 2.00 to 3.00pm, all depending on how big your lungs are to tackle those little hills inside the tea plantation (and the long climb of 15km before that). You will also need to carry sufficient water so a 3-litre bag would be in good order. But we understand there’s a store at an orang asli village at KM31 to refill so make sure you carry some cash with you.

And then we shall catch up for a steamboat dinner in Brinchang to exchange tall tales and share the joy of our little adventure, most likely over some alcoholic (as opposed to pedalholic) stuff.

For our Muslim friends, sorry that due to our rather tight calendar of events, the ride has to clash with the fasting month.

Participation
Fresh air and sunshine are free so participation is FOC too. All you need to do is to make your own travel and lodging arrangements and meet us at the Shell petrol station in Ringlet on Sunday morning. Remember, the ride will take off immediately after a briefing at 8.00am SHARP. If you show up late you gotta find your own way.

NO HELMET NO RIDE!!!

THINGS TO BRING ON THE RIDE
o A mountain bike that’s tip top in condition and helmet
o Usual spares, mini pump and personal first aid kit
o 3-litre water bag and energy food/drinks of your choice
o Packed lunch to be eaten anywhere on the trail when you are hungry
o Plastic bags to waterproof your electrical gadgets
o Lightweight waterproof windbreaker in case of rain (and it frequently rains in Cameron!)
o Mobile phone and walkie talkie (if you have – Channel 5.0)
o Some kind of lighting (you never know when it will come in handy!)
o Some cash for refills at store at KM31 and at the Boh Teahouse
o A good sense of humour