Say guys, Rueban, James and I were thinking of attempting the Kg Kemensah - Sg Chongkak trail on Saturday 25th June (the day before the coming hash in Salak). If you think you are up to it, we will meet at:

0730hrs, 25 August BP Petrol station, Taman Melawati

I remember that the trail is quite tough (goes through overgrown secondary jungle). And once you reach Sungai Chongkak, it takes about 3-4 hours to cycle back on the road to Taman Melawati. It's a whole day affair and not a beginner's ride; suitable for the fit or masochistic.

-- Joe Adnan (joeadnan@yahoo.com), August 14, 2001

Answers

Joe Would it be possible to reduce the torture if we can arrange a drop off vehicle at Sungai Chongkak ? This would be possible if we are a small group. Cheers Krankster

-- FC Yong (fmkyfc@tm.net.my), August 20, 2001.

It's possible, but I'm not very sure whether we can in fact find our way across in the first place. If we have to turn back, then we'll need to go back and get the car.

-- Joe (joeadnan@yahoo.com), August 20, 2001.

I've checked out 2/3 of the trail and its the best its been in years, since probably the mid 90s. I also met the guys who cleared and they claim its a 30 minute ride on dirtbike. Its a distance of approx 14km from the start near the Kg. So the probabilities are that we will make it across though I expect this to take between 4-5 hrs with rests. I did trek the trail in early 99' and it was pretty good then. So I am optimistic that we will get across. The odds are in our favour.

-- R. Rueban (rooburn@yahoo.com), August 21, 2001.

Correction: I checked out 1/3 of the trail not 2/3.

Sorry bout' that.

Rubes

-- Rueban (rooburn@yahoo.com), August 21, 2001.

There's the answer: possible to do the shuttle. BTW James e-mailed to say that he can't make it.

-- Joe (joeadnan@yahoo.com), August 21, 2001.

Folks I am game , shuttle or no. If we are more flexible without the shuttle then do without it. So where is Taman Melawati ? Is it near Zoo Negara ? Sorry lah I am a PJ boy. Rgds Krankster

-- FC Yong (fmkyfc@tm.net.my), August 21, 2001.

Taman Melawati is the housing estate just after the turn-off to the zoo. If you are coming from Ampang, it's a left turn after the zoo turn-off. I think there should be signs for Taman Melawati.

Rueban, I'm ok to pick Patrick. Not too sure where, but I'll give him a call for directions.

-- Joe (joeadnan@yahoo.com), August 21, 2001.

Tmn Melawati, if you are coming from Ampang, is a right turn after Zoo Negara. Note that there is no longer a turn-off directly into zoo Negara if you are coming from Ampang. You would have to go past the zoo ( which would be on your right) for about 600-700m, make a U-turn and then head back down to take a left turn into the zoo. If you are coming from the Jln Pahang-Setapak direction, then Tmn Melawati is a left turn before the zoo. If you can read signage, you're just fine.

Rueban

-- R. Rueban (rooburn@yahoo.com), August 22, 2001.

Oops, yes, right turn, not left.

-- Joe (joeadnan@yahoo.com), August 22, 2001.

Awesome ride guys ! Well done looks like the trail is clear and even with several opportunities to branch off inside. The climbs were truly lung busting but not impossible overcoming it whether ride or push. I forgot most of the torture once I hit on the decend. And what a blast it was. Trail conditions were at it best. Not too wet and not too dry with mild ruts and some tricky sections. You can really go fast here. Only limiting factor is your guts. Trail reminds me of Lagong to Commonwealth park but this has twice the torture but 4 times the fun. I am also happy because my new bike did not fuss up but instead did quite well both going up and down. Now if we can figure out to do away with the back breaking road ride back to Tamam Melawati. How about a bus service ?

-- FC Yong (fmkyfc@tm.net.my), August 26, 2001.

O Joy! A long lost trail rediscovered. With branches in it for future misadventures. Oooh, it is now possible to do Janda Baik to Kg. Kemensah then. That's 70km of trails and 20km of roads.

-- James Yap (kualiscrub@hotmail.com), August 29, 2001.