Ronnie's touring on 2 wheels: November 2013

It was a short tour alike ride organised by a cyclist co host with a buddy who runs the group on Facebook I joined. The ride was meant to shows to those who interested to go for cycling tour the feel of it. What they could learn from this ride was a ride which is longer than leisure ride, real time traffic flow, ride in a team while observing all traffic rules, etc.

The number of participants turn out to be more than expectation and we have 39 cyclist with 2 toddlers. With the combination of small wheel, fast speed, harsh trail and fancy bicycles meet at about 7:15 in the morning. After a short briefing by the organiser we start rolling at about 7:40 in the morning. Basically the pack was divided into 2 groups, Sardine and Happy Cyclist a.k.a. Ikan Bilis. Sardine will be leading in front with a sweeper control the crowd not to let Ikan Bilis cross over. Then Ikan Bilis will have one sweeper appointed by Chief of Happy Cyclist.

Whole ride was quite pleasant with a stop for breakfast at an authentic local store a.k.a. warung, a break for lunch at vegetarian dimsum coffeeshop, and several break for re-grouping. Though having some unforeseen turn back due to dead end everyone seems to enjoy the fun of it. That is also something you might face during any of the cycling tour. At the end of the ride where everyone should turn back to starting point, Pantai Remis, 7 cyclist from the group decided to continue for another 20km to make it century ride before return to starting point.

During this trip I do not take much of photos but having few video captured. With some photo from chief I made a video with what have for everyone to witness our fun and happy touring for noob.

Appointment was to meet at ten o'clock in the morning which gave more time to rest from what I needed most due to work. All my clothes all dried with the help of fan to circulate the air. Everything was packed and ready to go for another exploration. Loaded my stuff together with bike onto friend's car because he would like to show me the local street market. Had something light as breakfast from the market then moving to the campsite. Park the car then bring out the bike to roll.

It was suppose to be simple and leisure ride to the bigger city Chuncheon I didn't explore day before. We are still following bike path towards the city and my friend promised me the famous dish of Chuncheon, Dak Galbi.
From Wikipedia "Dak Galbi consists of chicken, sliced cabbage, sweet potatoes, tteok (rice cakes), and scallions, mixed with a spicy sauce heavy on gochujang. It is usually cooked in a big iron pan in the center of the table, but the original method is over charcoal."

Passing by several bridges, river dam, university and some residential area then enter the city. With the help of the local search engine Naver, found one famous Dak Galbi store. With queue in front of the store we are sure getting into the right place. Had our bikes lock just outside the store then within minutes we are in the store.

After the yummy lunch, we are slightly behind schedule thus not going to explore in the city. As planned we will take a train ride back to the town where we will camp a night. Found the station and I am still not so sure if I could board the train with my bike. The moment I am reaching to train ticket vending machine saw many cyclists with their bikes gave me a peace in mind. Board the train last car which usually will have bike rack, unfortunately too many bikes. They are cyclist from many places, cycled to Chuncheon then take a train return to their city.

Arrived the station Gapyeong where we will go shopping for BBQ material then heading to campsite in Jaraseom. Setup my tent then start the fire for the BBQ. When it gets dark the temperature drop drastically and I have to rely on bonfire to keep warm.

The start of day 2 ride and the name of this bridge really makes me worry. To those who knew well of Penangites Hokkien will understand what it meant.

My ride partner, no need to be solo (傻佬) anymore.

Thought we might just take the train from here but no way....the weather was too good not to cycle.

One of the famous activity in this region, ATV ride on the river.

Bike path include crossing bridge that was properly installed with rail to protect cyclist.

Another bridge was built to ease the traffic, and I really amazed that it was so clean though construction was ongoing. Looking back where I am coming from, a heaven and hell.

Not knowing what it mean but it was for the record of my visit.

Seeing this river dam remind me of the sickening government that restrict the wealth for them and those relate to them while the people on the other side were so "dry".