New Balance 610v3 Trail Shoes: For trail & OCR

Kind of a long overdue post but after a painful hike on Gunung Ledang, I believe I've tried out my New Balance 610v3 shoes in every condition there is to push it to its max performances. I've used it for trail running, obstacle racing and of course, hiking and can now make a fair review on it.

The New Balance 610v3 was the successor of my former trusty pair of two years, the New Balance 610v2. It even looks alike save for its more vibrant colour.

It shares the same sole as the v2 with some rather toothy lugs combined with road friendly prints that offers just the right amount of grip for trails, road and even on obstacle courses. The grip was impressive as when on trail, I often felt sure-footed and very rarely experienced loosing my footing or grip on the trails. These same soles even helped me survive the obstacles of Viper Challenge and Viper Arena although upon looking back, I realised it was more suited for Viper Arena due to the shorter distance combined with the variety of obstacles.

Viper Challenge 2015: Wet and Wild

Somewhere behind me, behind those 5 foot walls set up in middle of a plantation in Sepang, I could hear my friend coaxing a pair of girls to use him as a step for them to get over aforementioned walls. Ahead of me, my sister was scrambling over the walls with sheer determination and I thought, "if she can do it, so can I." 

So I did it. Awkward and uncoordinated. Not at all like how my Bootcamp instructor taught us (he would burst a vein if he saw how I did it) but I did it nevertheless. And even though those walls were only 5 foot, it was an achievement for me. 

Viper Challenge 2014 - BIGGER & BETTER

After a total of three hours of sleep and two scones for breakfast, I found myself at Sepang International Circuit in the wee hours of a Sunday morning for the second Viper Challenge. Hailed as the biggest obstacle challenge in Asia, Viper Challenge 2014 saw its tickets sell out like hot cakes within the first week and after last year's, um, incident, had to make a comeback in order to redeem itself.

And did they ever with a completely new circuit mixed with old and new obstacle challenges along the way.  I was a bit apprehensive at first about it, unwilling to get my hopes up until I heard the raving good reviews from Day 1 participants. It was a massive improvement from the previous year and has risen the standards of obstacle challenges around the region. Or so I heard the evening before. 

NST Street Race 2014

So I just completed my first ever NST Street Race yesterday with my team, the Killah Cherry Poppers. A mix of running, treasure hunting and obstacle racing, it was by far one of the hardest challenges I have done to date and that included Tough Mudder. Completing and even getting to each challenges and checkpoint called for a mix of brains, strength, luck and a bit of experience.

We arrived at the NST main office building bright and early to get good parking and already the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation. Everyone was in either teams of four or three and a good chunk of us were from our bootcamp gang. Some of us had joined this previously and were the favourite to get a placing. As for me, I just wanted to do this without decking or killing my teammates as I have been known to get snappish and bitchy in a stressful situation. Once during a car treasure hunt, I shoved my friend out of the car at a traffic light to grab a treasure we needed.

Singapore: Men's Health Urbanathlon 2014

It was another mad weekend in Singapore at the start of March and this time, the OBC gang and I were there for the Men's Health Urbanathlon 2014. Along with several other friends, my mom and my sister, I stayed at the same hotel as my previous trip, Fragrance Hotel - Riverside as it was a 20 minutes walk to the Float at Marina Bay which was also the start point of the race.

Singapore's Urbanathlon has been hailed as one of the best obstacle races in the region and having caught the obstacle race bug last year, I wanted to try it out for myself. The race was a 14km course around the city's riverside and had 9 obstacles for us to look forward to and tackle. My auntie asked me which obstacle did I dread the most and I answered, "The running. I just want to try out the obstacle but I don't want to run from obstacle to obstacle."

I survived Viper Challenge 2013

Rain pelted down on us as we jogged the tarmac stretch of the Sepang International Circuit and I don’t mean those sissy drizzles of acid rain. I mean, soaked to our skin rain. To some, the rain was a cause for concern but to my Team Huh?!, we powered on, clinging on to our motivation of finishing this course, rain or shine. On top of that, the downpour chased away the previous evening’s haze (get your shit together, Indonesia, seriously).

Team Huh?!

We were in the first wave and amongst the first participants of Asia’s Biggest Obstacle Event to ever set foot on the specially designed course.

Pine Tree Hill Hike, Fraser's

It has been a year of hikes for me. In February I had Bukit Tabur nicknamed after me by my bootcamp friends and had obtained a Datukship from Gunung Datuk. While I have yet to strike off Mount Kinabalu, Gunung Angsi and Gunung Nuang from my bucket list of places to hike, I am pleased to say I can do so for One Pine Tree Hill of Fraser's Hill.



Leading the way

The morning we set out for Fraser's Hill was a quiet Sunday and the start of the March school holidays, something all of us conveniently forgotten. Our little convoy of four cars travelled through Rawang and Kuala Kubu Baru, took to the winding roads heading up to Fraser's and we reached the town center by 8am. After the two hours' drive, we made a quick toilet stop because once inside the forest, the only toilet available is amidst the foliage off the trail.



And away we go!

We reached the entrance of Pine Tree around 830am and set off without hesitation. I think our main motivation was to finish this as quick as possible so that we could later indulge in the famous scones from the Ye Old Smokehouse. Although...even at the start of the trail, we lost half the group as they were taking memorabilia pictures at the entrance. Half of that group turned back after the first kilometer or so and here's why.

Into the wild.

Pine Tree Hill is the most challenging trail Fraser's has to offer out of its eight jungle trails. At a moderate pace, it takes about eight hours to reach the peak and back. While its distance comes up to 5.5 kilometer to its peak, its trail goes up and down and along hills and at times, the pathway becomes muddy and riddled with fallen branches and trees. At some parts, there are concrete and wooden stairs which I dreaded because it meant I would have to encounter them again on the way back. After all, what goes up (and down), must go down (and up).

Nature's bridge

Now I have heard tales of leeches on Pine Tree Hill. We were fortunate that no one in our group got bitten although we were armed to the teeth with salt packets stolen taken from McDonalds.



A rare red lollipop tree was spotted.

Almost there.

Throughout the hike there are signs indicating the distance left to go. We would stop at this signs to catch a breather and to refuel ourselves with homemade brownies and powerbars. The cooling climate, keeping an even pace and taking frequent but short breaks really helped our group in tackling the trails.

 

Rocks and ropes - easy pea-sy

The last slope was particularly tricky as ropes were required for us to pull ourselves up. After approximately ten minutes of scrambling up ropes and roots, we reached the Pine Tree peak at 1045am.

Standing at 1456 meters



Pine Tree Hill Peak

There we rested for 10 minutes, snacking and taking pictures to commemorate the achievement before deciding that since we were ahead of schedule, why not try for Twin Peak!

Twin Peak view

The hike to the neighbouring peak took us about half an hour and it was no less easier than the earlier trail. In fact, it was harder with thicker bushes and foliage in the way due to the lack of hikers passing through. But the view at Twin Peak was stunning. We could see the massive mountain range ahead of us with specks of approaching rain clouds. After 5 minutes of resting and phototaking, we departed Twin Peaks at and by 12pm, were back at Pine Tree Hill.

Group photo at Twin Peak.

Aware that rain clouds were closing in fast, we forgo rest and started heading back and that was when the trail seemingly got harder. Even through we were going back the same way we came, everything was in reverse now. As I mentioned earlier, up was down and worst still, down was up.

And back down we go...

I will be honest. It was mentally-taxing because at this point, our group had split into smaller groups of two or three people moving at different paces. I was somewhere in the middle and at some point midway, was on my own. The trail was near-impossible to get lost on but my brain pretty shut down during the two and a half hour hike back  and let my feet do the walking. Rain fell and I was soaked thoroughly before it stopped. It was refreshing though and gave me an extra boost to keep moving.

Of course, the constant inner chants of 'scones, scones, scones' helped too.

Stairs, why you no end!

Then came the stairs. At each upward stairway (to hell), I made the mistake of thinking the entrance was just at the top only to find more trail. Thank goodness I had my mp3 to keep me moving and my camera to entertain myself with.

 

Morning glory .


I reached the entrance at 215pm and although exhausted and soaked, was quite pleased with the pace I had and that I actually completed Pine Tree Hill! The last of our group emerged at 230pm and altogether we had taken about 6 hours!

We did it!

While that should have bought us more time to feast on scones, the weather had other ideas and gave us another downpour. As it often gets misty after a rain, the group decided to head back to Kuala Lumpur before the visibility on the roads down dropped. I, on the other hand, had decided to make the most of this trip (since I don't have work the next day) by staying overnight with my sister and a friend but more on that in another post.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to capture a group photo at the entrance or have our celebratory scones together. Oh, well. I am very certain that this won't be my last trip to Fraser's although I can't say if I could be tackling Pine Tree Hill anytime soon.

Maybe it's time to start ticking off the other seven Fraser's trails from my list.

Tips for Pine Tree Hill
1. Bring lots of water and isotonic drinks.
2. Bring food that gives you quick energy burst.
3. Bring your camera.
4. Mental preparation is encouraged because this 6-8 hours hike is no walk in the park.
5. Watch your foot and your head.
6. First time hikers should go with someone experienced.
7. Inform someone where you're headed and provide them with an estimate finish time.
8. Plan your pace and stick to your estimated times of arrival. If you're off schedule, just turn back.
9. Shoes, shoes, shoes.
10. Go with a group of friends with similar fitness levels as you.

For more pictures, check out my Facebook album here.

First Skytrex Experience!

To say I am an adrenaline junkie is an understatement. I would say I am a person whose motto(s) in life is try everything, leave no room for regret or do first, think later or never try, never know or do it now or miss the chance. So basically, my philosophy in life is YOLO! (please don't kill me!)

It just so happens that everything I have done (sky-jumping off the Auckland tower, off-roading, racing, paintballing, jet-skiing, trapezing) or want to do in life (scuba-diving, backpacking, bungy-jumping, Tough Mudder) involves being in the great outdoors and involves adrenaline....Okay, so I am an adrenaline junkie. Which was why when my friend invited me for SkyTrex-ing in Bukit Cerakah forest reserve, Shah Alam, I was all 'YOLO!' (I can hear guns clicking...okay, I'll stop the YOLO-ing!)

At the entrance.

It was sunny Saturday morning when we got to Bukit Cerakah forest reserve, paid the RM3 per person entrance fee and boarded a bus heading to the SkyTrex Adventure. After some internal debate, I opted to carry my DSLR camera with me in order to get better pictures. It seemed I was not alone that day as there were many other who were weighed down with their big DSLRs. It turned out that Tourism Selangor had organised an day out for its fans and followers there too, explaining the large groups of people present. I also bumped into a blogger friend, Cindy after finishing the challenge. She did the Big Thrill so be sure to check out her blog for her take on Skytrex!

Preparation stage.

My group of eight quickly filled up the required 'I-will-not-sue-if-I-get-injured' forms, got lockers for our belongings and got our harnesses on. Gloves are a necessity because you'll be griping onto the ropes for dear life and can be brought RM3 per pair.

Briefing instructor - funny guy.

Before attempting the Extreme Challenge, we were given a safety briefing on what to do with our two carabiners and one pulley when up in the trees. All you need to remember is to make sure you're clipped to red-marked rope with at least one carabiner at all times!

Extreme Challenge

Once we have run through the trial course, we started off the Extreme Challenge with a tall ladder climb leading to the first of many flying-fox. I quickly discovered my wonderful ability to land facing backwards during the flying fox challenge. Dammit.

Camera ready!

As the group before us were so damn slow only three people were allowed to a platform, we had to wait in between obstacles during which I took the opportunity to snap pictures of my friends. And to camwhore.

Flying Fox

My least favourite obstacle was the pipe challenge where we only had the supporting ropes to grip on to. Not only were pipes oval, they would swing with each step, making balancing on them a challenge. I think I took up the most time on that.

Making it look effortless.

Prior to that, there was a monkey bar challenge much like in the playground except a few metres off the ground. Not to worry though as your carabiners and pulley will keep you from plummeting to your death if you let go. To my annoyance, my hands gave out midway through this challenge and I had to let go. I will definitely be back for the monkey bars!

Monkey bars.

But by this part, being so high up in the trees don't be an issue for most and your main concern will be crossing the next obstacle. As for the view, there was only trees and trees and....more trees.

Sis posing for camera.

Overall, it was great fun and after the initial sensation of vertigo, it was merely just powering through the obstacles. We took a number of pictures although not as many as I would like because the DSLR requires two hands to adjust. Most importantly, there was never a moment when I felt unsafe high up in the trees because I was high on adrenaline the course was so well-maintained.

Ayam exit

My group took approximately 2 hours in total to complete the whole Extreme Challenge and that included delays because the group before us were so damn slow I was trying to take pictures of everyone. The ending was sort of anti-climatic as we had to climb down a netting to descend to the ground. We heard the Big Thrill ends with a long flying-fox which sounds like more fun. But knowing my luck, I'll end it facing the wrong way.

Extreme Challenge finishers.

The next time I come, I will try the Big Thrill and hopefully this time, execute a perfect flying-fox and finish the monkey bars!

Tips:
1. Bringing a big camera is not impossible although you might smash it into a tree during the flying fox so just be careful.
2. Gloves and a good pair of sport shoes goes a long way.
3. Listen to the instructors and do chat with them. Being up there alone must be so boring at times.
4. Look out for the instructions on how to place your carabiners and pulley before tackling the challenges. There are two ways to put them on so check!
5. A bottle of water is recommended as it can get hot and exhausting up there. Bottle holders can be rented at RM5.
6. If you can't complete the challenge, opt for the Chicken Exit. Seriously, don't hold up the people behind you if you can't get your nerves together.
7. Check your carabiners and pulley before setting off to ensure they are usable.
8. Online bookings are recommended at all times. No minimum number of pax required.

Prices for Skytrex challenges are:
Little Adventure (LA) - RM 35.00
Big Thrill (BT) - RM 45.00
Extreme Challenge (XT) - RM 55.00

Hours:
Saturdays, Sundays and some Public Holidays.
From 8.30am onwards.

For more information or to make bookings, head over to their website, Skytrex Adventure.

For a sense of my experience there, check out my album here.

*****

And speaking of being adventurous and trying everything out for the first time, I am taking part in the Big Blog Exchange, a worldwide competition where 16 bloggers will be selected to exchange blogs whilst living out that blogger's life in their country for ten whole days!

So if you think I have what it takes to weave a story of a new life experience from the other side of the globe, vote for me at the link below:

PS: I do not represent BN or DAP so votes here will not influence the outcome of the coming 13th General Elections.

 

Read, vote, share and have a cookie!

 

Thanks!

First hike to Bukit Tabur

 

Hey, guys!

First of all, Happy Chinese New Year to those who celebrated it and to those who didn't, Happy Holidays!

I bet your CNY holidays was spent getting stuck in traffic jams on the way home, eating and drinking, having reunion dinners, taking family portraits, house-visiting to collect Ang Pows and wearing red a lot.

As for me, my parents did go back to Taiping to visit my grandparents with my relatives....and left my sister and I behind. As we have a mind-boggling number of cats and dogs, we stayed back to babysit them and the house during the festive seasons. Not that we mind as we took advantage of a very-jam-free-KL.

Bukit Tabur

Bootcamp Tabur hikers (L-R): Sunil, Alex, Cherrie & Norizan.

Cherrie and I also went hiking for the first time in a long time at Bukit Tabur with Sunil, Alex and newly befriended Norizan from bootcamp as well as Yasmin from my swim team days on the first day of CNY. Due to the series of hikes and activities coming up, I got myself a new pair of New Balance trail shoes the day before and planned their maiden vovage to Bukit Tabur.

New New Balance trail shoes.

Our group of six got to the foot of Bukit Tabur at 730am and already, there were quite a lot of cars parked along the side of the road. Apparently the regulars come to the hill at 6am for a good workout.

Still it wasn't as crowded as Gasing Hill but that could be due to it being a public holiday.

Entrance near the Klang Gates Dam.

Bukit Tabur is a limestone ridge located in Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur and is part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge. Standing at less than 1000m, the hill consists of a few peaks and the most frequented entrance, Tabur West starts near the Klang Gates Dam. For detailed instructions and GPS coordinates, click here. 



photo credit: All about Tabur.

 Baby Steps

 

With the first rays of sunlight peeping out from behind the ridge, we made our way up the hill. The first stretch of forest had me panting and reminded me of Gasing Hill. For the record, cardio hikes are not my forte. However, after good ten minutes of forest hiking, the route became less strenous and the view got more rewarding.



'I am never leaving this tree' - Norizan

At the first peak, we stopped momentarily to admire the stunning view of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge that divided the Klang Gates Dam and the concrete jungle that was Kuala Lumpur. Behind us were two other peaks, running side by side like camel humps. As the sun continued to rise up from behind these two peaks, the rays broke across the scene and created a surreal sight.

Stunning.

We soldiered on, going higher and further along the ridge. We met several other hikers along the way, many posing for their cameras and some even, picnicking on the rocky flat spaces. During one of our breaks, my friend Shaun caught up with us, having arrived late and was panting and sweating hard by the time he joined us. But then again, he did sprint up the hill, a feat not many could accomplish.

The Climb

We had to conquer seven peaks that morning and each got a little harder and more challenging to get to as we went along.  Tall trees disappeared, replaced by limestone rocks and formations as well as shrubs and mosses. Photo opportunities were at an abundance due to yours truly being a 'capture-the-moment' person and truly every peak and climb had me snapping away.

Yasmin - No sweat!

Of course, Bukit Tabur wasn't as tame as Gasing Hill or Broga. On both sides of the ridge pathway was sudden drops and huge boulders created obstacles to scale around. The hill demanded respect from its visitors and you better give it just that as there has been reports of deaths and accidents on Tabur. People have gotten lost, injured or died due to their over zealousness and for underestimating Bukit Tabur.



Love at first hike.

When it came to the rock-climbing bits, I tucked my cameras away in my backpack to free up my hands and did the climb with extreme caution. I loved it though, despite or maybe because of the element of danger. I often had to rely on my upper body strength to boost me over ledges and if it wasn't for bootcamp, I wouldn't have the strength or the stamina to do it. Good hand and eye coordination also comes in handy when moving along the rocky ridge to avoid falling flat on your face. Being a parkour expert will be a huge advantage.

Midway though, we came across two paths to take around a boulder, one harder than the other. The harder (and scarier) route involved climbing rungs drilled into the rocks while the other requires us to climb down a short but vertical slope using a knotted rope with little foothold space. As some of us were rookies, our unofficial Tabur guide, Sunil opted for the rope and gave us precise instructions on scaling down. It was scary at first as beyond the tiny ledge was another sudden drop and all you had to cling on for dear life was the rope and your own arm strength. But when I actually did it (without making a fool of myself), there was a deep sense of adventure and satisfaction. Must be the adrenaline rush.

A marker flag

That also have me a good burst of energy that carried me through the next few peaks. I decided there and then, I was in love with Bukit Tabur. The greenery at the higher peaks were incredibly picturesque and we were fortunate to have a cool breeze cut through every once in a while.

Past the last peak and the turning point to go back, Shaun showed us a path that continued a little further on and ended in a sudden drop. He got lost here the last time and scaled midway down before the danger of it dawned on him, making him return to the original trail. As beautiful as Bukit Tabur was, its dangers should not be undermined.

Up, now Down

As the saying goes, what goes up, must come down. There were two trails that we could use to return to our cars. Go back the way we came or head down a dirt trail along the side of the hill. Majority headed for the latter although Superman Sunil opted to go through the rocky peaks again.

Time to head down.

The trail downhill was reminiscent of the trails I used to thunder through when I joined the Hash House Harriers but instead of running, we walked. Like normal people who just finished climbing a hill. It was relatively quite an easy, uneventful brisk walk back to the car, although albeit long. Alex lead the charge downhill, doing even the Gangnam Style (briefly) on the way. I did pause to glance back up at the ridge and I felt so tiny and amazed that I was even at its peak.


Are we there yet?

It was about 1030am by the time we reached the car to unload our backpacks and unwind (and to stare at chicks...and hens) while waiting for Sunil. He joined us 15 minutes later, delayed only because he stopped to help a group of girls stuck on the rung trail. Apparently their uncle led them there before heading ahead and leaving them behind. Tsk tsk. Bad uncle.

Due to the lack of human traffic on the hill, we completed Bukit Tabur in three hours with plenty of breaks and photo sessions in between. I really enjoyed loved the hike/climb, my new shoes and most importantly, the company. Really, the company makes all the difference in an activity like this.

Thank you, Sunil for planning this trip and guiding us through Tabur with the patience of a saint.
Thank you, Alex for (not ffk-ing) driving us there and leading us noobs down safely.
Thank you, Norizan for the laughter and jokes up there and for the most rewarding brownies ever.
Thank you, Yasmin for giving up your Sunday to join us and make new friends I hope.
Thank you, Shaun for looking out for my sister and also for helping us along.
Thank you, sis for allowing me to drag you along.
Thank you, adventurous random stranger who followed us all the way down.
And thank you, Bukit Tabur for reviving my adrenaline junkie and interest in hiking once more.

Tabur CNY hikers!

 For more pictures of our Tabur hike, click over to my Facebook album here.

10 Tips for Noobs

1. Invest in a pair of proper hiking/trail shoes, preferably lightweight.
2. Wear gloves for the rock climbing parts.
3. Go with an experienced friend and stick together.
4. Bring two bottles of water or isotonic drink.
5. Use a backpack to free up your hands.
6. Leave your ego at home. Better to be teased than dead.
7. Bring a camera.
8. Always let faster hikers through. But don't be afraid to ask for help if needed.
9. Don't look down! Seriously, watch where you're stepping at all times. Your next step could be a flimsy rock and your last....
10. If it rains, postpone the hike. Slippery trails are not your best friend.

It helps to read up more on other people's experience and on Bukit Tabur itself. I recommend All about Tabur and Vertical Adventure. Have fun and be safe!