January 16, 2006
15 Jan 2006, Kembara.net Sunday Drive
The kembara.net club held a Sunday drive cum BBQ picnic at Bagan Lalang beach, Sepang, last Sunday.
155km/h
Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Renegade was late and only arriving at 8.50am at Damansara toll. It left us with only 20 minutes to each the KLCC toll rendezvous point so he suggested that we make a break for it. At 9 in the morning, the highway was almost deserted. As traffic were light and the clock ticking against our favor, I floored the peddle and really pushed my kembara to the limits. The a/c and fan was off providing much needed power to propel the car at 155km/h constant speed (at rev of 5500rpm). Since the last service the car was in tip top condition and the car didn’t vibrate at such high speed and rev. It doesn’t take a genius to guess who arrived first.
From A to B
We arrived at the KLCC toll with an additional 3 minute to spare, plus we were the first to arrive. So we stop our car and witted for the rest to turn up. Also give my car a well needed rest after a 50km sprint. As our group members gathered (Renegade, Afida, Guntur) we headed off to our second rendezvous point where the rest of the group who took the scenic route ware waiting. Upon reaching the second rendezvous point we wasted no time greeting each other and introducing ourselves. Those with cameras took this opportunity to snap some pictures. When the main star of the event arrived (Adh123 with his “mihun goring”) team leader Half Cut initiated a small briefing and gave guidelines about the tight convoy to our destination at Bagan Lalang. I was later loaned a walkie-talkie so Half Cut can maintain full communication with the convoy throughout the journey. I got to admit, that I’m very green about radio communication and it’s darn hard for me to understand what they are talking about. One thing that I like about convoys is that it gains people attention. Imagine a fleet of 10 kembara cruising through town and kampong road making a beeline to the beach. And unlike driving alone, driving in a convoy requires lots of attention not only on the road and the person in front, but also the person at the back. There was once when Afida was separated from the convoy due to a slow moving vehicle. I had to called out to the lead car to slow his pace. I was nervous at that time since I don’t know the basic rule of engagement in using the radio.
Bagan Lalang
It took us an approximate 45 minute slow drive to reach our destination. Samsung was already there waiting for us with his family. He reserved a pretty good spot under the trees for us to park our cars. After another round of informal greetings among members, we grub down Adh123 long anticipated “mihun goring” that he prepared himself.
After breakfast, it was time to party! It was a mixed feeling at the beach since it was low tide. Though we did not have the chance for a dip, the flat sandy beach provided its own entertainment. Adh123 brought his kite to fly while I got a soccer ball to kick around. We almost got off road on the beach but we decided not to offend the authority. Besides, there were children playing. As noon approaches, we setup our BBQ grill and prepared lunch, I forgot how hot coal can really get and ended up burning 3 hot dogs. Adh123 (surprisingly I don’t get bored typing his name) saved the day as he made himself useful in front the grill cooking marinated chicken contributed by Half Cut. Adh123 was indeed a good cook as Half Cut’s chicken was quickly snapped up the moment it left the grill. After all the cooking and eating, we started to unwind and laze around. There weren’t much lazing around for Rommel as he was busy with his hyper active kids.
The ride home
When everybody was well rested, it’s time to head home. It was just 4pm but it was getting dark fast as rain cloud approaches. As the last rubbish being put away, Half Cut gave his final debriefing for the day and when it was over, get guys got into a hand shake frenzy bidding each other good bye. All 12 kembara was rolled out from the beach headed for the F1 circuit before breaking into two groups, the scenic route group and the highway group. As my group (highway) pulled into the highway, we went off at our separate pace. I was trying to catch up with Blade who was speeding well above 140kmh. No thanks to poor weather and my lack of confidence on wet road, I decided to sit this race off and instead cruise back home at a mere 130km/h.
Photos in the photo album are leached from Renegade, Ferum, Afida, Anis and Dash.
