Last Saturday I went to Hulu Kerling campsite, located about
60km north of Kuala Lumpur where I have joined Dr. Izani, a well-known figure in
adventure riding circles and 6 others whom are regular visitors to this track.
This is a gated climbing track that leads to a campsite on the riverbank of
Kerling River, about 500m above sea-level on the foothill of Gunung Semangkok.
We met at a local restaurant in Tanjung Malim around 8.30am
and Dr. Izani and Phuii were already there.
Pawi arrived with his son later and
we made a move towards Kampung Air Panas Kerling around 9.30am.
We started
riding to Jalan Berlian Utama at 9.50am and the weather was foggy and dark with
ambient temperature around 25°C.
Waypoint track to Ulu Kerling Campsite
N3.61452 E101.61051
We reduced our tires pressure just after the steel bridge.
The track was a mix of laterite soils, loose rocks and small
portion of sandy sections with a constant slope of 2° to 3° climb right after the Kerling
River water intake.
Heavy dual-purpose bikes like mine, will require a proper
set of wheels to make the climb successful but on smaller and torquey enduro bikes,
it should be a walk in a park, even during a rainy season. Another obstacle is
a gate to prevent jungle poachers from entering this forest reserve,
where we need to go around it through a small track in between the metal
barrier and a ditch, pretty dangerous during wet condition.
As we progressed into the track, we encountered a section
where the road had collapsed from the previous overnight rain.
All of us helped
to level the road and we passed through it. At obstacle like this, going with
much lighter bikes made me feel like a burden to the whole group and I would
like to thank the team for the effort to help me passed through.
Dr. Izani pointing to a waterfall on the roadside
About 150m from the campsite, there are a few logs zigzagging
the track and again we work in a team to let everyone through it. We made it to
the campsite around 10.50am.
Ulu Kerling Campsite
GPS N3.67642, E101.67016
The Kerling River at the campsite remains clear despite the
heavy overnight rain and its temperature is around 19°C. Around 12.10pm, Kamalul and
Apik arrived at the campsite.
Dr. Izani's bike is complete with a small knife for difficult times
Dr. Izani said the river could be crossed during dry season and I decided to take a peak.
It was too deep to be crossed. Perhaps some other time
Getting down to the river itself was a challenge.. I rode backwards and lost my footings
Around 1.30pm we started to depart from the site and we
rode through the same track towards Kampung Air Panas.
Kamalul on a Momos
Failed to cross a log and fell
I was descending
cautiously and slow as my rear tyres slipped sideways 80% of the way throughout
the track. We regrouped at the water intake gate waiting for Kamalul and Apik.
Later we said goodbye to each other and I arrived at Rawang around 3.30pm.
My advice to other riders contemplating to ride to Ulu
Kerling is to maintain the cleanliness of the track and the site. Let’s work
together to keep this so called port clean and enjoyable for the near future. I
have witnessed many places turned into disgusting and filthy garbage dump when the
incoming traffic increases. Bring back your garbage and leftover so we can
inherit it for our future trips and generations.
Ride snippets
Riders:
Dr. Izani - KTM Enduro 250
Pawi + Son – Demak T400R
Phuii KTNS RS3
Kamalul + Apik Momos Pantera CX135
Myself Kawasaki Versys 650
Distance: 164km
Duration: 8 hours
Petrol: RM30
Date: 25th November 2017
Average moving speed: 48km/h
Lowest temperature: 21°C (Campsite)
Highest temperature: 32°C (Rasa)
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