Dayride to Rimbaraid: Janda Baik

Photo Credit to Rimbaraid

Rimbaraid is an event started in 2015 that gathers adventure riders led by Dato’ Captain Nik Huzlan. Three of its previous editions were held at Kampung Mat Daling but this year it kicks off at Janda Baik, a settlement at the border of Pahang & Selangor nestled at the foothill of Gunung Nuang, 25km east of Kuala Lumpur.

Its attractive location has attracted 65 competitors from Malaysia & Singapore riding dual-purpose bikes ranging from 650cc to 1200cc from 8 motorcycles manufacturers to take part in 5 Special Stages, Night Trail Ride and Big Enduro Time Attack held over the weekend. In support of the event, I have planned a day ride to Rimbaraid Janda Baik on Sunday as I have other appointments on Saturday.

I took off from Rawang around 7.30am and it was a clear morning with ambient temperature was around 25°C. 

Later, I was joined by Hashim at Petronas Lingkaran Gombak around 8.00am and we had a brief chat over a glass of coffee. 

We started riding towards route 68 Jalan Gombak about 15 minutes later.

Jalan Gombak lama towards Genting Sempah was full of activities with riders and joggers making their way up towards Sungai Pisang and later Genting Sempah roundabout.

One thing to notice is that more piles of garbage and renovation wastes are seen on the road shoulder and that was really disgusting. I remember that taking the route about 5 years ago, the air was still fresh and condition are much better than it is now.

We then took a right turn into Kampung Janda Baik and went straight to the event site and arrived around 9.00am. 

The site was full of activities and lines of adventure bikes filled the road shoulder. 

Photo Credit to Hashim Omar

We took the chance to test ride participating manufacturer new bikes, which are BMW 310GS, Kawasaki Versys 650, 250X and KLX150. 

Photo Credit to Hashim Omar

Hashim Omar on KLX150 - Can't see much, sorry my bad photography skill

The location of this version of Rimbaraid was already attractive because of its close proximity to KL but having a running clear, refreshing and cold river along the event site was an added bonus and most of the people seems to enjoy taking a dip or crossing the river on their bikes.

We were a bit unfortunate as the event today was about 5km away from the site and we are unable to witness the time-attack competition.

Capt briefed participants on what is coming on Sunday

Capt briefed participants on what is coming on Sunday

We were later joined by Cikgu Joe Min, Cikgu Jasni & Cikgu Wak from Kampung Gajah, Perak. I also took the chance to meet facebook friends such as Mohd Azreen Rizal, Nama Saya Muhammad, Abu Zahrim, Syed, Adha and others.

Capt briefed participants on what is coming on Sunday

the food tent. Nama Saya Muhammad, Syed & Adha are among others seated under it.

Yusuf & Saharudin awaiting their slot for competing, chatting with Hashim & me

One of the strong proponent for environmental upkeeping, Pak Aboo (Abu Zahrim)

Dr. Zulkifli Zainal (green shirt) seen here taking a rest while awaiting his turn to compete

Biyen (Mohd Azreen Rizal) with us

Pak Aboo briefed about what to expect in July with me, Saharudin and Nama Saya Muhammad
Photo Credit to Hashim Omar

All smiles from Cikgu Jasni onboard 310GS

Cikgu Joe Min test riding the 310GS

As the sun continues to rise, we went to the river to cool down ourselves and our rides.

After lunch we rode to Genting Highland and it was 34°C when we started riding from Janda Baik around 2.30pm towards Genting Sempah through Jalan Gombak route 68. The road surface was below average with some spots of loose sands and potholes along the route. 

Surprisingly there are also many cars and buses are using this route as I am expecting lesser traffic. Perhaps it was Sunday and many visitors flocks the tourist hotspots around Klang Valley.

The traffic was also high heading to Genting Highland as we rode through the winding road towards Gohtong Jaya. This is the first time for Cikgu Jasni to climb this twisty roads and we had to slow down to ensure we didn’t lose him. 

We made a first stop in-front of Maxim hotel and it was packed with visitors with the ambient temperature was around 20°C that afternoon.

Photo Credit to Cikgu Jasni

As we rode towards Bukit Cincin with elevation up to 1600m, the temperature dropped to 18°C and we spend some time hanging out at this place.

Around 4.15pm we made a move towards home and we said goodbye to the Kampung Gajah entourage here. I continued down towards Karak Highway E8 and rode towards Gombak with Hashim. Right after the Gombak toll we said goodbye to each other and I continued riding towards Rawang alone and arrived home around 5.30pm.

Riders:

1. Hashim – Kawasaki Versys 650

2. Cikgu Jasni & Muhamad (Son) – Kawasaki Versys 650

3. Cikgu Joe Min – Kawasaki Versys 650

4. Cikgu Wak – Kawasaki Ninja ER6F

5. Rashidin – Kawasaki Versys 650

Date: 11th February 2018

Lowest temperature: 18°C (Bukit Cincin)

Highest temperature: 36°C (Duke Highway)

Expenditures:

Petrol: RM30

Food: RM10