Weekly Newsletter – 16 December 2009 / Issue Number: 471-50-2009

PCC, Your Perfect Cycling Companion

Sub-Editor’s Notes This issue

The week ahead M+D P2
Nothing for much to say, but this is an interesting piece that was The week ahead T+G P3
contributed from one of our members. Rules of road riding P5
Guidelines to Trail Etiquette P6
Spare wheels project P6
Club membership P6

An antique bicycle collector in Malacca.

By Lee Yu Kit

On a recent visit to Malacca, I stopped at a coffeeshop for a drink and noticed an antique bicycle on display with a plaque
declaring it to be the winner in a 2008 competition for Antique bicycles in Malacca state.

It was an old Raleigh in fire-engine red, with drum brakes, a complete chain cover, rubber blocks for pedals, and big, big spoked
wheels. The brakes were operated via a series of linked metal rods, and lighting was provided by a simple dynamo operated
against a rotating tyre – the harder you rode, the brighter the light. The frame was all steel with big wheel covers protecting the
rider against rain and mud flung up by spinning wheels. The seat was a large triangle proving plenty of buttock support in line
with an upright riding position, and the handlebar was a traditional backswept cowhorn design. It was a beauty, harking back to
a time when bicycles were a major means of transport.

Nearby in the same shop (this was a coffee shop, not a bicycle shop) were an assortment of old bicycles – Raleigh Choppers, a
Raleigh Wrangler, a Raleigh Parrot, a postman’s bicycle, a rare Italian tandem – all of some unknown antiquity and in need of
some restoration work.

The owner of the Apple Burger Coffeeshop, En Khusyairie Kevin Kessler, was the collector and owner of these old bicycles. His
hobby is finding old bicycles and restoring them.

Big red bike with drum brakes, up on display. Note the dynamo against the front tyre.
 Weekly Newsletter – 16 December 2009 / Issue Number: 471-50-2009

His collection numbers about 20 bicycles. He has bicycles dating back to before WWII, and mentioned 2 BSA airborne bicycles,
which were used by British forces in WWII. These are folding bicycles which could be dropped by parachute for paratroopers
who could then unfold them for ground transport. (Search on “BSA Airborne Bicycles/Paratroopers” for more information).

Collecting and restoring old bicycles is his hobby and obviously a passion, as he was very knowledgeable about old bicycles,
sourcing of parts and oddities of his various bicycles…like a crank spider shaped like a human hand.

The coffeeshop is well known for its asam fish, which comes in a claypot.

Check it out next time you’re in Malacca:

Restoran Apple Burger
No 1, Jln Malinja 3, Taman Malinja,
75150 Bukit Baru, Malacca.
The pictures are a bit grainy: taken with my handphone in poor light.

The antique bicycle collector and restorer Best of show, Antique bicycles, Malacca 2008.
Note the mounted handpump on the frame.

The week ahead – M + D Sunday ride 29 November 2009

Mud + Dirt by The English Nose

Time for a change – back to the old skool (as it were). Kiara this weekend is going to be starting from Sri Hartamas, Devi’s
Corner.

This is where we began and finished our ride about a year ago, until the development took over some trails.
Might been incorporating some of last weekend’s hash trails and some of the old ones we used to ride.

th
Date: Sunday 20 December 2009

Meeting Time: 7.30am

Parking: Devi’s Corner, Desa Sri Hartamas

Ride distance: 15-18km depending on loops taken but distance don’t count at Kiara

Ride description: Mostly singletracks, some rather technical and hilly. So come prepared for hike-a-bike sections. Not
recommended for first-timers, a bit daunting.

For more info, call Peter aka Yellow Manta on +6012 227 4443
Ride
Date Distance
20 Dec Kiara 18km

27 Dec Gambang ??km

3 Jan KKB 25km

 Weekly Newsletter – 16 December 2009 / Issue Number: 471-50-2009

The week ahead – T + G Sunday ride 29 November 2009

Tar + Grime by The Don

With weather being so unpredictable, let’s do a ride starting from Centre point. We’ll be
riding to Batu Arang town via Batu Berjuntai & fruit farms. A total of 113km of rolling
roads & some climbs near Batu Arang & Guthrie Corridor.

Newbies* & returning riders should opt for Option A for an easy cardio workout.

Fitter people should try Option B: You should be back to your cars by 11am.

Option C is strictly for PCC crazies: Look to burn 2,700 calories. Are U ready???

Date: 21 December 2009

Time: 7:00 am sharp (this trains leaves on schedule, so please come early)

Start/End: Centrepoint carpark, Bandar Utama (CP)

GPS (N3.13831 E101.61044)

Option A: CP-Kota D’sara- Turn R into Jln Sg Buloh -Jln Kuala Selangor- Guthrie Corridor- Kg Subang- Kota D’Sara-
Tropicana- Riana Green-CP (40m);

Option B: CP-Kota D’sara- Turn R into Jln Sg Buloh -Jln Kuala Selangor- Ijok Petronas (regroup & U-turn)- Jln Kuala
Selangor -Guthrie Corridor- Kg Subang- Kota D’Sara-Tropicana- Riana Green-CP (80km);

Option C: CP Kota D’sara- Turn R into Jln Sg Buloh -Jln Kuala Selangor- Ijok Petronas(1st regroup)- Batang Berjuntai (turn
Right)- Batu Arang (2nd regroup & refuel)- Jln Kuala Selangor -Guthrie Corridor- Kg Subang- Kota D’Sara-
Tropicana- Riana Green-CP (113km)

Safety Comment: Vehicular traffic in Jln Sungai Buloh & K.Selangor stretch, so advise alert & single-file riding. Be
courteous to other road users, don’t hog the road, obey road regulations & offer hang signals. Pace
yourself, ride at your own tempo & at a good cadence.

What to Bring: 2 water bottles, hydrating salts sachets, energy bars, spare tubes & pump, hp & $$. No helmet, no ride.

Don is the Ride Leader for the ride. He can be contacted at 017-8830538 if you have any queries. See yuh on Sunday!

*Riders are assumed able to ride on tarred roads alongside with motor vehicles. This route is not recommended for riders
uncomfortable riding in traffic.
 Weekly Newsletter – 16 December 2009 / Issue Number: 471-50-2009

Rules of Road Riding – T + G

Change positions correctly Rules of Road Riding

• Slower moving traffic stays to the left; faster traffic to
the right. Never overtake on the left of the group! By The Don
• Pass slower moving vehicles on the right; announce
your intention to do so
Announce hazards
• Most cyclists do not have a full view of the road while
riding in a group
• Announce potholes and other hazards so others can
avoid them
• Call out the hazard and point down to it, either left or
right. No need to yell like a maniac tho.
Watch for traffic from the rear
• The last rider should frequently check for overtaking
cars
• Announce "car back" clearly and loudly
• It is also helpful to announce "car up" on narrow
roads or when riding two abreast
Watch out at intersections
• Leader should announce slowing or stopping at
intersections, if necessary Practise Good Peloton Etiquette
• Cyclists should not follow others through
• Everyone in the peloton has to contribute to the
intersections without first looking for themselves
workload. That means taking your fair share of pulls at
• Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if
the front. It’s ok to do shorter pulls, especially if you are
you must stop, signal tired. Just do a token pull, indicate and pull off to the
Leave room for cars right & back after you’ve established it is safe to do so.
• On narrow road or during climbs, leave space • When you go to the front, always keep a constant &
between every three or four riders steady speed. Do not accelerate or show how fast you
• Motorists will utilize the shorter passing intervals to are. It is not a race, moron!
pass the group • Typically everyone climbs at their own pace. So after a
• Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of climb, recover & regroup before setting off again.
every cyclist. Remember, we share the roads with • Do not pull too long at the front. Always reserve some
others; it’s not our Grandfathers’ road. energy
Stop off road Ride single file
• When stopping for mechanicals or regrouping, always • It is illegal in some areas to ride more than two abreast.
move clear off the road Avoid doing this.
• Always indicate you are stopping with your right hand • In our country, the roads are narrow and winding. It is
asking them to overtake you on the right. better to ride single filed in this case, unless it is safe to
• Always yield to traffic in the roadway ride a double pace line.

Impromptu Saturday M + D rides

Spare Parts Choy with his ever willingness to ride, be it morning, noon AND night will be taking calls with his mistress
Rachel from the Yeti Clan by his side, he would certainly ride anything and everything as often as he can. So contact him
for the Saturday Goodness at +60123955255. All levels and ride suggestions are always welcomed.

Weekday T + G rides

TUESDAY NIGHT SPECIAL – TAMAN TUN (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)

NO HELMUT, NO RIDE
Ride distance: 25km (TTDI – Damansara Heights – TTDI)
Time: 830pm (check in 15mins before)
THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE – NEW (SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS)
Meeting place: In front of KSH (Taman Tun Dr Ismail)
Ride distance:
Contact person: Shang(016 209 2999) / Amanda (012 659 3838)
Time: 700pm (70km) / 830pm (35km)
Meeting place: Putrajaya Mosque Car park
Contact person: Vong 016 287 2066
COMPULSORY TAIL LIGHTS Ride Guideline: Well maintained flat to undulating
roads.
FOR ALL NIGHT RIDERS Objectives: Improving endurance,leg strength and
road bike skills (eg. Drafting technique,
signalling, road safety)
 Weekly Newsletter – 16 December 2009 / Issue Number: 471-50-2009

Guidelines to Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette

FROM VARIOUS SOURCES IN RELATION TO SHARED TRAILS AND NON BIKE

SPECIFIC TRAILS.

PERSONAL SAFETY
- Wear a brain bucket (yes..that’s a helmet) whenever you ride.
- Do not travel into remote areas without informing others
- Ride within your capabilities. Ensure that if you want to push your
limits, your buddies are around to support you.
- Know your bike and bring the necessary/essential spares.

RIGHT OF WAY IN RELATION TO OTHERS (NON RIDERS)

- Give way to non motorised trail users, i.e. hikers, horse riders, because
people judge all cyclist by my actions.
- Give way to motorised trail users, i.e. motor cross bikes etc, because
generally we will end up worse off in a an accident.
- Alert others when approaching. Get a bell, or “Excuse me” works quite
well.

RIGHT OF WAY IN RELATION TO OTHER RIDERS.

- Riders have the right of way. If you are pushing your bike, leave the
riding line open for others to go past.
- Rider up hill has the right of way.
- Allow faster riders to past

SPEED
- Approach turns and bends in anticipation that there’s someone there.
- Make your presence know when approaching someone or any turns.

IMPACT ON THE TRAIL

- Leave the wildlife and fauna alone. Magic mushrooms are bad for you.
- Stay on designated trails and avoid destroying vegetation if possible
- Don’t take short cuts over/around technical sections. If you can’t ride
it, walk it.
- Learn how to use your front brakes so that you minimise skidding your
rear wheel. If you refuse to learn, then ride only in bike parks where
people are paid to maintain the trails.
- Do not litter. Take out whatever you take in.
- Practise minimal impact riding, take only photos and memories with
you.

FUN
- You are to have loads of fun, talk lots of cog, and make good friends on
your ride.
- Develop of sense of humour. Some people say it’s good for the soul.

FEEL LIKE YOU WANT TO ADD TO THIS? DROP US A LINE. WE WILL ADD IT IF IT MAKES SENSE.
 Weekly Newsletter – 16 December 2009 / Issue Number: 471-50-2009

Spare Wheels Project

Your friends have heard you rant about the drops and
the endos and have seen the breathtaking scenery
from your flickr, Facebook and not to forget the fridge
door photos.
They finally want to get off their bum and join you for
a ride but running behind you, sitting on your top tube
or dinking them are probably not the best ways for
them to experience it with you. Of course, he/she
could be shit hot, then no one would probably say
anything.
In all SERIOUSNESS, if you have someone who wants
to join us for a ride, please do not hesitate to drop us
a line and we WILL do our best to get them a bike for
the next suitable ride. Take note that there will be a
$15.00 charge to cover expenses such as ferrying the
bike around (only if you are riding with us), washing it
and of course its ongoing maintenance.

In any regards, PCC has the SPARE WHEELS PROJECT

underway. Currently made up of generous owner's
bikes, they are available for people to borrow and
ride. Some of them have been ridden more than the
village…er…never mind. They've been ridden a lot.

Boon Foo has recently offered his assistance to put

Rob (012 6191 308) / Peter (012 227 4443) /
together a few hard tails, and together with what we
have now, we should be able to cater for height Alvin (012 3070 830) / Adrian (012 383 2618)
ranging from Snow White's pals to the Yang Mings
who want to give this ago.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL US AT THE 11th HOUR ASKING FOR A BIKE. ALLOW 2 DAYS NOTICE MIN

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

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