By Anne Das (Photos courtesy of Dawn Patrollers)
There are easier ways to get from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh. The North-South Expressway, for one. But for 15 adventurous mountain bikers, smooth roads and shortcuts were never part of the plan.
For these cyclists, the adventure lay along trails once travelled by settlers, plantation workers and FELDA pioneers, through landscapes shaped by generations who lived and worked the land.
Over six stages and approximately 300 kilometres, the group cycled through sprawling estates, traditional villages, picturesque paddy fields and the remnants of Perak’s mining past.
Their journey eventually brought them to the historic Royal Ipoh Club, overlooking the Ipoh Padang.
The Dawn Patrollers are a group of mountain biking enthusiasts from the Petaling Jaya Hash House Harriers (PJ Animales), a long-established hashing club founded in 1977.
While hashing traditionally involves cross-country running, these enthusiasts have taken their adventures onto mountain bikes, exploring trails and countryside inaccessible to most motorists.
The idea began during their regular Saturday morning rides.
“We had started a 15-to-20 kilometre ride near Bukit Tagar, someone came up with the crazy idea of doing an epic ride from KL to Ipoh, solely on off-road trails,” recalled John “Uncle Fester” Gaspar, the group’s self-appointed Sheriff.
Beginning at Subang Airport, the route took them through Sungai Buaya, FELDA Sungai Tenggi, Sungkai, Langkap and Mambang di Awan before reaching Ipoh.
Each stage covered approximately 50 kilometres, with the riders returning every couple of months to continue their journey.
Dato’ Dr Kapten Gary “Mafia” Chong particularly enjoyed the changing scenery.
“We saw a lot of rural Malaysia. We cycled largely through oil palm estates. We had some wonderful paddy scenery around the Langkap and Chui Chak area. And of course, the disused mining pools around Tanjung Tualang were something different too.”
“What a way to see the country!”
Their route also offered glimpses into Perak’s rich industrial heritage.
Kampar, Mambang di Awan and the wider Kinta Valley were once important centres of tin production. The abandoned mining pools and old settlements remain reminders of an industry that transformed the state and contributed to Ipoh’s prosperity.
Among the riders was Dato’ Jeffri “Celup” Davidson, Group CEO of Sime Darby Berhad and a former student of Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) Ipoh.
For the Ipoh boy, pedalling through the landscapes of his home state brought a special sense of nostalgia. And what better way to revisit his roots than by taking the scenic route back to Ipoh?
But even careful planning could not eliminate every surprise.
The cyclists had carried out reconnaissance trips, known as “recces”, to survey the route beforehand. However, at one crossing, a bridge they had encountered during an earlier recce had disappeared following heavy rains.
With the crossing no longer available, they had to make their way across the river, bikes and all.
Despite the haze affecting parts of Malaysia, the cyclists were fortunate to enjoy relatively clear conditions during their rides.
Rain was another matter. They encountered plenty of it, adding slippery trails and muddy terrain to an already demanding expedition.
Nathan “Wet Nurse” Welch recalled the stretch from FELDA Sungai Tenggi to Lima Belas Estate in Sungkai as particularly challenging. Although the shortest stage was 46 kilometres, it involved nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain.
There were welcome rewards too.
At Lima Belas Estate, United Plantations treated the riders to a generous curry lunch and a refreshing swim at its old clubhouse.
The Dawn Patrollers are a colourful Muhibbah bunch, comprising Malaysian riders from different ethnic backgrounds alongside cyclists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Austria and the Netherlands.
Their amusing Hash nicknames and shared enthusiasm speak of friendships forged over countless rides, muddy trails and good-natured banter.
The Dawn Patrollers also had another reason to celebrate their arrival in Ipoh. The group made a donation to PapanSouls, a local animal welfare organisation dedicated to rescuing and protecting stray dogs.
Rider Manjeet “Sodamn” Singh explained that seeing strays along their route inspired all 15 cyclists to pool their contributions in support of the organisation’s work.
With 300 kilometres behind them, the riders had plenty of stories to share. And perhaps a few ideas for their next expedition.
Mark “Bush Banger” Tallala was already contemplating the possibilities. Perhaps south to Melaka, or further north towards Penang.
For the Dawn Patrollers, it seems the next epic ride is simply waiting for someone to suggest another crazy idea.
