Genting-Sempah route a real test of skill for cyclists

GENTING-SEMPAH in Pahang is a popular haunt preferred by cyclists.

Its also an alternative route to Janda Baik, Bukit Tinggi and Bentong.

During weekends, many city dwellers would park their vehicles at the Genting-Sempah rest area and begin their ride towards the Bentong hot springs which is about 25km away.

I took this cue with a newfound cycling friend D.C. Ong and made arrangements to meet him at the McDonald’s restaurant in Genting-Sempah.

For me, its an avenue to test-ride my new 2011 Dahon Jetstream EX full-suspension folding bike, while Ong rode his Rallyart F1 27-speed folding bike which he had purchased while on holiday in Taiwan.

From the starting point, its a steady descent at 590meters above sea level and with speeds up to 59km/h on a bicycle, the ride can be exhilirating.

We rolled down the mountains for 20km before reaching a plain at 110meters above sea-level.

The Bentong hot springs was not too far from where we took a break.

What surprised me was the fact that it was pretty run down.

This is also an official tourist spot on Pahang’s map.

Another disappointing find was the spring water which is not even lukewarm.

We dipped our feet in the room-temperature water and proceeded to Bentong town with Ah Pan, another friend of ours who met us at the hot springs.

Our destination was Aik Hup coffee shop in the town centre which is famous for their ‘Pho’ or Vietnamese beef noodles.

There, we met Farmer Wong, an old friend who is also a cycling enthusiast.

After trading tales about cycling around Karak, Bentong and Raub, it was time to hit the road.

This is where the fun starts with at least 25km of long climb.

It was a test of riding skills and endurance and I am happy to report that my friend Ong had passed with flying colours.

There were certain sections in the ride where we were literally crunching our low gears.

It took us four hours to complete the ride and with a round trip distance of 75km and done on a folding bike, its quite a respectable achievement.