Recon Run with Ian on the Moped

It was time to make the legendary run across the ridge from Air Itam to Balik Pulau.

I had hear about this route and how treacherous it is if you don't know what you are doing from locals and colleagues ever since I arrived.

What little I found on the internet revealed that I don't want to go up 5 road junction where the paths are steep, broken and unpaved and treacherous when wet. I did want to go East to West beginning at the Air Itam dam since it is mostly downhill from there.

Unfortunately, I made a wrong turn and found myself ascending a traction questionable path towards 5 road junction--confirmed when I came upon some hikers who invited us to join them on foot. 

I hastily turned around and descended. I was so unnerved up there that I chose not to take pictures, not certain that my bike would stay still during the shots.

The streams up there looked pristine, and the paths cooler, quieter... even more serene.

But I would not return without offroad bikes. My cruiser was certainly not up to it. Later, in the Air Itam dam parking lot, I chatted a few locals on my recent mishap. 

A very kind uncle shared that the easiest way to stay on track was to follow the very thick bundle of black powerlines. And when it doubt, take the fork that went down. 

With that advice, I made my way to Balik Pulau and to safety.

~ Shien