By Ian Johnston

Most people learn how to balance on two wheels as a child and the city’s rush hour proves the number of KL-ites that can ride a bike, albeit with an engine. So why not progress onto the healthier (and cheaper) alternative? Swap the engine cc for lung cc and get your leg over a mountain bike.
Despite the apparent lack of public awareness for the sport in this country, KL’s cycling scene is thriving. And with world class technical trails through to picturesque oil-estate leisure riding, it’s really no surprise why.

Getting started in the sport is easy. All you need is a working bike, a helmet and an inkling of enthusiasm. Then start pedalling. Really, it can be that simple. Circuits around your inner-city residence and any off-road stretches you can find provide a great introduction and help to build a basic aptitude and fitness for more interesting riding. But don’t get ahead of yourself. Packing the bike into the boot of your car and heading straight to the steep, unforgiving trails of Kiara, say, will only discourage and knock the confidence of a blossoming Lance Armstrong (yes, I know he’s a road cyclist but mountain biking ‘names’ would have fallen on even deafer ears). So I suggest you start at FRIM. The Forest Research Institute Malaysia is home to tracks and trails suitable for all riding abilities. Though your burning lungs may disagree when you reach the top, the 4x4 Rover Track serves as a good induction to riding off-road. The waterfall picnic area also paints the perfect excuse to replenish lungs and legs before continuing on. Enjoy the descent on the way back down but watch out for the heavily bandaged, headband-wearing, ‘power’-walking Aunties and Uncles.

However, if the Rover Track merely tickles your two-wheeled taste buds, maybe you’re ready for a more advanced challenge. Those looking for a test of fitness can head up the trail at the end of the Rover Track. This path eventually leads to the Sungai Buloh nurseries via the infamous Steroid Hill (let your imagination run wild deciphering that moniker). Alternatively, if you feel ready for a more technical riding challenge, head over to the Dream trail. Be warned though, the step up to this from the Rover Track is large. Here you’ll be riding steep single track through the jungle so always ride with a buddy and carry plenty of water. Also, be prepared to push your bike through some sections and don’t let your ego get the better of you. Trust me, I speak from experience here.

If you feel a trail of this ilk is too difficult at this stage (I suspect for all but the steel-balled, it will be) then the KL Mountain Bike Hash should be your next port of call. This established group of ‘bashers’ organise group rides every last Sunday of the month. The group is split into two: a long and a scenic ride. As the name suggests, the scenic ride centres around enjoying the surroundings and leisurely exploring locations you’d otherwise never visit. It’s also the perfect place to meet other riders in a similar position to you. The long ride is focused more on the experience, taking in greater climbs, tougher trails over a longer distance. Whichever group you join, spectacular views are all but guaranteed. A healthy, enjoyable and (literally) breathtaking way to spend a Sunday morning, bashes reward participants with a refreshing change to city-dwelling.

So you’ve learnt the basics at FRIM, progressed onto one or two bashes, now I’d say it’s time to experience arguably the pinnacle of Malaysian cycling. Bukit Kiara is a web of some of the best and most challenging single track in the region. To find such a network so close to a developing capital city (accessible from Tamun Tun on one side, Sri Hartamas on the other) is unprecedented anywhere in the world. However, to save everyone an ear bashing about the over-zealous construction of Mont Kiara and DBKL’s latest trails that are eating away at the hill, I’ll simply point you in the direction of TRAKS to discover more and veer swiftly back onto topic. The entire network of trails in Kiara has been created by a select few individuals. And what a masterful network they’ve created. You’ll swoop past trees, following the natural contours of the hillside. You’ll drop into ravines and somehow summit the other side thanks to a chain of switchback turns. You’ll scare yourself witless on the narrow, root-infested ledges but you’ll want more and more. Why? Because mountain biking is infectious. And this is just about as good as it gets. Print off a trail map, navigate to the legendary Twin Peaks trail, and ease your way into an exhibition of the sport many cyclists can only dream of. All within the confines of our city. You’ll be hooked in no time. London 2012, anyone?

Where to Go
Kiara Accessible via the joggers’ track (Jalan Bukit Kiara Utama), TTDI(www.bikehash.freeservers.com)
FRIM Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong (03 6279 7575/www.frim.gov.my)
Batu Dam Jalan Sungai Tua, Batu Caves (www.bikehash.freeservers.com/batu.html)

Who to Visit
KLMBH Kuala Lumpur Mountain Bike Hash (www.bikehash.freeservers.com)
TRAKS The Trail Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (www.traks.org.my)
PCC Pedalholics Cycle Club (www.pcc-cycling.freeservers.com)
Putrajaya Critical Mass (www.putrajayacriticalmass.blogspot.com)