Even Michelle's Dahon Speed TR, equipped with a 3 x 8 SRAM Dual-drive transmission had proven to be tough.
What more when you ride an 8-speed bike?
With a 52-tooth chain ring, its a monster. And when it comes to crunching the low-gear, it'll climb as long as you don't cease.
The largest cog wheel has 32 teeth, so, combine 52 and 32, this baby packs a punch.
Was it hard humping two front roller panniers and a rackpack fully laden? Yes.
I overtook Michelle on a few occassions. She never seemed to give up and I admire her fighting spirit.
The climb towards Sungai Udang's Forest park was a series of undulating slopes towards Masjid Tanah.
From there, the nightmare seemed endless.
Our experience with slopes helped in attaining the proper rhythm in maintaining a constant cadence.
The readout on my Garmin's GSC10 and EDGE800 really helped me in taking the terrain.
Our ride to Masjid Tanah bypasses Tanjung Bidara and Pengakalan Balak.
After four and a half hours of cycling, we reached Masjid Tanah.
There, we rested at a coffee shop, had a drink and made our way to a local bicycle shop.
I met a very friendly guy there who told me about his buddy who owns a folding bike.
This guy made mention on how Malacca guys love to modify their bikes, which I couldn't agree more.
From Masjid Tanah, there are a few more hills to tackle before reaching Kuala Sungai Baru and towards Kuala Linggin and to Pasir Panjang in the Negeri Sembilan side...
TOP LEFT: A food stall in Tanjung Kling offering a variety of local dishes including dessert.
TOP RIGHT: Michelle and Samo having a tea break at the stall.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Cendol, never tasted so good after a long ride..