I spent half my life growing up in Setapak.
Before our road became Jalan Mata Air, it was Jalan Air Jernih. That was back in the early 70s.
This was also the neighbourhood where I first learned how to cycle.
My aunt Lorraine bought me a 20" cruiser which was used a lot until it fell apart.
Our mission in Setapak was to do the Chinese New Year rounds.
After clearing Jalan Gurney, we reached Kampung Air Panas.
This was where my father had lived the remaining years of his life.
In the hot sun, nothing meant more than a welcoming sight of a stall selling sugar cane juice.
We made our way to the stall and had a glass of chilled sugar cane.
After a good fill, we rode towards Jalan Air Jernih and towards the edge of Jalan Genting Kelang.
My aunt is still living in Jalan Mata Air 4 and by the time we got there, it was already mid-day..
We spent some time catching up with the Matriarch of the Chong clan and was treated to a simple lunch prepared by May, my sister.
After all the formalities, we rolled out from the house in Jalan Mata Air.
While cruising into Kg Air Panas, Michelle yelled out at me.
Something was not right.
I realised that my back tire was hissing out loud.
It hit something and air was gushing out from a large hole.
We spent some time by the roadside to patch the long tear and just as I thought that my day couldn't get any better, the rear tire began to act up again.
We spent nearly two hours fixing the busted inner tube.
Finally, after a tube change in Jalan Gurney, we were able to proceed without any further breakdown.
From Jalan Gurney, we rode towards Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and proceeded towards Bangsar to join the Federal Highway bike lane from the University LRT station.
I decided not to head to Brickfields and enter the lane from Angkasapuri because we don't really have much time on our hands.
TOP LEFT: At KL City Hall where Car Free Day Rides are flagged off.
TOP RIGHT: Sugarcane stall in Air Panas, Setapak.
BOTTOM LEFT: Arriving at our destination in Taman Genting, Setapak.
BOTTOM RIGHT: A tear on the tire thread.