You have to be sure, even when there's uncertainties ahead..
Lata Lembik is roughly about 45km away from Raub and it will take about three or four hours to get there on a bicycle with a full load.
I haven't been cycling much of late, so, making it there and back is purely a guessing-game.
And for the record, I've done two event rides in Raub previously and from experience, the roads leading into and out of town is undulating in terms of terrain.
So, brace for pain!It's just amazing that you can make so many friends through a common interest.
Cycling has its perks other than the health aspects, and over the years, I have met people who have come and gone.
From a person who is merely hitching a ride, the perspective is rather different. In my case, I tagged along with Suzali's ride and experienced his generous hospitality.
The man, who is approaching his 50s this year, is a jolly guy who is more than willing to share his experiences.
Two other older dudes joined in the ride. They were En Ghani, who is new to riding a folding bike and En Harun, who took on the road with his Surly Troll, fitted with a Rholoff-14 internal hub gear.
Suzali was joined by his spouse and two other guys: En Nazim, a school teacher and En Khairul, an adventurer who took up bicycle touring also rode with the group.
After the brief introductions, we set out towards the Raub - Kuala Lipis road.
Just barely out of town, the ride leader signaled to pull over at a stall by the road side.
We did some carbo-loading and this was the perfect opportunity to catch up with the rest of the group.
I sat with Suzali, Ghani and En Harun, a film maker who specialises in producing documentaries.
Based on vibes and body language, this guy seemed to be a worldly person.
En Ghani, on the other hand, is taking a jab at cycling after being encouraged by Suzali.
I came to know about the couple through their social media postings.
They have been traveling extensively around the region with their bikes.
After a good meal, we made our way towards Lata Lembik..
To the uninitiated, the path leading in and out of Raub can be unforgiving.
There are lots and lots of slopes and rolling hills and if you are not used to maintaining a cadence on your bike, you most likely end up exhausted with muscle cramps.
Even on a 23-km ride from Raub to the Lata Lembik junction, the journey felt like its forever.
I observed as En Ghani struggled with his load.
He lashed a tent and some personal gear on a seatpost rack.
These are highly unsuitable for heavy loads as it would sway from left to right when you are cycling.
We made a couple of stops for Ghani to adjust his rack and proceeded along the Raub - Kuala Lipis road.
TOP LEFT: The gang posing for a shot before departure. TOP RIGHT: En Ghani manning his bike. BOTTOM LEFT: A foodstall along the Raub - Kuala Lipis Road. BOTTOM RIGHT: Nasi Lemak for the soul.