The Missing Link between Bukit Gambier and Bukit Jambul 

By Turbo Snail.

It was indeed a successful recce though we have yet discovered the last mile connection between Bkt Gambier and Bkt Jambul. Once both hills are linked, I am looking at the possibility that it become one of the best MTB trails in Penang!

The actual ride time can be as short as 2 hours for Olympians and as long as you want to take to finish the ride for ordinary riders like me. There are lots of climbs, which are moderate but long lung busting climb. The trails can be tricky to negotiate if it were wet. Ah yes, you can stop by to enjoy the carps when you approach the koi "pond". I have decided to call it the coi pond trail.

The descent is quite technical. It is very much like the descent from the peak of Tiger hill to Titi Kerawang. The difference is this trail is not cemented. Bikes with long travel suspension will find themselves at home on that trail. The descent is long. I think it is longer than that descent we did from Sungai Ara to Balik Pulau.

But please bear in mind that this is no ordinary Gambier newbie ride as most of us have perceived. The newbies and physically less capables would find it overwhelmed to complete the ride. I almost had a heart attack after I completed the third climb before the descent to the foot hill near Lee Brother Rubbers.

If you like never ending climbs, this is the ride for you. But if you don't enjoy even Mt Erskine climb, you will find this ride the best excuse to sell off your MTB!

The plan for the next recce will be trying to resolve the final mile problem of this Gambier-Jambul link. We will start from Andy and climb to the trailhead of Paya Terubung farmer trail. From there, we will try to find the link between the hills. We pretty much have an idea where to find already since the hikers we met gave us a clue that they saw pineapple plantation before they turned back. Also, they mentioned that they saw a firing range down the hill. Both clues told us that they were not far from Bkt Jambul. In fact, I believe they were already within reach to the exit at Bkt Jambul!

For those who are interested, as usual I will meet Andy at his place at 0800 hours. Ride will be cancelled if rain.

Remember, this is a recce ride. We might come out empty handed. Also, the ride can be tougher than your usual ride. So no newbies please. I don't know about Andy. But for me, I sure don't enjoy babysitting newbies in the middle of nowhere!

Lastly, I strongly advice no helmet no ride policy for this particular ride! Please be self sufficient too!

Regards
Turbo Snail
Email: turbosnail@imap-mail.com
ICQ: 1312902