LDP Route - cycling to avoid traffic jam

I started driving to work at 0836 hrs and found the cars jammed just as I came into the next junction. Cars were busy trying to overtake each other, crossing the double line and adding another lane to the road going out of SS25, Petaling Jaya. There were also 3 other entry points into the same road further up. I took a detour and went back home to exchange gears for cycling. Within 10 minutes I was back out on the same road taking the sides of the road (not the pavement as you might just fall off the bridge in case a motorbike takes the pavement with you) swerving pass all the traffic onto the LDP. I passed by the St Ignatious Church (see Google Map) after avoiding the cars trying to jump queue exiting toward Sunway Mas / Tropicana. Then came a slight hill all the way to the Exit 1108 (Tmn Megah (left) / Tmn Bahagia (right) exits). I took the right turn towards Tmn Bahagia at the traffic light, went straight at the next traffic light and then took a U-turn back towards my office. It took me another minute to swerve through all the traffic and arrived safely. THe whole non-scenic ride took me less than 10 minutes!

Cycling to work worked using smaller roads

Cycling to work:

I woke up early this morning and decided to ride to work. After preparing my 2 bottles of plain water (1250ml altogether), wearing my reflector vest, cycling visor and helmet, I took off from SS2 into LDP at 0620hrs. I stopped at the underpassage rather than go up the flyover (as it is against the law although tractors and motorbikes tend not to abide by it). I took sips of water at every 5 km (approximately every 3 traffic light junction). At Western Digital traffic lights, I turned right into the industrial park to take the flyover onto the Federal Highway. After approximately 2 km, I took a right turn into Subang Jaya (Persiaran Kewajipan) passing SJMC (on my right) and going to the Summit. The Metropolitan College roundabout was challenging but you just have to stay on the lane (not too far to the left) and watch the car on your right. After the Summit there was another 2 traffic lights and finally I turned right again into USJ9/10 and another left to USJ9 where my clinic is situated. Total time taken was 50 minutes.

I took a took a shower at my clinic, changed and went for my breakfast at the Mamak behind my clinic for fresh 'Idli' and my favourite 'teh tarik'.

Return Journey:

I refilled my water bottles, changed into my shorts and left my bag of dirty clothes in the clinic and exited from USJ 9 onto Persiaran Kewajipan. I was happily overtaking the traffic at the Giant and the Summit Junction. At the Metropolitan College roundabout and I turned right towards Sunway Pyramid. At Sunway Mentari, I took the shortcut to the underpassage of the Motorola Flyover and turned right onto the Federal Highway motorbike lane. I took a left turn to Seri Setia (Sungaiway) and then headed towards Jalan 222 and took a left turn at Kah Motors into Jalan 223. At the end of Jalan 223, I took a left turn and headed to Rothmans roundabout and took a 12 o'clock towards SS2. At the first traffic light, I took a right turn towards LDP and kept right and at the first junction to the right I headed towards the housing area and found my way to my condominium. Total time taken was 50 minutes.

*I should have informed my wife I was going to do this but she wouldn't let me cycle to work. I actually cycled not too hard and took a break at Yong's bicycle shop to look at some handlebars. Maybe, I should take her along for one of my rides sometime?!
*I forgot my sunscreen lotion which would serve a purpose to protect my skin. Nevertheless, it was a worthwhile effort as I feel good at the end of the ride!

Night Ride at Ara Damansara

Thanks to Alan Ang we have a cycling route from Kelana Jaya Medical Centre through Ara Damansara and back (13km). Have a look at the photo and let us know if you are keen on joining us for a ride during the week day. We will confirm the date as soon as we can get 5 riders.

Update (7th August 2008):
We had 6 riders and cycled approximately 17-18 km taking approximately 1 hours duration cycling in cool weather without much interaction with traffic flow. I shall have to upload my data onto my laptop to obtain the exact information. Looks like we will make this a regular Thursday night ride (if it doesn't rain).

We're happy to have a Captain Alan to take the lead and Yong to make sure everyone is alright. We had 2 mechanics on standby and had several tubes and a pump in case of tyre punctures. I didn't feel that good because I had to work until 9.00pm and was a bit tired but nevertheless we were refreshed at the end of the ride and adjourned to the Mamak joint. We may split into a starter group for new riders and a regular rider group for those who are fit. The next time we will have our Marshalls having the yellow or red reflector vest to direct traffic if the group gets bigger than 10 riders.

Minors need to have your parent's permission to join. Those who are above 35 yrs are advised to get clearance from your doctor and use a heart rate monitor for the ride. Guys and girls who want to join in the next ride can contact me at 019-2103787 or draston@gmail.com.