The area’s elevation and hybrid trails are excellent for building stamina and core strength. — Photos: Bernama
Challenging terrain provides thrill for races, training grounds
The natural beauty of Bukit Dinding, often referred to as the last green lung in Wangsa Maju township, attracts urbanites seeking weekend family outings.
Located north east of Kuala Lumpur, it is also a hotspot for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Once part of the Hawthornden Estate rubber plantation (the original name of Wangsa Maju), Bukit Dinding features landscapes suited for mountain biking with its trails, slopes and flatlands.
It comes as no surprise that the area hosts annual extreme sports events like the Bukit Dinding Downhill Race (BDDR) for mountain biking and Bukit Dinding Challenge (BDC) for trail running.
The BDDR has been organised by the Scarfox Cycling Club since 2018.
Its president Muhammad Hishammuddin Abd Halim said the race has consistently attracted strong participation from both local and international extreme sports enthusiasts.
The terrain of Bukit Dinding is ideal as ground training for runners.
“This year alone, 260 participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, the US and UK took part.
“That is the maximum number of participants allowed, and typically, registration slots are filled within 24 hours after opening,” he told Bernama.
Muhammad Hishammuddin attributed the overwhelming response to Bukit Dinding’s challenging terrain.
“The steep slopes and rocky trails filled with tree roots require riders to have significant skill, offering an adrenaline rush that ensures satisfaction.
“Bukit Dinding has four trails, including a 1.9km downhill trail, but the highlight is the fast trail where bike speeds can reach 60kph.
“It’s also suitable for use during rain, providing an exciting experience for those who seek challenges in different weather conditions,” he explained.
A view of Kuala Lumpur city from Bukit Dinding, which has an elevation of 291m and covers an area of 121ha.
Additionally, there is a 2.5km tarmac track leading to the summit.
Bukit Dinding is the only location in the capital city with a dedicated mountain biking track.
This track was built about 10 years ago with permission from the landowner and support from the Kuala Lumpur Cycling Association.
Singaporean cyclist Muhd Danial Abdul Razak said that Bukit Dinding was one of his mountain biking destinations in Klang Valley that also include Putrajaya Challenge Park and Denai Peladang Sungai Buloh.
“Usually, we come in large groups.
“Sometimes, up to 80 cyclists arrive here by bus.
“In Singapore, there are no downhill mountain biking tracks.
Bukit Dinding’s steep slopes and rocky trails filled with tree roots require riders to have significant skill.
“So, we often travel abroad to satisfy our passion and one of the closest options is Bukit Dinding,” said the 42-year-old.
BDC race organiser Mohd Farrish Khalid said trail running was similar to mountain biking.
He shared that most trail running communities in Kuala Lumpur lack suitable training grounds as trail running required areas with forest features, flatlands and hills.
“When we discovered that Bukit Dinding was safe, accessible and did not require permits, we began training there in 2018.
“Over time, Bukit Dinding gained recognition and popularity among runners.
“This led to the organisation of the BDC.
“The terrain of Bukit Dinding is ideal as ground training for runners due to its elevation, steep climbs and hybrid trails.
“These are excellent for building stamina and core strength before participating in long-distance running events,” he said adding that a runner once covered 84km at Bukit Dinding by running loops for 12 hours.
