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Friday November 18, 2005

Uphill and downhill on their mountain bikes

By NG WEI LOON, Photos by SAM THAM

MOUNTAIN BIKERS of all abilities came to join the Pedalphiles Cycling Club (PCC) – Proton Presidential Ride at Taman Kajang Perdana (Kajang-Semenyih area) recently in the biggest mountain biking event organised by the club.

The 60km event, divided into four sectors, drew a record 530 registered riders.

After each 15km sector, riders are given the option to use the “escape route” for a shorter ride to the finish line.

PCC president Peter Choong said: “Mountain biking events organised by the club normally attracts only up to 200 riders. We are pleased that we have succeeded in reaching out to the mountain biking community to create awareness about the sports.

The riders after being flagged off at Taman Kajang Perdana.
“This event is not a race. It is more a leisure ride that offers participants a chance to test their physical endurance. More importantly, it is a chance for them to appreciate the natural beauty that our countryside has to offer in off road riding.”

Among the participants were Singaporeans, Adrian Ho, 34, and Jarod Seah, 33, who did not mind driving all the way from the republic to take part in the event.

Ho, an advertising account director, lauded the organisers’ move in hosting the event on a bigger scale.

“I am a regular in events organised by the PCC. I take part in about eight to nine rides a year with them.

“I feel comfortable riding with them because they do a good job in organising the events. They managed the task well in accommodating more than 500 riders. The support crew not only ensured that everyone crosses the finish line safely but also that everyone had an enjoyable time doing it.

“Besides that, I am impressed with the friendly Malaysian hospitality. After the ride, I always look forward to tucking into the delicious Malaysian cuisine,” he said.

Ho tackled his debut Presidential through the challenging undulating course with his “Junkie” doll on his bike’s handlebar.

“It feels great to hit the natural trail and experience the cool jungle air as we ride past a waterfall and streams. I enjoy the freedom that mountain biking offers especially when riding amid the scenic Malaysian landscape. I would like to come over more often to experience other camping sites. Although it can be a bit strenuous physically, mountain biking is a form of stress reliever,” Ho added.

Ho and Seah ride with a group of mountain biking enthusiasts on weekends in Singapore.

Riders controlling their wheels while going downhill.
“You virtually need to go around the whole republic to cover the 60km distance. That's why this event was worth the drive up here.

“The uphill climbs and steep downhill descents made the long-distance five-hour endurance ride an event to look forward to,” said Seah, a manufacturing engineer, who did the reconnaissance ride with PCC members two weeks prior to the event.

Proton Edar bicycle operations head Mohd Amir Abas Zainal Azim, who flagged off the riders at Taman Kajang Perdana, said: “We are overwhelmed by the response.

“The ride has gained the support of mountain biking enthusiasts. Look around, the riders’ willingness to invest money on their bikes and gear show that they are passionate about cycling. We are pleased that we are playing a role in promoting mountain biking,” added Mohd Amir Abas, who joined the ride in the third sector.

Of Proton Edar cycling club’s 1,000 cyclists registered in its database, 60 signed up for the event.

Among those who completed the 60km course were Alexander McNab, 33, of Scottish-Chinese parentage who rode on a tandem bicycle with his 29-year-old Sarawakian wife Joyce Leong.

The couple, who courted for seven years before getting married last year, finished the event with the main group of riders.

Before reaching the first checkpoint at the Tekala picnic area, the riders cycled past a rubber plantation situated near the Nirvana Memorial Park in Semenyih.

At the first checkpoint, most of them were relieved that they had managed to overcome the most gruelling uphill climb in the ride.

Mohd Amid Abas ... ‘We don’t want to give away prizes to the same familiar faces every time’
Riders replenished their energy by tucking into bananas and nasi lemak. They also took the opportunity to refill their drink bottles and to carry out minor repairs to their bikes.

Presidential ride debutant Geoff Foote said: “It is great to get out here. With the toughest part of the course behind me now, I am optimistic that I will go the full distance. It was not as hard as I thought.”

The Australian who has been residing in Malaysia for the past four years rides with the Mountain Bike Hash.

“It was easier than we thought on the uphill. But, it was a bit tricky on the downhill. We fell off the bike once negotiating the downhill,” said McNab.

Proton, which contributed to the organisation cost, also gave away four T-Blaze and two T-Blaze AL3+ bikes worth about RM10,000 for the main lucky draw.

Only those who completed the 60km ride stood a chance at winning the six bikes.

“The recreational riders are in favour of this concept because we don’t want to give away prizes to the same familiar faces every time.

“This is our way of rewarding those who complete the full ride and make them feel good about their accomplishment,” added Mohd Amir Abas.

At the event, Proton which set up its marquee at the start/finish line, promoted its products and services as well as engaged podium girls dressed in red and white outfits to add to the event’s carnival atmosphere.

Out of the 530 participants, 340 riders completed the full 60km course.

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