Folding bike fans create record in Putrajaya

Yik (front row, third from right) holding the certificate for ‘the most participants in a Brompton gathering’ at Dataran Wawasan, Putrajaya. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

A GATHERING of 631 folding bike fans set a record for the largest Brompton gathering in Malaysia.

The event attracted participants from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and as far as Britain and Russia.

Brompton is a foldable bicycle brand known for its handmade frames and the bike’s ability to fold into a small compact package.

The event was organised by My Brompton Malaysia (MyBM) at Dataran Wawasan in Putrajaya, and the feat was certified by the Malaysia Book of Records.

Cyclists gathered at the location before setting off on an 18km course.

Agus Taufik, who hails from Palembang in Indonesia, said 18 members of the Brompton Owner Srivijaya group arrived in Malaysia four days ahead and had spent time in Johor prior to the event in Putrajaya.

The Indonesians won a prize for “best dressed group” and their leader, who goes by the single moniker Yoga, praised Malaysia for organising the sports tourism event.

“It is important for South-East Asian countries to be involved in these events,” said Yoga.

Singaporean Michael Lim was spotted by the roadside with his bicycle.

He said that due to a pulled calf muscle, he was forced to stop midway but added that he had enjoyed the journey.

“I was looking for a Brompton event and this popped up on the Brompton World Traveller Facebook page,” Lim said, adding that he had travelled with 30 other Brompton enthusiasts from Singapore.

A British man, who wanted to be known only as Chris, said he heard about the event from his wife.

“Although I am not an enthusiast, I drove my wife to Putrajaya because she was keen to participate and join her friends,” he added.

MyBM Fans Day 2023 organiser Swofinty Yik said the main purpose of the gathering was to bring together Brompton owners to share their experience, interest, knowledge and skills.

“This is a great platform which promotes a healthy lifestyle.

“I would like to thank everybody who joined the event as well as the local authority.

“We had three meetings with Putrajaya Corporation, in which their staff emphasised the importance of safety.

“Thanks to their guidance, everything went well,” he said.