KUALA TERENGGANU: To usher in the Merdeka spirit, 60 men and women will cycle 230km from here to Balok near Kuantan, Pahang on Aug 31.
Members of the Pedalholic Cycling Club (PCC) of Kuala Lumpur and Environment Cycling Club (ECC) of Melaka are joining forces for the feat, over four days.
ECC spokesman Tay Kheng Chiong said that the cyclists were aged between 30 to 73 years, with Judy Pang as the oldest rider.
They will arrive in here at dawn on Aug 31 from Kuala Lumpur by midnight bus, unpack and have breakfast before getting ready for their journey by bicycle.
“We are all full of enthusiasm for the ride and have been practicising on our fitness and skills with plenty of similar escapades over the years.
“We hope to keep the Merdeka spirit burning through our ride, which is not a race but a personal challenge for each of us,” Tay said.
He added that their four-day fun ride will include over-night stops ala camping style where they could enjoy seafood barbeque meals and exciting reunions.
Tay added that they would flag-off from chinatown here at 8.30am on Aug 31 and proceed 70km to Rantau Abang.
The following day, the cyclists will pedal 80km to Teluk Kalong in Kemaman for an over-night’s stay and then proceed 53km to the Air Balok recreation centre near Kuantan.
“After breakfast on the fourth day, we will pack up and return home by bus,” said Tay.
PCC president Adrian Chan Chee Kiat said that the grouping was to encourge casual riders to travel in an economical way to see interesting places.
“Besides, they also learn the art of self-support, value the importance of preserving nature and experience living in remote villages and forests.
“All these to promote a healthy lifestye and team-building initiatives, away from the hustle and bustle of city living,” said Chan.
The riders, he said, would have to ferry their own required items for cooking, washing, camping, beverages, clothes and other necessary travelling items.
Meanwhile, veteran cyclist Simon Huang said he was a regular visitor to the east coast peninsula state of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang and loved the beach roads.
“The coastal roads are flat and encourage cycling. It provides a perfect scenary with its fresh seaside air and beautiful touristic spots as stopovers.
“The idyllic islands are also a big attraction for snorkling and diving, apart from the wonderful beaches,” said Huang, a keen hash house harrier.