Cycling Against The Odds
- Ding Zu Huei
- Jul 31, 2017
- 4 min read
KAMPAR, July 30 - Participants at the Kampar Majesty Ride 2017 which was held at the Grand Kampar Hotel here on Sunday morning proved that if one has the will, nothing is impossible.
More than 420 participants from all over the country gathered before dawn as they prepared their bicycles to ensure that they were in tip-top condition for the ride.
Founded by the Kampar Cycling Community (KCC), the Kampar Majesty Ride is in its fifth edition and is held annually since its inception in 2013.
This edition marks the first time Navi J Production is organising the event as it sees a change of hands in the organising team.
Navi J Production founder Chan Wai Hong said that he and his team decided to host the event this year as KCC could not find anyone to organise it.
Chan said, “We hope to continue the legacy of the founders by promoting Kampar as a tourist destination through this fun ride.”
Chan also confirmed that he and his team will be organising next year’s Kampar Majesty Ride.
When asked if he had any intention to make this annual cycling event a full-fledged race, he replied, “We have no plans to do so as our main objective is to let the riders enjoy the scenic view of Kampar surrounded by the hills and lakes.”
“We do not want to stress out the riders. Furthermore, the condition of the road is also not suitable for competitive cycling,” Chan explained.
On hand to flag off the cyclists was deputy finance minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong who led the way at the starting point.
The 68-kilometre cycling route started from the Grand Kampar Hotel heading south to Tapah via Mambang Diawan and Ayer Kuning while the return journey used the Chenderiang route to Mambang Diawan and then back to the Grand Kampar Hotel.
Two water stations were set up at the 35 and 55-kilometre points to allow riders to get a sip of water and cool down their bodies.
Standing out among the sea of cyclists were 14 pairs of tandem bikers, each consisting of a blind rider and a captain to navigate the bicycle.
Chan revealed that this was the first time so many blind riders were allowed to participate in the event.
“Initially, I was hesitant when the president of the Blind Empowerment Society of Selangor (BESS) Eddy Chong contacted me to ask if we could allow blind riders to participate as it meant that we would have to be responsible for their safety but Eddy persuaded me, saying that he wanted to give a platform for the blind to feel the same as normal people and not to be discriminated or looked down upon,”Chan added.
After some consideration, Chan thought to himself, since this is a fun ride, why not?”
One of the blind riders, Siti Huraizah Ruslan, said that it was her first time participating in the Kampar Majesty Ride.
The 34-yearold Siti Huraizah confessed that she is a cyclist as she cycles at least once or twice a month, each time about 70 to 80 kilometres.
“Once, I rode 185 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur to the Taman Negara National Park which took me two days but that was only open for blind riders and their respective captains. Hence, I am really excited as this would be my first time riding together with sighted riders,” Siti said with pride.
Meanwhile, this was the first time Jenny Chua, 48, volunteered for the Blind Empowerment Society of Selangor as she wanted to share her passion of cycling with the visually impaired.
Among the first to complete the course was Mohamad Ali Ramli who came all the way from the national capital of Kuala Lumpur to participate in this event.
Mohamad Ali, 43, who has been taking part in this event every year since its inception in 2013, clocked in at approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
A seasoned cyclist who has won many cycling competitions throughout the country, Mohamad Ali said, “This is my fifth time participating in the Kampar Majesty Ride and I think this fun ride is very suitable for riders of all ages as the terrain is relatively easy since the road is pretty much flat.”
“In addition, the 68-kilometre distance is perfect for all riders including beginner, intermediate and professional cyclists,” Mohamad Ali added.
The youngest participant was 11-year old Tan Kang Xun who came with his father and elder brother.
Meanwhile, amputee Chuah Yew Lay also managed to record an applaudable time.
Chuah, 59, said that he came to join the event as it was very near to his hometown in Ipoh.
Since losing his right leg due to a road accident almost 20 years ago, Chuah started cycling frequently as it allowed him to travel a long distance in a short period of time.
Chuah explained, ‘I walk very slowly and I cannot jog. However, when I cycle, I feel like a normal person.”
As a result of this, Chuah has managed to travel to several places and achieved several milestones such as cycling from London to Paris as well as through the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark, each done in a month.
Besides, Chuah has participated in many charity rides such as those organised by the National Council Malaysia (MAKNA) where he cycled from Ipoh to Vietnam.
Chuah added, I have also cycled around Malaysia in 23 days not just once, but five times, as well as around Thailand.
That being said, Chuah’s passion for cycling actually started from young as he represented his state Perak in cycling competitions during his secondary school years.
Chuah exclaimed, “Cycling is very fun and enjoyable and it keeps me mentally strong as well as my body fit.”
The day was clear and sunny and all riders managed to reach the finish point within the three hour bracket.
After arriving back at the hotel, the participants each received a finisher’s medal depicting the core economic activity of Kampar in the 20th century, that is, mining.
Also included in the participant’s package were free health and body check-ups by Hospital Pantai Ipoh and a physiotherapy massage by the Malaysian Medical Healthcare Centre (MMHC).
Besides receiving a drift shirt to be worn on the day, participants had the chance to win lucky draw prizes.
They were also treated to a buffet lunch at the Grand Kampar Hotel.
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