3. As a cyclist, how do you find about cycling safety?
Safety is very vital. In my opinion, mountain biking is less risky. In Beaufort, there is no appropriate pathway for road cyclists. So riding in the jungle is safer, compared to cycling on the road.
Bikes are designed for different riding conditions. Also, getting to know the trail is important. If it is your first time on the trail, take it easy. Walk sketchy sections, check for surprises around blind corners and never push your limits on a trail you are not familiar with. Most importantly, ride within your skill level and be aware of other cyclists around you.
4. Would you suggest more cycling events in Beaufort?
Annually, there will be MTB races in Beaufort as well as Kuala Penyu. There was also a cycling tour across the regions to Labuan and Kota Marudu. Supported by Beaufort District Council, with the participation fee for RM50 per person, its distance was targeted to be 350km covering all routes in a month time. Participants saw riders all the way from Tawau.
In a nutshell, I can see the cycling community has snowballed drastically in Beaufort.
5. As an A.D.O, how would you promote cycling in Beaufort? How would you motivate them?
I would suggest to hold more cycling courses and campaigns for the kids, in order to gain their interests, and support the junior cyclists who cannot afford to do the sport to cycle along. I am grateful that we often have sponsors as well as volunteers from Malaysian Red Crescent and Malaysian Scouts showing their supports in cycling events.
Serving as a role model to others, often it just takes one person having the courage to take that step towards the goal, eventually others will do the same. Even if the steps are small, the potential for positive change is enormous. So, I will be cycling with other group of cyclists in my free time.
6.Were there cycling events you took part in?
Yes. I took part in various MTB races. I also participated in a 30-hour cycling tour, starting from Tawau, Nabawan, Keningau, Tenom, Sipitang, lastly to Beaufort in a total distance of 520km. There were some essentials for the tour to prepare beforehand, such as dry food, banana and torch lights. However, I do not encourage consuming power drinks or gel. Along the way, we could get clean water from unpolluted waterfalls. Interestingly, we bumped into wild elephants in the forest, overall it was an exciting tour!
It could be a small region or a whole continent. The distance or location does not matter so much but what makes the difference is that the people participating in the events are passionate about the sport and destination.
