Rejuvenating the Nature in Beaufort

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The range has enlarged the original protected core and buffer zones from 199,000 hectares to 350,584 hectares by an inclusion of 1457.79sq km of forest reserves encompassing eight districts – Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Tenom, Keningau, Tambunan and Ranau. Furthermore, it is also to safeguard the rich biodiversity and rare species of flora and fauna inhabiting the forest areas.

In addition, there are plentiful palm oil farms standing still adjacent the course of Crocker Range. They are planted as one of the main economic resources in Beaufort. The well- known Padas River from afar, is famous for those who are into greater challenge. Local visitors as well as foreign tourists are often spot doing white water rafting at Padas River.

Cyclists can enjoy their cycling expedition due to the rare encounters with passing vehicles, despite there are minor happenstances bumping into heavy trucks when approaching a construction site where the Beaufort-Tenom Highway Project is currently undertaking.

In short, Crocker Range is the real thrill. Escape from the chaos of the bustle and hustle. Challenge yourselves as you ride the ascents. Feed the exhilaration as you pedal through the slopes. Experience the exquisiteness of the landscape in the one and only Beaufort, Sabah.

 

THE BUMPY BAMBANGAN BEAUFORT

Apart from the on-road trails, there is also something more electrifying for you, mountain bikers! A brief five-minute of car drive from Crocker Range, Bambangan is a remote village in the countryside, and it used to be very difficult to be visited by outsiders because of the inconvenient transportation.

However in 2007, the government has built a paved road connecting Bambangan Village which has spurred the village’s economy. Today, a section of the village has developed from all aspects, especially agriculture with the inclusion of government agencies such as Department of Agriculture and Fishery.

Due to geographical factors, and being encircled by forests found in Crocker Range, a 7-storey waterfall can be found in the village. Nonetheless, cyclists can relish off-road ride in Bambangan. Some favor the tough, tricky and twisted terrains that have become the standard over the years. Up till now, a number of mountain biking races have been held in Beaufort’s off-road trails. It is an ideal course to examine the entire concept of mountain biking, and open up riders’ minds to even larger possibilities. MTB races in Beaufort have attracted participants from the West Malaysia as well as foreign countries, such as Brunei, Indonesia, Philippine and Singapore.

Ask a cyclist, “What was your best day on a bike?” Discovering a new part of a trail? Making up to an extremely steep hill? Resolving a hard-hitting technical issue? Or was it just a plain riding day?

To a mountain biker, it has to be the struggles riding up to the peaks, yet appreciating the progress of pushing it through. The ride comes a very long mud crossing, in the meantime mud is flying all over and clogging the brakes. Although the route of Bambangan seems never-ending, that appears to be a routine for the mountain bikers.

Nevertheless, there is always one principle that mountain bikers conform; without putting a foot down, they are determined to make it across, retain the impetus, attain at the summit, and indulge in the pinnacle. Savour in the gorgeous, spectacular views of Beaufort’s natural site. And it is a perfect way to allow mountain bikers get acclimated to their elevations. Ride now, or never!

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The editor of Cycling Malaysia Magazine. She writes news, interviews, product features, pre and post-event articles. She enjoys everything about nature and the outdoors.

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