THE Pedal Power Cycling Group are planning to host an invitational cross country mountain bike meet to commemorate its first anniversary at a new trail at Seksyen 8 in Shah Alam in August.
The group’s spokesman, Shaharudin Jaffar, said they were moving closer to making the dream a reality.
Shaharuddin: We want to complete the three meets before the fasting month “We began work to clear up the uncultivated area at the end of April. The mountain-biking enthusiasts are displaying their collective effort and about 10 regulars have been volunteering to help out over the weekends.
“The location with scenic landscape shielded by trees and a tranquil view of two ponds is a suitable spot for recreational activities.
“The youngsters have also been frequenting the area for their rides on weekdays,” added Shaharudin, who won a gold medal in the 800m sprint and silver medal in 1,600m sprint at the SEAP Games held in Kuala Lumpur in 1965.
Although the 4km endurance track is not rated as a tricky course, the undulating terrain is physically challenging.
The organisers will also be designing several obstacles to increase the technical difficulty.
As a build-up to the invitational event, they will be organising two runs with the trial and a closed meet scheduled this month.
“We want to complete the three competitions before the fasting month in September. The first two test runs will allow us to have a feel of managing the event and gauge our aptitude to deal with a bigger turnout of about 60 participants for the invitation meet.
“Our aim is to create opportunities for youngsters to gain exposure in the races. It is a stepping stone for them to move up to another level,” Shaharudin said.
Last year, the 69-year-old former cycling icon also set up the Cycling Initiator Panel and SJ Cycle bicycle outlet in Seksyen 4, Shah Alam, to promote cycling.
“For road cyclists, we have been training as part of the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Kelab1221 programme around the Laman Budaya, Taman Tasik Shah Alam circuit every Sunday morning,” Shaharudin said.
Meanwhile, SJ Cycle also took part in an exhibition to celebrate the new Selangor government's 100 days in office held over two days at the Shah Alam Stadium recently.
“We received satisfactory response and several visitors also bought bicycles during the fair. We want to convince more people to take up cycling as part of their healthy lifestyle.
“In view of the recent hike in fuel prices, they can opt to cycle to reduce on their consumption. In addition, they can contribute to greener earth by reducing air pollution and appreciating the nature more,” he added.
For details, contact 019-346 6206 (Shaharudin).
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He is the “Shah” of cycling. Sharuddin was the first cyclist to win a gold medal at the SEAP Games. He was also a government officer in charge of sports development, an able cycling administrator and after his retirement, he went into business – selling bicycles.
Truly Shaharuddin of just known as “Shah” to his friends, has always been a cycling man, a sport he loves so dearly. He represented the state of Perak and Selangor and the national team from 1957 to 1970.
Shah, who was born on 2o October 1940 in Sitiawan, Perak, won a team bronze at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. He went on to win Malaysia’s first gold medal for cycling at the 1965 SEAP Games in 1965.
Shah was the coach for Selangor and the national team from 1969 to 1984 and he also served as the Secretary of the Malaysian Cycling Association from 1970 to 1982. Shah was the first the first Malaysian to be accredited International Commissaire by the UCI, the cycling world body.
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