| Aziz Idris |
SEVENTY-TWO cyclists rode a symbolic 72km route as part of yesterday’s Royal Birthday Cycling Recreation 2018 event held to mark His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 72nd birthday celebration.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin at 6.30am flagged off the riders comprising seasoned cyclists from the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation (BDCF).
The cycle route began at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien and took the cyclists through Lambak and the Berakas Forest Reserve, before heading to Jerudong, Mulaut, Limau Manis, Junjungan and Lumapas. From here, the participants had to cycle across the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge in Sungai Kebun before heading back to the heart of the capital.
According to Shahnon bin Haji Basman, a youth member from the BDCF, the 72km route took about 90 minutes to complete, with the entire cycling pack clocking in with an average speed of about 37km/hour. Shahnon added that he joined a similar cycling event last year.
Meanwhile, Lamit bin Tengah, a member of the Sembatang Cycling Team from Tutong, said he “feels honoured to be among the thousands of cyclists who got the chance to ride alongside His Majesty yesterday in the main cycle event”.
Beginning at 7am, this portion of the royal bike ride covered a distance of 11.49km around Bandar Seri Begawan, with the main route passing through Jalan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Jalan Kianggeh, Jalan Sekolah, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Perdana Menteri, Jalan Haji Basir and Jalan Sultan.
“I’ve been active in almost all Bandarku Ceria events, not only in the capital but also in the Tutong and Belait districts,” added Lamit.
The Sembatang Cycling Team now has 50 members and plans to continue participating in future cycling events in the hope of promoting a healthy lifestyle among Bruneians, while at the same time reducing the nation’s carbon footprint by supporting the Car-Free Sunday initiative held during Bandarku Ceria.
