Ride for Kimura (6 January 2018)

The working committee with some of the riders

Morning briefing

Police escort

Sponsors

Wall of remembrance

Multi-ethnic support

Multi-national support

Support from MTB riders

Support from Roadbikers

Support from Foldie group

Not many of us knew Kimura Shunsuke personally. Other than Dr Ahmad, Woon and a number of cyclists from Noor Cycling team, the rest of us only got to know him after his death. His enigma continues even after his passing and what little we knew about him was astounding to say the least...a general manager, a seasoned Ironman, a pro cyclist, a son, a husband, a father, a good friend!

A good friend...worthy of a tribute ride!

Reflecting on this morning’s event, it is so sad he was taken away so early in life! He will never get to know the 500 friends who came, all ready to rally their support to him. Even the sky mourned, a dull grey to match the somber mood.

Multinational support!

With En Azman

All in all, the ride received enormous support from both local and international communities. While many who came were avid cyclists, one man stood out from the crowd. On a personal crusade, Azman came because he cared. Having lost his 13 year old son on a road accident back in 2005, he cannot bear to see history repeating itself.

Stephen with Dr James Tee and Medini staffs

The official event started off with a safety speech by Razak, followed by a few footnotes from the police department. Thereafter, Dr Ahmad and Woon shared a short eulogy before a minute of silence in respect of Kimura was observed. Then, everyone stood to attention as Negaraku and Bangsa Johor were played over the PA system. When the anthems ended, Dr James Tee, the CEO of Medini was then invited to flag off the riders.

Other than the disappointing news that our Mayor will not be gracing the event, everything went smoothly with police escorts and ambulance support. Medini even rolled out a pick up truck to collect riders with bike trouble and welcomed us to their premise with fresh bananas and mineral water.

Well, almost smoothly, if the high number of tyre punctures is not taken into account! This is part and parcel of riding on Johor roads which are infamously filled with holes and construction debris. 

Well, almost smoothly, if a couple riding side by side did not lock handlebars. Thankfully, they kept their balance after a few wobbles, thus preventing a huge pile up!

Well, almost smoothly, if a lady on a 16 inched wheels fixie, did not go through so many cases of chain drop. She was blessed with a guardian angel; Kelvin from Singapore who patiently helped her through every greasy mess! He received his retributions, wiping his dirty hands on her back when he gave her a boost up each slope!!!

Well, almost smoothly, if a malay MTB rider who almost fell at a regrouping point near the Eco Botanics roundabout did not finally fall on the same issues! He forgot to uncleat when he finally arrived back at base!!!

Well, almost smoothly, if a lady rider in braids did not cheat the last click. Instead of making a U-Turn at the traffic lights, she carried her bike across the drain. Let's just say, she was swallowed by the drain!!!

While we started the ride on a gloomy day, the sun finally broke through the clouds on the last 5 clicks. As if heaven has bestowed its favours upon us, we rejoiced over the good cloud cover that cooled our paths and the rays of hope that came thereafter!

Photo Credits :

Daniel Wng

KC Au Yeong