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| The working committee with some of the riders |
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| Morning briefing |
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| Police escort |
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| Sponsors |
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| Wall of remembrance |
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| Multi-ethnic support |
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.
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| Multinational support! |
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| 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.
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| 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
