First Time in a Putrajaya Bike Convoy

Assalamualaikum dear readers,

I got roped into a cycling event recently and the first time was always a memorable one. It started when my housemate, K. Ruby invited me to join her on the “Konvoi Berbasikal Wanita 2017”. I wasn’t that thrilled to go to think about how packed and crowded it would be. Never was my favorite place to hangout. But then again, I just had to give myself a chance to try something new like cycling convoy. So, I agreed to join.

So, early in the morning at 6:45am we headed to Masjid Tunku Mizan to pick up borrowed bicycles. The event organiser provided bicycle and helmet rental services for participants but we found it’s quite expensive; they charged the helmet for RM50 with a shirt costing RM35. That alone was pricy, forget about the bike itself. Alhamdulillah, K.Ruby managed to borrow two bicycles from her friend and I borrowed helmets and a bike chain lock from K.Eliza, a very generous boss.

Jazakallah to the borrowers. Couldn't have done this with them.

Jazakallah to the borrowers. Couldn’t have done this with them.

At 7:15 am we cycled to Dataran Putrajaya, Presint 3, where the registration reception is to pick up our plate number. As expected, the event was flooded with estimated 11,000 people.

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Plate number for bicycle. How cute.

We went to the starting line at 7:30am. They start with a briefing and body warm up to avoid any injuries. The briefing was given by Serina Redzuawan and some other artists were also at the event. They are Vanidah Imran, Janna Nick, Linda Onn, Siti Nurhaliza and more (sorry I can’t recall all of them). At the same time, school kids (volunteers) were actively giving breads and waters to all the participants.

Around 8:00 am, the sirens were blown and everyone excitedly started their journey.

We're like packed sardines

K.Ruby and me were like packed sardines waiting at the starting point

Along the journey, I saw a huge range of age from the children to the senior citizens, different races, different types of bicycles and more. It was amazing to see how strong these elderly are. They were old with gold youthful spirits. Moms who brought along their children were so inspiring. An active and productive family is what we should aim for. The size of their body never stop them from being active.

Lydia Hashim brought her son to cycle with her

Lydia Hasim brought her son to cycle with her

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The facilities were well provided. Volunteers were making sure every participants get their needs and making sure everyone is safe in the right route, ambulance on stand-by in case and portable toilets available after 5 km journey.

The route track was pretty fun because of the up and down hill, making it more challenging for some. Almost every uphill, participants would get off their bike and just walk instead. The downhill was the best part. We got to free our legs off and spree down the hill.

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When you’re exhausted, stop and take a minute to drink and rest.

Despite their courage to cycle, some of them got injured, cramped legs, fainted and I was told by my friend some even covered with blood. That’s the part I’m a bit scared of. Alhamdulillah, we weren’t injured (we did pray a lot though).

As it is our first time participating in cycling event, we did not aim for targeted time. We came just for leisure and to enjoy the journey. Thus, took us almost an hour to reach the finishing line. There, I met a lot of superwomen whom incredibly finished the journey strong.

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Kak Samsiah looking fabulously sporty in full set Nashata of Bluish Pink Heather Top, Black Compression Skirtspants and Mumtaz Hijab. Thanks for the support!

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Kak Ngah finished the 10 km in less than 30 minutes. Holy.. we have a Wonder Woman Niqabi here!

Bumped into an old friend. A woman of determination she is. Stay strong Kak Fiza!

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This woman just finished her 25 km journey. How cool is that? Congratulations Yuyu!

At the end of the event, lucky draw were held but we didn’t get lucky. Plus, it was almost 12 at noon, the sun ray was really burning my skin. So, we decided to go home instead. Before we head off home, we took the opportunity to cycle under the tree shades while sightseeing around Putrajaya. A beautiful place indeed.

Skyride. Where you can have a ride on hot air balloon.

SkyRide. Where you can have a ride on hot air balloon. Lots of fun activity here.

To summarize it up, the whole event and day was a superb experience for us. A place where you’ll bump into your friends and get to meet up with awesome women. Alhamdulillah. Praise be to God who made ease in everything.

P/s: Get out of your comfort zone and have some challenging fun day. You won’t regret even a piece of memory of it  😉