RIFLE RANGE BOY: Merdeka!

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Melburnians often claim they can experience all four seasons in a single day. It might start out sunny in the morning, then suddenly turn windy, cold, or rainy, with hail sometimes following soon after. Melbourne's temperate oceanic climate and its location, where hot and cold weather systems quickly interact, cause this phenomenon.

Well, we, weekend cyclists, experienced the same phenomenon during our small weekend ride. The temperature remained consistently above 25 °C, but we did endure the various climates one would encounter here in Malaysia. We are referring to the BB Merdeka Ride organised by a sports garments company in connection with Malaysia's 68th Independence Day celebration. Yes, we are 68 years old, but we are still struggling to find our way in the right direction. Rather than moving forward, we seem to be walking in reverse!

A ballpark estimate of 1,000 participants took part in this event. Participants could choose between a 50km or 100km fun ride; there was no pressure, no timing chip, but a 5-hour time limit. As it was Merdeka (Malaysia's Independence Day), the event started to the tune of Negara-Ku, at the Selangor Fruit Valley, a tourist attraction located near Rawang. We all regrouped at the Sekinchan Coconut Farm before returning to the starting point, covering 94km and passing through Bestari Jaya. Batang Berjuntai is the former name of Bestari Jaya. The name change, when translated, means 'a dangling trunk'. In 2007, the authorities believed a name change was necessary to avoid the graphic sexual connotations it might imply.

Pitstop @ Sekinchan

The different climates we experienced were like this. At 7 am, when we started, it was a little still and humid. It was about 25 °C. As riders began riding on the comparable flat terrain, the crosswinds provided a pleasant, cool sensation. The Sun decided to get up late that day. It was aware that many Malaysians would be out celebrating outdoor Merdeka festivities. From a humid environment, it became windy. The joyful ride, overseen by police and marshals, was smooth. We passed through scenic padi fields, serene rivers, and fresh morning air. The halfway point was at Sekinchan. A few stalls were set up selling light refreshments. The organisers arranged to provide drinks and bananas.

By 9.30 am, it was time to head back. The Sun slowly began to rise. It was mild, though. The ride home was more challenging, as everyone had clearly expended their energy. Most lacked the strength to keep up with pelotons that overtook them. Cramps started to appear. The sweeper vehicles were just waiting to pick up cyclists who threw in the towel, but many politely declined.

Back at the finishing point, all that was left were smiles, laughter, and congratulatory messages. Some lucky ones went home with goodies after winning at the Lucky Draw.

A weekend well spent.

(P.S. Why is it that every time the national anthem is played, my insides grow mellow, and my mind becomes all nostalgic with a hint of melancholia? Is that patriotism?)