Awed participants vow to return

THE 10th edition of Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s Janamanjung Fellowship Ride (JMFR) had garnered new followers due to its picturesque destinations along the 110km route.

First-time participant Wan Tarmizi Wan Ismail, 54, who is a project manager from Batu Gajah, near Ipoh, said he had been training for the ride for six months.

“I woke up early everyday and drove all the way to Bukit Kledang in Ipoh to train before going to office for a shower. I managed to reach the finishing line despite feeling really exhausted.

“It was an overall lovely experience. I will definitely come back next year,” said Tarmizi, who was riding with team UTP Cyclist.

Another participant, Farisha Shamaruddin, 39, from Gombak, Selangor, said it was interesting to ride past the villages in Lumut and Manjung.

“It was my first time joining JMFR and it was certainly different from my previous rides, which were in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

“Riding along the route gave me the opportunity to enjoy the scenic view. I also brought my family along and later, we will take the opportunity go sight-seeing around the area.

“The event is a good promotional tool for Perak, especially for Teluk Batik, where the flagging-off took place,” said the information technology executive.

Her friend, Pauline Wong, 38, from Petaling Jaya said she enjoyed cycling on village roads and relaxing in the calm environment.

“It was heartening to see villagers, including the children, lining up by the roadside to cheer us on. It was also well-organised and we were well taken care of by the marshals. I look forward to coming again next year,” she said.

It was heartening to see villagers, including the children, lining up by the roadside to cheer us on.