A family of health conscious riders
WHAT began as a healthy sport activity quickly grew into a big cycling family for a group of friends who started riding bicycle in 2015.
Initially, the bicycle rides were carried out three times a week without any extraordinary activities aside from the fun rides. These fellowships provided a good break from the stress of work by being committed to the weekly routine as a form of exercise.
Instead of riding a road bike, these friends chose the versatility and freedom of a mountain bike or MTB in short.
In early 2016, with no proper training system, no preparation, no experience in racing and no skills in riding on rough terrains, two members from the group took part in a MTB challenge held in Ruhiang, Tamparuli where many cyclists from all over Sabah participated in the event.
Nevertheless, the outcome of the race was a big surprise when one of them grabbed a maiden top ten finish in the women’s category.
Seeing the achievement and success from the race, captain and coach Mitchell Sheldon Tai saw a future potential in the team and decided that it should have a proper name with a clear vision and objectives.
So, he decided to call the team the Dawn Riders’ Cyclist (DRC).
“That was the birth of DRC,” said Mitchell in a statement.
However, he said the name was eventually changed to Decerto Revenio Cyclers.
“These French words bear the meaning ‘strength and never give up no matter what it takes’.
“It is a befitting name for this group of cyclists as they began participating in the local races and in a short time, DRC had flourished with many achievements through sheer hard work, persistency, discipline and commitment,” he said.
Since the formation of DRC, the group has grown from six members to over a total of 150 members throughout Sabah, Labuan, Peninsular Malaysia and even in Australia.
And today, DRC has produced great riders with many podium and top ten finishes in all categories.
There are many inspiring stories to be told in the DRC team, he said.
“Most of the great riders were not even in shape when they first took up cycling but through constant motivation and encouragement from captains and coaches, one by one, they began to get fitter and gain core strength to perform well in cycling skills and handling.
“Riding a bicycle has changed the life of many members. Some were obese, out of breath and out of shape but in months, they have lost so much weight, they looked better and became more confident,” said Mitchell.
“In fact, cycling has proven to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and other common health issues such as diabetes and uric acid,” he elaborated further.
As a certified fitness coach, Mitchell believes that winning is secondary but living a healthy and fit life free from illness is the primary goal for all walks of life.
His constant call to “train insane or stay the same” became his trademark that spurred members to strive harder and became the great riders they are today.
Mitchell went on to say that Jonathan Wong is a very dedicated captain and has contributed immensely to the growth of DRC.
Michael Voon, being a senior rider who joined DRC at the age of 56 years old in 2016, is now actively cycling and getting involved with the team in various races and events in the state.
“His fitness level and achievements have made him consistent in his cycling career for his age and is a great role model for the younger generations to emulate his cycling lifestyle,” he said.
Another active member of DRC, Woody, is a dedicated cyclist who is full of enthusiasm in cycling and never ceases to give up in the toughest hills.
Pennysia Lim is DRC’s most prominent rider. Her passion and interest in cycling through a short period of two years has rewarded her with podium and top ten finishes in most MTB challenge events in the women’s category.
Another new lady cyclist, Marlyne, who started cycling less than a year ago, has also chalked up several podium and top ten wins in cycling events through hard work and constant training with the team.
“A new member, Willie Wong, joined DRC in June 2017. As a new and inexperienced rider, he took up cycling as part of his healthy activities and seeing the improvements in the form of stamina, fitness and gaining core strength along the way, he decided to join the team in all the cycling events for experience and personal satisfaction.
“Barely six months into cycling, little does he know his hard work, perseverance and commitment have brought him to the top three finish at the Fifth Kota Kinabalu Century Cycling Race.
“His achievements have motivated a lot of younger and junior riders to perform better in their cycling endeavour,” he said.
“Credits also go to other team members that I have not mentioned but who have also contributed to the team’s growth and achievements,” he added.
Today, DRC is embarking on a journey to provide a better platform for their members as well as the future generation in the sport of cycling.
“DRC will be a registered club in the near future. A long list of programmes and events are in the pipeline for the year 2018.
“With a clear vision to produce health conscious and competitive cyclists, DRC is set to fly higher and become an active club in the development of cycling sport in Sabah,” said Mitchell.