Cycling event Ride for the Wild 2017 to include virtual riders
KUCHING: The Ride for the Wild ( R4TW) 2017, a cycling event to raise greater awareness and pledge support for wildlife conservation, will be taking place on May 20 at Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak).
It is jointly organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society ( WCS) Malaysia Programme, Swinburne Sarawak and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).
The ride as well as conservation of orang utans and sharks is also supported by the Sarawak Society for the Deaf, whose members will be participating in the ride.
This year, according to a press release yesterday, the organisers have introduced two new categories — the mini route and the virtual ride.
These additional categories will complement the other two routes: a short 23km route and a longer 56km route.
The introduction of the virtual ride is to accommodate riders who may be busy on the date of the event as well as supporters from around the world.
Similar to last year’s edition, R4TW 2017 focuses the spotlight on orang utans and sharks and there will be an exhibition at each pitstop along with refreshments for the Kuching riders to enjoy during the event.
In addition, the signature green event will continue its tradition of decreased dependency on plastic and reduced waste output.
A host of activities will be held in tandem to the ride for family and friends of participants and visitors who will not be cycling.
Several side activities will be held on the day including henna painting and a photobooth.
The organisers promised that even the youngest of guests will be kept busy with a number of children’s activities on that day.
The event this year will also have stronger representation from the youth, with the majority of volunteers coming from the Swinburne student community including Swinburne Sarawak’s Cycling, Dance, Debaters’, Running and Green Clubs.
Meanwhile, Swinburne Green Club members will be doing their part by organising a recycling drive to complement the theme of a green event.
Members of the public are encouraged to bring recyclable items over to Swinburne Sarawak’s Multipurpose Hall on the day.
Registration is open to the fi rst 100 riders and forms are available at the WCS Malaysia Kuching office.
Interested cyclists may also register online at https://goo.gl/ Bw6kFB.
Registration fees are RM70 for the 56km route, RM60 for the 23km route and RM50 for the Mini Route.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Douglas Tan at wcsmalaysia@ wcs.org or calling 082-239795. Follow WCS Malaysia’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WCS. Malaysia/ for updates on events.