Have a great ride!
Here are a few health and safety tips for the upcoming Ride for Malaysia.
IT’S almost time for Ride for Malaysia, the much anticipated cycling event organised by Star Media Group and property developer Sunsuria Bhd!
Here are some useful health and safety tips to keep in mind, shared by Firdaus Hj Arshad, the Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) Cycling For All Community Bureau chairman, and Andrew Sia, the coordinator for the Star2 Active lifestyle pages.
1. Wear proper attire
Wearing a helmet is compulsory for all participants of Ride for Malaysia. Participants should also come dressed in proper sporting attire.
“We are not really setting any formal rules on dressing for the event. But all participants must adhere to basic safety standards. This includes proper footwear and socks,” advises Firdaus.
“If you’re doing the 30km ride and want to wear long pants, make sure they are light and flexible so that your legs can move freely,” notes Sia. “It’s not a good idea to be wearing heavy jeans which may be drenched in sweat or rain during the long ride. For the same reason, quick dry T-shirts are also recommended.”
2. Be careful and alert
Cyclists should be aware of their surroundings.
“Be careful not to go into potholes or to hit roadside kerbs, lamp posts or overhanging oil palm fronds,” says Sia.
Firdaus adds, “They should always ride in a safe, and careful manner and not disturb or distract other cyclists. Also, they are not allowed to ride with their pets.”
3. Warm up before
To prevent cramps, riders should have some isotonic drinks and warm up properly.
“Make sure you stretch those leg muscles before you start cycling,” advises Sia.
“I recommend that you get enough rest, and have a proper breakfast before your ride,” adds Firdaus.
There will be first aiders on duty during the ride for any emergency situations, plus sweeper buses to carry those who can’t complete the course.
Cyclists can also take advantage of the water stations that will be located about 10km from each other.
“If event officials decide that a participant is unable to finish his or her ride within the stipulated time, they will be asked to go to designated diversion points,” Firdaus states.
4. Be careful with gadgets
Selfies, wefies and the like are all good – but not while you are cycling! Participants are not allowed to use hand-held cameras or phones while in motion.
“If you really want to take photos, stop at a safe place without hindering other riders,” advises Sia.
Riders are also not allowed to listen to any mobile music devices while riding, so that they can hear the marshal’s instructions (if any).
Additionally, participants should not bring glass bottles to the race.
“Glass is easily breakable and can injure participants or puncture tyres,” says Firdaus,
5. Keep clean
Please do not litter or damage anything during the event. Participants are not allowed to urinate in public areas – there will be adequate toilet facilities throughout the course.
6. Follow all instructions
Participants must follow the designated routes and abide by all instructions given by the security, traffic management and event officials.
Firdaus says there will be a team ready for any eventuality during the race: this includes a police patrol car, 10 police outriders, 25 motor marshals, 25 static marshals and three ambulances. There will also be six medics at every station.
No support cars are allowed to follow cyclists during the race, but they can be on standby at the water stations for technical support.
7. Assigned numbers
Firdaus also warns riders to only cycle under the numbers they are assigned to, and not to use any other number without informing the race organisers beforehand. The ICs of winners will be checked, he added.
“We don’t allow cyclists to cycle under different names. If we find anyone who has done this, we will disqualify them, because there will be an element of cheating,” Firdaus says.
8. Have fun!
Finally, Firdaus advises, “Do your best for the race and enjoy yourselves!”
Ride for Malaysia will flag off at 6.30am on July 30 at Sunsuria City, Putrajaya. It consists of a 30km Fun Ride along scenic routes and a Family Ride of 5.5km. There are prizes galore.
For details, visit sites.thestar.com.my/ rideformalaysia/