Most people cycle these days. They do so either for recreation or to keep fit. However, few have the endurance to cycle 850 km from Singapore to Penang! This feat was successfully accomplished recently by members of the Apex Club of Penang and Apex Club of Singapore.
The Apex 850 is an annual fundraising bike ride organised by members of the Apex Clubs of Singapore and Penang. The second edition was held in February 2014 when cyclists from Malaysia and Singapore rode 850 km in four gruelling days, across the two countries to raise money for two charities.
They were flagged off from Singapore as a solidarity unit making their journey to Penang. Along the way, they made stops in Melaka, Rawang, and Ipoh.
During the Rawang-Ipoh leg, they broke journey at Symphony Suites Hotel recently. Edward Mai Meng Lee and Lawrence Koh, Presidents of Apex Club Penang and Apex Club Singapore, respectively spoke to Ipoh Echo when met at the hotel.
Both of them were very appreciative of the cyclists who, coming from varied backgrounds, took time off their busy schedule to help raise some money for a noble cause. They said that the effort served as a likable platform to nurture international understanding between people of the two neighbouring countries. “Not only do the cyclists have a passion for cycling but they also get to do some good deeds along the way,” said Edward Mai.
Benett Theseira, a Singaporean who was on the team for the first time, said that the hardship of cycling through rough terrain helped bring them closer together. “It’s the most difficult feat I had ever attempted but with the support and encouragement from my fellow cyclists, I am glad I am here today.”
The Singaporean team rode for Apex Harmony Lodge, a home for people with dementia. They raised S$170,000 last year. This year they set their target at S$200,000. The Malaysian cyclists support the Apex Penang Education Fund, which pays for tertiary education for needy and deserving students. They aim to raise RM200,000 this year.
Angain
