Septuagenarian completes first 2,500km solo ride

comments     Bernama     Published     Updated

Veteran cyclist Wan Hashim Wan Mahmood, 70, completed the first part of his three-round cycling tour across the peninsula, Singapore and Southern Thailand in Kelantan, yesterday.

His arrival at 3pm was received by family members including his mother Che Hasnah Ahmad, 84, and his wife Faridah Daud, 64, as well as Kelantan Tourism Information Centre staff and Kelantan Cycling Club members.

When met by Bernama , Wan Hashim who began his solo ride in Kota Baru on Nov 26, said he was thankful at being able to complete the first 2,500km in 24 days.

"I will continue with the second round on Monday. I will try to complete all three rounds totalling 8,000km in 80 days," he said.

The Kelantan-born septuagenarian described the first round as rather challenging because of the rainy season particularly in the east coast states, which tested his physical endurance.

"I faced some hindrances while in Thailand due to the language barrier. I had to make sketches when asking for directions, but the people there were really helpful," he added.

Wan Hashim said besides wanting to set his own record, he also distributed tourism brochures at several destinations throughout his journey to promote ‘Visit Kelantan Year 2016'.

In February last year, he received a Malaysia Book of Records award for being the oldest cyclist to successfully cycle around the peninsula.

- Bernama



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