SERI ISKANDAR: The highly anticipated eighth edition of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Convo Ride made a spectacular return after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Perak Tengah district officer Mohd Zaki Abdul Rahman flagged off the cycling event which featured 500 participants.
He was accompanied by UTP academic deputy vice chancellor Prof Dr Hilmi Mukhtar and UTP 2023 convocation ceremony chairman Shamsina Shaharun.
The Convo Ride attracted 350 participants for the challenging 100km Fellowship Ride category and 150 participants for the Fun Ride covering 50km.
The event was meticulously coordinated, with over 70 traffic officers from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) ensuring the safety and smooth flow of the event, spanning from Seri Iskandar to Manong.
Aside from the thrilling cycling experience, the Convo Ride featured a range of side activities.
Participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a 360-degree video experience and took part in a lucky draw with enticing prizes, including a top-of-the-line Samsung 50" television.
2023 Convo Ride chairman and popular Youtuber behind "Sembang Basikal is Free” Zulkarnan Abdul expressed the event's significance, saying, "The purpose of this cycling event has been to attract cycling enthusiasts from all over Malaysia and abroad, including UTP alumni.
“It aims to encourage the community to prioritise health and fitness, provide technical challenges to cyclists, and allow participants to relish the scenic beauty of the Perak Tengah district in a secure environment.
“This year's participation has been overwhelming, even though we promoted it on a smaller scale through the cycling community,” he added.
The Convo Ride, organised by UTP in conjunction with the university’s 2023 convocation ceremony on Oct 29 and 30, served as a vibrant platform for cycling enthusiasts to come together, promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering an appreciation for Perak’s natural beauty.
UTP's commitment to organising such events not only fosters community engagement but also underlines its dedication to holistic education and well-being.
The success of this edition underscores the importance of community involvement and active, healthy living.
