KUCHING – The Ride for the Wild (R4TW) 2017 is a cycling event that aims to provide interested stakeholders with a platform to send their messages of support for wildlife conservation. It is organized by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Malaysia Program, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC). The ride and the conservation of orang-utans and sharks are supported by the Sarawak Society for the Deaf, who will be sending their cyclists to participate in the ride.
This year, the organizers are introducing two new categories: the mini route and the virtual ride. These additional categories will complement the two other routes; a short 23 km and a longer 56 km 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 pit-stop along with refreshments for the Kuching riders to enjoy during the event. 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 are not cycling. Several side activities will be held on the day of, including henna painting and a photobooth. Even the youngest of guests will be kept busy with a number of children’s activities on that day.
The event this year will have stronger representation from the youth, with a majority of volunteers coming from the Swinburne student community including Swinburne Sarawak’s Cycling, Debaters’, Running and Green Club. The Green Club will be doing their part by organizing a recycling drive to complement the theme of a green event. The public is encouraged to bring their recyclable items over to Swinburne Sarawak’s Multipurpose Hall on the day.
Registration is open for the first 100 riders and forms are available at the WCS Malaysia Kuching office. Forms will also be available at their booth this Saturday at CityOne Megamall. Interested cyclists can also register online at https://goo.gl/Bw6kFB. Registration fees are RM 70 for the 56km route, RM 60 for the 23km route and RM 50 for the Mini Route.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Douglas Tan at wcsmalaysia@wcs.org or calling +60 82 239795. Follow WCS Malaysia’s Facebook page at ttps://www.facebook.com/WCS.Malaysia/ for updates on events.
