Kota Kinabalu: Octogenarian cyclist Frank Yapp, 81, has achieved another impressive milestone by completing a 1,600km cycling journey from the Tip of Borneo in Sabah to Telok Melano in Sarawak in just 15 days, from Aug 4 to 18, in conjunction with Merdeka Month.
Themed “Borneo Healthy Ride Tour”, the event was organised by the National Unity Ministry and started in Kudat, passing through major towns including Kota Belud, Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort, Brunei, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, and Kuching before ending at Telok Melano.
“We started with 25 riders but by the end only 10 remained, as some had to quit due to rain and the scorching heat.
“Throughout the journey we faced bad weather sometimes, and had to cover at least 106km each day, rain or shine,” said Frank from Kota Kinabalu.
Frank, who continues to defy age, humbly shared that maintaining fitness and stamina requires passion for cycling.
“We must learn patience and how to relax the body especially the heart, legs, arms, mind, body and spirit.
“Cycle at your own pace, warm up slowly for a few minutes before gradually picking up speed, and always ride within your ability.
“Stay focused on the road, learn from fellow riders, and take advice from experts on proper techniques,” he said.
Frank, who maintains his fitness through cycling, has dedicated his golden years to raising funds for charitable causes.
Known for using his rides to support charitable causes, Frank previously cycled 207.55km return ride from Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort on Labour Day to raise funds for the St Catherine of Laboure Church in Putatan.
Last year, he completed a 1,350km Kuching to Kota Kinabalu in 13 days for Sabah Cheshire Home, surpassing his earlier record of cycling 1,200km from Johor to Penang in 12 days, earning a Malaysia Book of Records title.
Themed “Borneo Healthy Ride Tour”, the event was organised by the National Unity Ministry and started in Kudat, passing through major towns including Kota Belud, Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort, Brunei, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, and Kuching before ending at Telok Melano.
“We started with 25 riders but by the end only 10 remained, as some had to quit due to rain and the scorching heat.
“Throughout the journey we faced bad weather sometimes, and had to cover at least 106km each day, rain or shine,” said Frank from Kota Kinabalu.
Frank, who continues to defy age, humbly shared that maintaining fitness and stamina requires passion for cycling.
“We must learn patience and how to relax the body especially the heart, legs, arms, mind, body and spirit.
“Cycle at your own pace, warm up slowly for a few minutes before gradually picking up speed, and always ride within your ability.
“Stay focused on the road, learn from fellow riders, and take advice from experts on proper techniques,” he said.
Frank, who maintains his fitness through cycling, has dedicated his golden years to raising funds for charitable causes.
Known for using his rides to support charitable causes, Frank previously cycled 207.55km return ride from Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort on Labour Day to raise funds for the St Catherine of Laboure Church in Putatan.
Last year, he completed a 1,350km Kuching to Kota Kinabalu in 13 days for Sabah Cheshire Home, surpassing his earlier record of cycling 1,200km from Johor to Penang in 12 days, earning a Malaysia Book of Records title.