December issue

E SU IS ’S EN M Dec–Jan 2017

TONY HSIEH:

Born a cyclist

Start cycling the safe way!

CYCLING ESSENTIALS!

Gear up before you pedal HAVE YOU FOUND

RAIHAAN AZIZ:

Coming back stronger PLUS+ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

REDUAN

YUSOF NATIONAL CYCLIST

USD $3.99 GBP £3.49 BND $5.00 BRUNEI EDITION

your type of cycling?

The cycling issue

Dec–Jan 2017

+Content

30

Tony Hsieh: The Love for Cycling

+Fitness 6 Tips for Beginner Cyclists 9 Types of Cycling You Can Try Today!

14 Cycling Kit: Must-Have Cycling Accessories 16 Top 5 Safety Tips for Cyclists on The Road

+Life Inspired 22 Reduan Yusof — Cycling towards Passion 30 Tony Hsieh: The Love for Cycling 36 Raihaan Aziz: “Find your own opportunities, go out and experience it yourself”

2 PLUS Dec–Jan 2017

TYPES OF

Cycling YOU CAN TRY TODAY!

Content+

Raihaan 36 Aziz: “Find your own opportunities, go out and experience it yourself”

22 Reduan Yusof — Cycling towards Passion

+Event 18 6th Lof Cycling Challenge 42 Beach Bunch Organizes Beachathon

PLUS 3

Dec–Jan 2017

+Publisher Info

T

Dear readers,

he holiday season is upon us and this month, our focus is strongly on cycling. We offer a variety of articles to help you get started on your cycling journey if it’s something that you have considered even fleetingly.

This issue is jam-packed with advice and tips on safety, the different types of bicycles out there to suit your preferences, common cycling injuries and how to treat them, the various types of cycling that one can take up and also, the cycling accessories that are essential and those that would be nice to have.

We also cover two events that took place in October this year; the 6th Lof Cycling Challenge that took place in Berakas and the Beachathon that was organized by the Beach Bunch. Both were successful and

fitness-oriented events that we hope to see more of in our green nation.

Plus+ had the honour of chatting with the very impressive national cyclist, Reduan Yusof about his achievements, daily challenges and his passion for cycling. Reduan is also the co-founder of a very avantgarde business called Geotrax, which focuses on specialized bicycles but also offers servicing and even includes a café for customers to pass the time while waiting.

Happy holidays from the Plus+ team and remember to stay safe on the roads!

Don’t forget you can follow us for the latest updates @PlusBrunei on Facebook and Instagram, where we post behind the scenes pics and sneak peeks of upcoming features.

Many thanks and happy reading, The Plus Team

+Publisher Nexploit Services

Oleh Melnyk John M. Rey

+Editor-At-Large Plus Team

+Photographer Asree

+Talent Editor Liyana Sidek Teah Abdullah Iman Murni

+Featuring Reduan Yusof Raihaan Aziz Tony Hsieh

+Proof Reader Monica Lim +Marketing and Digital Content Nursadiqin Misir +Graphic Designer Anna Thien

Ministry of Health (Brunei Darussalam) Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (Brunei Darussalam) Health Promotion Centre (Brunei Darussalam) Fitness Zone Royal Brunei Airlines Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd

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All information in Plus is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication.

4 PLUS Dec–Jan 2017

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+Fitness

TIPS FOR BEGINNER CYCLISTS 6 PLUS Dec–Jan 2017

Fitness+

N

ow that you’re convinced to take up cycling — whether for health or leisure reasons — the first order of business is to go out and purchase your bicycle.

You probably have several questions about which type of bike you should get. After all, what defines the ideal bicycle for you? And is just any bike enough for you to hit the roads?

Calm down. We have all the answers you need, and even more tips for the beginner cyclist in you!

GETTING THE RIGHT BIKE First things first — you should know what kind of cycling you want to do. To go on long rides?

To hit the muddy trails? Or are you simply biking to commute to work?

Once you have the answer to your question, head over to your local biking experts or trusty bicycle shop. Although there are numerous types of bicycles available in the market, there are generally a few that are top favourites, and probably what a newbie cyclist would be looking for. These include: ¬¬ Road bikes: Lightweight frames and tires designed to give maximum speed at minimum effort. ¬¬ Mountain bikes: Usually equipped with riser bars to maintain better steering and with powerful brakes for better control on rough grounds.

Versatile but heavy.

WRITTEN BY: Manisha Dhalani

(metal type, handlebars, brakes, pedal position, etc.) and customization options. Testing a bicycle before purchasing to find the perfect one to fit your body will help you ride easier and cause you less pain after each ride in the long run.

MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY It will always feel like you need to tick off a long checklist before heading of for a ride every time. But we cannot stress how important it is to stay safe while cycling. For beginners, consider the following safety rule-of-thumbs before each ride out: ¬¬ ‌Clean and oil your bikes regularly ¬¬ ‌Check tire pressure ¬¬ ‌Learn how to fix a puncture ¬¬ ‌Wear appropriate clothing and pads ¬¬ ‌Protect your head — use a helmet ¬¬ ‌Keep your ears and eyes alert — no mobile phones/headphones ¬¬ ‌To play it safe — start riding in low-traffic areas and work your way up ¬¬ ‌Stay hydrated ¬¬ ‌Find riding buddies — or if you’re riding alone, tell someone about your route

KNOW THE RULES

¬¬ Folding: Perfect if you need to hitch a ride on public transportation. Slower and not ideal for bad roads.

In recent times, due to people wanting to stay fit and keep the environment clean, there has been a surge of cyclists on the road.

Whether you’re cycling on a highway, at the beach or in a mountainous range, be aware of the rules of the road. Ride with the traffic, obey road signs, stay close to your bike buddies, do not go on a track that you are unsure of, and ensure that you are well-dressed, hydrated and lighted up.

¬¬ A note to remember: the price of a bicycle ranges from low to high, depending on the make

We hope you feel more equipped for your first ride out. Enjoy!

¬¬ Hybrid: The name says it all — a cross between the two above.

Better for shorter distances that require comfort thanks to the commonly used flat bar that allows you a better seating position — good for commuting to work.

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Dec–Jan 2017

Fitness+

TYPES OF

Cycling

YOU CAN TRY TODAY! PLUS 9

Dec–Jan 2017

Fitness+

W

hile some people are more inclined to cycling on the roads, others lean more towards the daring side: enjoying dirt tracks and mountain treks.

Listed below are some choices you can play around with before finding the most suitable option for yourself.

Regardless of the type of cycling you prefer, or want to try, cycling is known to be a low-impact exercise that’s great to keep the body in constant movement. The investment required to start cycling is not as high as other regimes out there, but the benefits are one and the same.

With a bicycle waiting for you at your doorstep, you don’t need to fork out large sums of money for a gym membership or other workout gear. All you need is the road or a track, and you’re in for a fun-filled cardio session that will help you soak in fresh air and the surrounding beauty.

ROAD CYCLING

Still, choosing your preferred type of cycling is a matter of trial and error. You should find your comfort zone to make cycling an experience worth every moment of your time. Not only will this help you work out your body better, but your mind will be at ease, allowing the reduction of stress and tension from your everyday life.

If you like long biking adventures, or leisurely rides on the roads as your evening workouts, or even choose to cycle to work for health reasons, then road cycling is for you! Get a lightweight bike with skinny tires that will help you cover both short and long distances with ease and help you move through traffic with precision. Whatever your reason for choosing to cycle on the roads, it’s a great way to work out — it’s a great form of cardio plus it’s accessible wherever you are! Just remember to stay safe on the roads and know the road rules before jetting off from your front door.

OFF-ROAD CYCLING ¬¬ Mountain Do you prefer to get off the roads and try something a little less risky but a whole lot more

adventurous? Then mountain biking may just be your thing. Not only is it fun for the thrill-seeker in you, it also gives you a good workout and a great experience. Tackle rough terrains by learning how to switch your gears and balance on mountain tracks. Get a good sturdy bike to ensure that your mountain climbing or down-hilling stays a smooth affair! Don’t forget to gear up with your safety helmet and pads to stay safe. ¬¬ Track Track cycling is perfect for those who prefer to stay indoors. This type of cycling requires constant pedaling to ensure you don’t fall off the bike or the track. Speed is key and it’s often known to be more for those who like a competitive challenge. It’s a great way to teach you endurance. If track cycling is available in your vicinity, we encourage you to give a try.

What’s your ideal type of cycling, you wonder? Grab your bicycle and find out today!

WRITTEN BY: Manisha Dhalani

PLUS 11

Dec–Jan 2017

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+Fitness

Cycling MUST-HAVE CYCLING ACCESSORIES

14 PLUS Dec–Jan 2017

Kit: P

Fitness+

urchased the perfect bike for your expeditions out of the house?

time adjusting your glasses so they don’t slide off your nose while cycling!

Congratulations!

Another reason that cyclists get into accidents on the road is due to the lack of proper light. Other road users won’t be aware of your presence on the road if they can’t see you. Getting value-for-money lights and reflectors should minimize the risk of this issue.

But wait right there. Before you exit the house, pumped up for your next adventure — be it on a mountain trek, a highway or along the beach, there’s something else you need to get — the right cycling accessories.

Are these accessories necessary, you ask?

While different cyclists will prioritize different cycling accessories, we at Plus+ Brunei recommend some essentials that any newbie should have before they head out for their first ride.

Naturally, safety is a factor that we cannot stop emphasizing. Having the right safety gear, regardless of where you’re riding your bicycle, is a must.

For starters, it is vital that you protect your head. A huge factor that leads to accidents involving serious injuries and sometimes even fatalities with cyclists is the lack of a good quality helmet. This is by far the most important piece of equipment you will purchase as a cyclist. Get one that fits your noggin well — make sure it’s adjustable and sits level on your head, not tilted to one side or covering your eyebrows.

Your attire when cycling is also important.

While workout-wear is recommended for more rigorous expeditions, the point is to be comfortable. Having said that, avoid dark coloured clothing. Instead, choose brightcoloured tops, especially when you’re on the roads, to be easily detected by motorists.

For comfort, wear bike shorts so they don’t ride up as you cycle and get well-fitted shoes to ease the aches and pains. Consider purchasing gloves for a comfortable grip that will ease the strain on your hands and fingers. If you’re riding in broad daylight, shield your eyes with sunglasses that fit well on the bridge of the nose. We don’t want instances where you spend half the

Are you commuting with your bicycle?

Oh, parking woes! Ensure that you get a good bicycle lock — we don’t want to have a situation where you end work to find your mode of transportation missing, now do we?

Now that we’ve gotten all that out of the picture — let’s consider gear that’s necessary for your health and emergency purposes. A saddlebag or fanny pack will be essential to store important items such as your wallet, stopwatch, mobile phone and even a multi-tool that may come in handy in case of a puncture or any issues with your bicycle. On top of that, purchase a water bottle holder for your bike to carry around the must-have water bottle, especially if you’re travelling long distances. It is important to stay hydrated while cycling.

Naturally, these are not the only essentials that one could consider for cycling. If you’re an avid cyclist and would like to track your time, get a trustworthy wrist-stopwatch. If you’re going on an adventure, equip yourself with a GPS. There’s also adding on a bell to your bike if you’re a road traveler and use pedestrian pathways often — this helps to notify pedestrians from behind them. And then of course there’s the basket in front of your bike — if you need to carry items for a distance.

Prioritize safety when purchasing the needed accessories for your cycling adventures. Then pick and choose what else you need based on the type of cycling you plan to do.

WRITTEN BY: Manisha Dhalani

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Dec–Jan 2017

+Fitness

Top 5 D

oes the mere thought of cycling down a busy highway scare you?

Have you heard too many horror stories about cyclists meeting unfortunate incidents while on the road?

We hear you.

And we don’t blame you for thinking that way. The surge of reports on how unsafe it is for cyclists on local roads is astonishing. Drivers and cyclists alike are often in the dark about road safety and unaware of the necessary precautions to make roads safe for everyone’s use.

The good news is, you as a cyclist, can take extra care to keep yourself safe. Whenever you step out on the road to cycle, take into consideration the following safety tips:

UP THE 1 GEAR RIGHT WAY Helmet — check. Safety pads — check.

But are they enough?

There is some other basic apparel that you should consider before heading out onto the roads. Wear bright colours in the day, and don something fluorescent for night-time. If you’re carrying items along with you, ensure that they are of an acceptable size and can be placed fittingly within a basket in front of your bicycle or in a backpack that is firmly tightened around your body.

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Safety Tips

for Cyclists On The Road

Fitness+

2

CHECK YOUR BIKE

Aside from purchasing a bike that’s suitable for your physical condition, a cyclist should take extra steps before heading out onto the road. Ensure that your bike is equipped with light and that they are in working order. Test your brakes, your pedals and your gear to ensure you’re not going to face any additional issues while cycling on the road. If your bike is equipped with a bell for riding on pedestrian walkways, make sure it’s audible.

3

THE POWER OF BODY LANGUAGE

When on the road, communication with motorists is vital to maintain healthy road etiquette and to keep the traffic flowing smoothly and safely.

Clearly though, you can’t possibly be shouting cues to other road users. Instead, believe in the power of using your arm and by maintaining eye contact whenever possible at junctions. Learn hand movements that will indicate a turn or a specific sign to alert drivers of your next course of action. Do not be abrupt

with your signs as it may cause unforeseen reactions.

4

WATCH YOUR SPEED

If you are aware that you’re approaching a dangerous fork in the road or a curb by the pathway, slow down. If you cycle along heavy traffic roads, maintain your speed in anticipation of sudden stops or movements from drivers. Cycle closer to the left side of the road and take note of obstacles that may cause you to brake suddenly. Pay attention to parked vehicles and slow down when approaching them in case someone opens the car door as you are passing through.

When cycling in the rain, pay extra attention to your speed in case of slippery surfaces that will take you longer to stop.

THE 5 OBEY RULES

While we often highlight that drivers of vehicles on the roads should obey the rules, as cyclists, we should also adhere to specific sets of regulations while sharing the road.

For instance: ¬ ¬Dismount from the bicycle when using pedestrian crossings ¬ ¬Obey traffic signals and road markings ¬ ¬Ride in a single file when riding in a big group ¬ ¬In the event of overtaking, give/ request for a wide berth to/from other cyclists ¬ ¬Do not use mobile phones or earphones ¬ ¬Do not ride in the opposite direction — follow the direction of traffic With these safety precautions in mind, we hope you have a safer time hitting the roads with your bicycle and your friends. While you should keep safety as your topmost priority, don’t forget to enjoy the sights and sounds while cycling around our beautiful nation.

Have fun!

WRITTEN BY: Manisha Dhalani

PLUS 17

Dec–Jan 2017

+Event

6TH LOF C YC L I N G C H A L L E N G E

O

n the afternoon of Sunday, the 30th of October 2016, a massive turnout of cyclists convened at the car park of the National Sports Complex in Berakas, all ready to mark their positions at the starting line of the 6th Lof Cycling Challenge 2016.

in just 6 seconds before the runner up, Christina Fah. For the men, Muhammad Rafiuddin bin Zikara took the top spot for the Immediate Sprint category while Radin Saputra ranked first for the King Of Mountain (KOM) category.

Organised by the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation (BDCF) in collaboration with the Department of Youth and Sports and sponsored by Lof Cakes & Bakery., the event brought together cyclists from all over the country to participate in this highly anticipated cycling challenge. The race was divided into multiple categories, including the women’s category and the men’s team category. A total 209 participants joined in the fun and a total of 33 teams registered for the race.

The guest of honour, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, was present to hand over prizes in the form of trophies, medals and cash prizes to the winners of the different race categories and races.

Anisa Rizky Amalia from Prestanda Cycling Team qualified as the winner in the women’s category after clocking

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BDFC is an active organization that has been promoting the sport of cycling in the country for decades since it was founded. For more information on cycling events that you can participate in in our humble adobe, visit www.bruneicycling.org.

+Event

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Event+

WRITTEN BY: Manisha Dhalani

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+Life inspired

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Life inspired+

REDUAN

YUSOF — CYCLING TOWARDS PASSION

W

hen we met national cyclist Reduan Yusof, he had just come back from a 125km cycle from Sungai Liang to the University of Brunei Darussalam and back again with seven other cyclists. Reduan told us that they were training for an upcoming cycling challenge. Having cycled for that far, we thought that he would have been exhausted. Instead, the enthusiasm he exuded said otherwise — here is a man who is passionate about his sport.

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+Life inspired Describe the beginning of your cycling journey.

What is it about cycling that draws you into the sport?

I started in 1989 and have been cycling for 27 years now. During the first year, my parents would forbid me from cycling on the road for fear of my safety. My late father was very encouraging for turning my hobby into something I could do as a living even though competitive cycling was not a popular sport during that time. I first competed in the Arafura Games in 1995 in Darwin, Australia as a representative from Brunei.

I have always struggled with studying while growing up. My passion was and is still cycling. I thought about cycling in classes and was always excited to ride whenever I got the chance. It wasn’t that I was disinterested in learning; I grew up in a poor family, so I had to do all I could to ensure that I could make a better life for my family’s future. I am passionate about cycling and

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my experience in riding overseas and meeting people who have made cycling a career — whether as a cyclist or in business — were learning experiences for me. It made me realise that I can do those things in Brunei too.

I remember one teacher telling me that a bicycle will not be able to feed me in the future. I think about that moment a lot.

What was your journey towards making cycling a full-time employment like?

Life inspired+ There have been ups and downs. It took me a really long time to realise that I wanted to make cycling a fulltime career, especially in relation to my business, Geotrax. Because I grew up poor, I was never picky with the jobs that I took — I worked in canteens, as a contractor, and even as a rubbish collector. The constant in my life during those times were always cycling at the side as a national athlete. During a training session I had while working for a local company, the trainer asked us what our future plan was. A lot of people answered they wanted to start a business when they retired; it made me question whether I should wait until I was in my fifties to start doing business.

I didn’t, so I started the business in 2008 with very little capital.

When did you start cycling competitively?

I started competing in 1990 through local races, such as the Kuala Balai Race, and then proceeded to compete for the first time in Darwin in 1995. It was difficult during that time because I wasn’t sure what to do.

Most athletes couldn’t get sponsors from Brunei to help them compete.

So I looked for outside sponsors by sending out my CV. By handing out my CV overseas, I was putting myself out there and I received a lot of opportunities to compete outside of Brunei. I also gained knowledge on competitive cycling and making my career around bicycles.

What is an average day of training for you?

I wake up between 4.30am to 5am every single day. I start cycling at 6am and I usually go on until 1pm.

My routes vary for every cycle; sometimes it’s from Belait to Brunei Muara, sometimes to Labi. Some days I run, albeit slower than when I am on my bike. I take some supplements to keep my endurance going as well as some vitamins to ensure I am healthy. My eating habits are as normal as your average Bruneian; I train enough in a day that I don’t have to watch what I eat.

What has been your most difficult race?

Definitely the 2011 Asian Cycling Championship in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The weather was absolutely terrible since there was a sandstorm. The race had to be postponed.

I came into the race aiming to be one of the top 20, but once the wind started blowing I knew that my aim was impossible to reach. 98 riders participated in the race, but only 15 got to the finish line. That is not a condition I’d want to ride in ever again.

What’s your biggest achievement to date in relation to cycling?

To many, this answer may seem like nothing, but in 2010, I had the opportunity to work in Perth, Australia, with a bicycle workshop as a bike technician. I learned a lot while working there and I gained many experiences with the colleagues I made there. I think it was a big achievement for me because many Bruneians haven’t had the chance to do something like that, to work with people who can be so incredibly motivating that it changes your life and perspective about your sport. I worked not only with people who fixed bicycles but also with Australian athletes. It opened my eyes and changed my perspectives, and being able to have something like that is such big personal achievement.

How has cycling made you grow as a person?

It has made me a disciplined person in terms of time management and made sure I am training. My late father instilled that discipline in me.

When I was younger, he made sure that my non-school days were spent training. This included waking up early, riding for a few hours while he escorted me in a car, coming back home and making sure that the bicycle is clean. After that, he made sure I made time to study in the evening.

Plus, the opportunity I had in Sydney in 2010 to work in a bicycle shop also opened my eyes to see cycling as not just an interest, but also as a business opportunity. I learned a lot of things from other people, and without cycling, I would not have been able to open Geotrax.

others who had gone through or are going through what he had. Lance Armstrong is not the only person I look up to; there are so many. I love hearing stories of business people who started with nothing and making something out of that nothingness. It reminds me of my story and the hard work I have gone through. It reminds me that anything is possible if you persevere and work hard.

What do you wish to see in Brunei in regards to competitive cycling?

I think locals need more exposure to how competitive riding is done overseas. I have met many in Brunei who could win if they cycle outside, and I have met their competitors while competing outside too. Many riders overseas train away from home as a way to keep them motivated.

We need more funding in order to make Brunei athletes gain that motivation too. Brunei is a small country, and races don’t occur regularly.

Riders need to ride more, and hence require more sponsorship from local organizations in order to keep them on the same level playing field as their competitors from other countries. Moreover, we also need to train young people to do technical work in order to expand our ability in the bicycle business. With enough training, we can draw in the market from Sabah and Sarawak for bicycle repairs.

What advice would you give people who’d want to get into cycling?

Who inspires you?

For newcomers, especially those who are senior in age, you need to have the right bike fit. People can say that they want to start riding for the sake of their health, but you also need to know the extent of what your body can take. I advise people who have heart problems to get a heart rate monitor. It is also important not to overdo it when you’re cycling — do it at your own pace, don’t compete with people who are faster when you know that you can’t.

Lance Armstrong, obviously, because he made cycling into so much more than what it was perceived to be.

He showed the world that cycling could be a business. He inspired other riders to push themselves, especially since he kept going after his cancer treatment. He eventually made himself into a brand through Livestrong to ensure support for

Meanwhile, for those who want to cycle competitively, you need to ask yourself: “What do I want from cycling?” Is it social? To compete? Or to be a professional rider? In order to be the latter, you need to be motivated, dedicated, focused, and serious about doing it. I believe that Bruneians have the capability to ride competitively.

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+Life inspired

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Life inspired+

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+Life inspired

FEATURING: Reduan Yusof ARTICLE BY: Teah Abdullah PHOTOGRAPHER: Asree

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+Life inspired

30 PLUS Dec–Jan 2017

Life inspired+

TONY HSIEH: THE LOVE FOR CYCLING T

ony’s love for cycling shone through when we sat down to chat more about his undying love for the sport. He has been cycling for 6 years now, but he has always been a cyclist at heart. From a very young age, his father takes him out to ride his bike and even though he was unaware of it at that time, that was when his love for the sport started brewing.

Right after a back injury from heavy weight training, Tony began cycling to maintain his healthy lifestyle and to lose weight. However, it has led to so much more. He found cycling to be a challenging sport that trains your mind to never give up and keep going. “The mindset is very important. Don’t give up.”

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+Life inspired How did you start cycling?

I used to do heavy weight training but I broke my back.

My doctor told me that I can no longer do any heavy weight training so he suggested cycling and swimming to me.

I was too lazy to go to the stadium to swim. Since I was young, my father has always brought me out to cycle so I chose to cycle instead!

How was the transition like between your heavy weight training and cycling?

It wasn’t a difficult change.

The transition wasn’t as bad because all you do is sit on the bike and use leg muscles, so it wasn’t a shock for me. I believe that the more you ride, the more stamina you gain.

How does your training schedule look like? Do you keep a strict schedule for competitions?

Yes! I train everyday! Even with no races coming up, I train with my team around 4 times a week but we train even harder for a race.

Do you keep a strict diet before going for competitions?

No. I watch what I eat but I do not keep a very strict diet because when you get tired with not enough food intake, your muscles will cramp up when you cycle.

Do you train alone or with a group of people? How does this affect you?

I train with my team. I feel that training alone will not make you improve that much as training with a group. It improves your stamina, your speed and just everything.

The motivation from each other pushes us to do better. Training alone can make me feel bored and eventually make me feel lazy.

Do joining competitions make you feel tired or does it feel like it’s never enough?

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Competitions make me want to train more, push more and grind more. I don’t feel mentally tired or drained. I just always want to do more. I think other cyclists can relate to this because we love cycling!

How many hours in a day do you usually dedicate for cycling?

Everyone has day jobs so we can only cycle after work. It’s usually about one and a half hour each day. Friday and Sunday mornings are usually more free so we cycle for about 3 to 4 hours.

What is your drive to compete?

I want to test my limits. I think cycling is about challenging myself and seeing how far I can push myself. I also get support from my friends and family, and that is one of the reasons I still go on cycling.

On a bad day, what would you tell yourself to get back up?

I don’t think I have bad days.

I love cycling. No matter how tired I am from work, I look at my bike and I feel much better!

No matter how down I get, I just sit on my bike and everything just becomes better.

What is your most memorable achievement?

It was the Lof Bakery Race in 2014 and I managed to win 4th place. That was the first medal I have achieved for cycling and it was only my second race! I joined with only one goal in mind, and that was to finish the race. When they announced my name as the 4th place winner, I was shocked!

What advice would you give people who’d want to get into cycling?

Always be safe. Do not cycle alone especially on the roads.

Most beginners would not know how dangerous cycling on the roads can be. It would be best to cycle with a group of people.

Life inspired+

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+Life inspired

FEATURING: Tony Hsieh ARTICLE BY: Liyana Sidek PHOTOGRAPHER: Asree

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+Life inspired

RAIHAAN

AZIZ:

“FIND YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITIES, GO OUT AND EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF” 36 PLUS Dec–Jan 2017

Life inspired+

R

aihaan Aziz had no doubts when he admitted that cycling is his entire life.

A normal day for Raihaan is never complete without cycling. Have you ever thought of cycling as a painkiller? He claims that cycling cures any sickness he has from simple headaches to migraines.

From the moment he discovered his love for cycling at only 14 years old, he has done nothing but emerge on top in the races and competitions he joins. Raihaan has made cycling his full-time career and things have not slowed down from then on.

He met rock bottom in 2013 after he took a very bad injury to the knee. He took unfamiliar supplements in attempts to heal this injury in time for the SEA games race.

He was oblivious and had no prior knowledge about supplements. This caused him to test positive during a random drug test. This nightmare hit him hard when he got banned from cycling for 2 years.

He described this incident as “a very difficult and embarrassing time”. However, just when he thought his entire cycling career was over, his friends and family stood up and gave him the support he needed to get back up from this pit he has fallen into.

In these 2 years, he learnt lessons and gained experiences he never would’ve had if the unspeakable incident never happened. Today, Raihaan Aziz is happy doing what he loves; cycling. He is gaining back the pace he once had in his career alongside the people he loves.

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+Life inspired

How did you start cycling? What made you fall in love with the sport?

were older than me! Some were 18 and 21 years old. I felt intimidated but I still managed to finish in the top 10!

I was 14 years old and there was a race in the village.

I really wanted to join but I didn’t own a bicycle so I asked my dad to buy me one. He bought one for me but he never let me ride it for a race. It was, of course, because they would get worried about my safety and I was never allowed to ride out on the roads. I was persistent though. I kept pestering my mother to give me the keys to my bike. She was the one who would sneakily hand me the keys so I could ride my bike. It all started from there. I kept joining junior races and usually won top 3. That was when my parents agreed to buy me a bigger bicycle which was too big for me back then. I used to ride every single day from noon up until 4 pm. I don’t know why, but I just really loved it.

How does your training schedule look like? Do you keep a strict schedule for races?

What do you love most in cycling?

I love mountain climbing. I love riding in jungles and climbing mountains. Most people are surprised when they hear that I love this. But that’s the thing. You have to be different from others if you want to be a strong rider.

When was your first competition?

I was 16 years old when I joined my first big event in Kota Kinabalu. It was a whole different experience. I was a bit scared because all my competitors were said to be cyclists who have competed in the SEA games and they

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I usually set a goal first. I have all the races I plan to join laid out in my calendar. I don’t set out to win all the races I join. Those races are part of my training. When I reach the biggest race, that is when I train to win. I have a proper schedule, including my diet.

Do you train alone or with a group of people? How does this affect you?

I was a part of the national team back then so I used to train with them. This was effective when we trained for speed. However, when I train for long distances, I prefer to ride alone. I am more focused when I ride alone. I also feel like I can cycle anywhere and stop for a break any time that’s convenient for me.

You join so many competitions and races! Does it get mentally tiring or does it feel like it’s never enough?

If you focus to win every race, it can get very tiring. You do not have to win every race you join. If you set out to win every single race, and you end up not winning it, it can really drain you. It wouldn’t be fun anymore. But if you carefully plan your races and schedule, it never gets tiring! It’ll always be fun!

What is your drive to compete?

Life inspired+ My main reason now is to prove to everyone that I can still do it. I want to do it, especially, for my family. I want to gain back people’s trust in me and show everyone that I am not the person they thought I was during my downfall in 2013. It was a mistake that I completely overlooked and it still gets me sad whenever I think about it. But I am keeping a positive mind and I have made that my drive to compete even more now.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt throughout your cycling career?

Do not use drugs. That is the biggest lesson I’ve learnt. Especially to athletes who have made their sport their career. It can destroy your entire career. It’s very hard to recover. For me, cycling is has given me a lot. It has given me knowledge, not only in terms of physical fitness but also how to survive in life. I have cycled everywhere in Brunei and in other countries. I have seen so many things and I am thankful for that.

On a bad day, what would you tell yourself to get back up?

I have had bad days where I don’t even want to touch my bicycle. But that’s just normal! I usually take a step back to rest and slowly gain back my motivation. I switch up my training schedule by doing some cross training. I go back to my schedule and past trainings to see where I might have gone wrong, then I try to improve from there. My friends and family have also played a huge part in picking me up during my darkest days. They give me the right push and always invites me ride with them.

What is your most memorable achievement?

It was the Tour De Timor Leste. It was the hardest race I ever had to ride! It was a 4 days tour with a mountain bike. We didn’t sleep in hotels. We had to carry around our sleeping bags to sleep on grass and rocks.

That race depended on how much you want to survive. It was a very difficult race but I climbed up to the top 3 at the end of the race. Another memorable race for me was a race in Manila. I remember it to be the longest climb I have ever rode! There were no support cars that provided us with food and any other things we needed to survive. I had to ride alone. I got so hungry that I had to eat vegetables that were sold at the roadside stalls. I even had to eat potatoes from the ground. I did everything to survive that race! I can still remember telling myself that it would be the last time I would ever ride a bike! I never want to touch a bike ever again! I think it was my empty energy tank talking at that time.

What advice would you give people who’d want to get into cycling?

The first thing is safety. That is very important. Cycling on the highway can be very scary and dangerous. So for those who are new cyclists, make sure to put your safety first. When getting a bicycle, make sure you ask around too. A proper bike and gears are needed if you want to start cycling seriously. My last advice would be, just go for it. Start joining races. Find your own opportunities, go out and experience it yourself.

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FEATURING: Raihaan Aziz ARTICLE BY: Liyana Sidek PHOTOGRAPHER: Raihaan Aziz

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+Event

BEACH BUNCH O R G A N I Z E S B E AC H AT H O N

A

pproximately four hundred runners gathered at Muara Beach on a perfect Sunday morning on the 23rd of October to participate in Beachathon 2016. The event, a 6-kilometer marathon, was organized by Brunei’s very own environmental group, the Beach Bunch.

At 7.15am, enthusiastic runners started to make their way down the sandy stretch of Muara Beach to Tanjong Batu and back up again. Visitors at the event were also treated to other activities such as bubble soccer, ultimate Frisbee, boot camp, as well as banana boats and jet skiing.

While the Beach Bunch often focuses on cleaning up beaches in the country and concentrates on preserving coastal wildlife, this event stood apart from the rest.

The Beachathon aimed to bring families and runners of all ages together, while promoting a healthy lifestyle at

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the same time. A member of the organizing committee, Rizan, shared that the Beachathon was the group’s last trail activity for 2016.

The Beach Bunch have expressed their gratitude to vendors who took part in the event; Bubble Soccer Brunei, Brunei Adventure Recreation Association (BARA), Poni Divers, Hilmi Fitness, and sponsors from Triultra, IMap, Ultron, and DST. Special thanks have been conveyed to volunteers from VFAST, and to all supporters and participants of the Beachathon.

The Beach Bunch have exciting plans for their next event in early 2017. More details are to be announced soon. To keep up with the latest updates, follow them on Facebook or Instagram @thebeachbunch.

WRITTEN BY: Manisha Dhalani

Event+

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Dec–Jan 2017

+Event

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IT NEVER GETS EASIER

YOU JUST GET STRONGER

#WEAREVICTORYATHLETES #PLUSLIFESTYLE

V I C T O RYAT H L E T E S C L O SINCE 2014