Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang

More than 2000 participants joined Funbike Gowes Malang Raya that was held by daily newspaper Surya-United Bike. The event was the collaboration between them with University of Muhammadiyah malang (UMM). It was held at helipad of UMM on Sunday (4/29).

The participants were discharged by UMM Rector Muhadjir Effendy at 06.00 o’clock. “Thank you very much for organizing the event at UMM,” said the rector while spreading out the flag having a motive black and white color.

Interesting, among the participants they were foreigners. Those were Peace Corps volunteer from United States who studied at UMM for pre-service training. For 22 foreign students were the center of attention among the participants who came from Malang, Blitar, Sidoarjo, Surabaya, Bojonegoro, Kediri, and Lumajang.

 “Actually, there are 47 people, but who participated only part due to the difficulty of renting a bike. Besides, some others are less interested to join,” said the Head of International Relation Office of UMM Abdul Haris.

In less than an hour, many participants arrived finish line though the route reached up to 15 KM and even the field was also up down and turned sideways. For who used to bike, it did not make them difficult. “Yet, this route is difficult enough for beginners moreover for participants who have recently tried,” stated Taufiq Zuhdi, the chief of committee from Surya.

Furthermore, Taufiq added, the bikers just glad that the eyes were treated to a refreshing sight. “While cycling, the bikers can enjoy the view from the height of Malang and they will pass through orange grove sight,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, PT. Bentoel Club delegated 20 teams. One of them felt exited with the route. For him, such kind of event was important to establish friendship among employees. “Besides a hobby, biking will tighten up work bound among us and broaden links to exchange information,” he declared.

In addition, tens of prizes in the lottery in the end of event. Those were two motorcycles, cash money for Rp. 10 million, LCD Tv, 10 fixie motorcycles, fans, and electric iron. Puji Sumarsono, UMM lecturer the one who successfully brought home a motorcycle.

“Alhamdulillah, it is not expected that I win Mio J. I hope this kind of event is often held at UMM,” said Puji who recently got the chance to study a year at Portugal from Erasmus Mundus scholarship of the collaboration between European union-UMM.