By The Star

Thursday July 30, 2009
Dog’s eye view of ride
By MANJIT KAUR
WHILE over 200 participants took part in the monthly Penang Heritage Experience on Wheels in George Town, a little pomeranian was tucked comfortably in its owner’s ‘basikal tua’ basket, observing the buzz of activities around it.
Candy Chhung, 28, a designer, said this was her second time participating in the event with her four-year-old pet dog named ‘Xiao Hei’ which means ‘little black’ in Chinese.
“He loves outings. I made a little cap, a T-shirt and comfortable bedding for him in the basket,’’ she said.
Enjoying his outing: Xiao Hei sitting pretty in his basket, attended to by his owner Chhung.
The black pomeranian seemed to be enjoying the experience, looking left and right at those gathered at the Esplanade for the event.
The event held every last Sunday of the month was flagged off by state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow, after which he also took part in the event, riding a classic bicycle.
Also taking part in the event were State Youth, Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Lydia Ong Kok Fooi and Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu,
Penang Classic Bicycle Owners Club vice-president Cheng Kim Heng said about 20 club members took part in the event.
The 63-year-old man from Air Itam in Penang said the antique bicycles riden by the club members dated back to between 1906 and 1942.
Club member Seow Heng Dong, 60, said he modified his vintage bicycle’s frame so that his bicycle could look more attractive.
The ride, which started at 8.30am, ended at the New World Park at about 11am.
His pride and joy: Ikhwan showing his 'New Hudson Sport' bicycle.
The participants stopped at five heritage sites — Fort Cornwallis, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Cheah Kongsi, Kapitan Keling Mosque and St George’s Church.
The event ended at the New World Park where a Vintage Bicycle Show and Competition were being organised.
The cycling event was organised by the State Sports Council and coorganised by Penang Cycling Lifestyle Society and the Knights of the Round Table Club.

By The Star

Thursday July 30, 2009
Beauties turning heads
By MANJIT KAUR
A CLASSIC bicycle enthusiast who cycled around the country in 23 days was among those who displayed his bicycle at a Vintage Bicycle Show held in Penang.
Nor Izam Abd Latif, from Batu Gajah in Perak, bought the bicycle for only RM30 from a bicycle shop.
He then forked out RM500 to refurbish his ‘basikal tua’.
Vintage part: Nor Izam Abd Latif showing the oil lamp fixed on his 'basikal tua'.
The 27-year-old said the accessories, especially the oil lamp and a leather bag, were expensive and difficult to find.
“I did not buy the bicycle just to keep it for show so early last month, I embarked on a bike journey around peninsular Malaysia,’’ said Nor Izam, a construction worker. His journey started and ended at Batu Gajah.
Some 50 vintage bicycles such as Hercules, Raleigh, Triumph and Rudge were put on display by owners from Penang, Malacca, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Johor.
The show was opened by state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow at the New World Park on Swatow Lane on Sunday.
Some 200 people, including Chow who participated in the monthly Penang Heritage Experience on Wheels earlier, stopped at the New World Park to admire the bicycles.
A family from Nibong Tebal, dressed up in clothes from the era of P. Ramlee, brought nine vintage bicycles for display.
The bikes dated between 1951 and 1960.
Jaafar Dahari, his brother Jasim Dahari, daughter Nabilah Jaafar and cousin Wan Yazli Yaacob were among the family members who dressed in olden-day costumes.
Classic models:(from left to right) Jasim Dahari, Wan Yazli Yaacob, Jaafar Dahari and Nabilah Jaafar posing with their 'basikal tua' during the Vintage Bicycle Show held at the New World Park in Penang on Sunday.
Another avid classic bike collector was Ikhwan Izam, 33, who dressed like a policeman in the 1940s.
He said he bought his bicycle for RM850 but spent about RM4,000 to purchase the original parts.
Ihkwan, from the Batu Berendam Antique Bicycle Club, displayed his ‘New Hudson Sport’ bicycle.
“I have been hunting for the bicycle parts all over the country and I was lucky that certain shops still actually had the spare parts,’’ he added.
His pride and joy: Ikhwan showing his 'New Hudson Sport' bicycle.
Earlier, Chow said a sub-committee held their first meeting on the plans for a dedicated bicycle lane in the state.
“I have yet to get a progress report from the committee led by MPPP president Tan Cheng Chui.
“The state government is aware of the needs of the cycling community and we will try to come up with the best solution,’’ he said.
PPB Hartabina Sdn Bhd senior manager Clarence Tan said the bicycles rekindled memories of the olden days.
“Those days, people enjoyed cycling which was perhaps the only mode of transport that was affordable to most.”